Short Hills Mall Set To Debut ‘Immersive Santa Experience’ For Christmas 2016

SHORT HILLS, NJ — This year, Christmas is coming before Thanksgiving in Short Hills.

The Mall At Short Hills recently announced that it will debut its new, colossal holiday display, “Santa’s Flight Academy,” from Friday, Nov.11, through Saturday, Dec. 24.

According to a mall news release, the display will offer a “one-of-a-kind, immersive holiday experience” that combines a giant reimagination of the North Pole with state-of-the-art technology to enable children to “become a member of Santa’s flight crew.”

Partnering with an elf – either “Sleigh Mechanic George,” “Flight Director Sparkle” or “Reindeer Caretaker Flash” – each child will help ready Santa’s sleigh so he can deliver presents to children around the world, mall officials said.

Here’s how the mall describes the attraction:

“Upon entering Santa’s Flight Academy, each child ‘Cadet’ will present their official flight crew badge and will be immediately recognized by name. From there, several of Santa’s onsite helpers will guide children throughout the experience to be fitted for a virtual flight suit, help inspect and power Santa’s sleigh before takeoff, and other tasks to ensure that every present will be carefully delivered. At the end of the adventure, each child will step inside of a 22-foot-tall sleigh for an enchanted snowfall dance party before meeting Santa. Children will also receive a special gift from Santa to personally thank them for heroically saving the day.”

The mall stated that due to the unprecedented nature of the experience and anticipated high demand, visitors are encouraged to pre-register children for a Santa’s Flight Academy entrance badge online via each shopping center’s website, or through the mobile app available for both Android and iPhone platforms. Registration will also be available onsite at Santa’s Flight Academy kiosks located in each shopping center.

Learn more here.

“The holidays are a time for creating special memories and we’re confident children will be delighted with this new adventure that will surely become a tradition for years to come,” said Michael McAvinue, general manager of The Mall At Short Hills.

Artist Renderings: The Mall at Short Hills

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