By Dan Murphy
The holiday season seems to come a wee bit earlier every year. And with the coming of the holidays also comes the arrival of the man in the big red suit, Santa Claus, who makes appearances throughout Westchester through Dec. 24.
Santa has already set up shop at the Cross County Shopping Center and The Westchester in White Plains.
“Visiting the Simon Santa Photo Experience at The Westchester is a fun way for families to create lasting memories and experience all the joy the holiday season has to offer,” said Paula Kelliher, director of marketing at The Westchester. “We recognize the importance of sharing traditions with loved ones during the holidays and want to enable families to experience this special time with Santa that they have come to cherish each year at The Westchester.”
Caring Santa provides children with all spectrums of special needs and their families with the opportunity to visit with Santa in a sensory-friendly environment. Caring Santa will occur in association with Autism Speaks before regular mall hours Sunday, Dec. 1 from 9 to 10 a.m. Guests can reserve appointment online.
Pet photo nights are an opportunity for all members of the family – animal and human – to visit with Santa. Pet photo nights are hosted after regular mall hours Sundays, Dec. 8 and 15, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. in Center Court, and the set receives extensive cleaning following the event to minimize potential risks to allergy sufferers.
Another Santa sighting was found at the Cross County Shopping Center. “Preparing for and celebrating the holidays should be festive and easy,” said Liz Pollack, senior marketing manager at Cross County Shopping Center. “In 2019, we are excited to bring memorable experiences like skating at our pop-up ice rink and visiting Santa for that classic photo, to offering guests convenient amenities such as free parking and extended shopping hours.”
Santa photos will be available through Dec. 24. Visits are free and each child – or pet – who visits with Santa receives a gift and candy cane. Pet photos with Santa are available Nov. 18 and 25, and Dec. 2 and 9, from 5:15 to 8 p.m. Dogs and cats only; pets must be on a leash or in a carrier.
Across from Santa’s Village at Cross County is a pop-up ice staking rink that will be open through Jan. 5. Admission is $10 per person and includes skate rentals and a one-hour session. The pop-up is not made of real ice. It is a synthetic floor that glides slower than real ice, making it perfect for first-time and young skaters. Throughout the season, guests may enjoy a DJ, character appearances, themed nights and more.
The rink will be located in the middle of the shopping center, between Zales and Victoria’s Secret, across from Santa’s Village.
A tree lighting celebration is scheduled Nov. 23 from 6 to 9 p.m., and will include a concert from Renaissance Youth Center’s Music with Message Band from the Bronx. Family-friendly activities including strolling characters, food trucks, ice skating and more. From the North Pole to the City of Yonkers, Santa will make his grand entrance, and then be available for photos and visits with children throughout the night. The tree will be lit at 7:45p.m.
Something new for Santa’s visits to both The Westchester and the Cross County Shopping Center, for those of us older, more traditional Santa lovers, is the “Fast Pass” reservation for those who can’t wait in line for the Jolly Old Man.
At Cross County, Santa’s Fast Pass is a third-party reservation platform utilized by Cherry Hill Programs, the photo provider at Santa’s house, for advanced reservations, pre-purchased photo packages and merchandise sales. By purchasing a Fast Pass, the customer is locking in an arrival time for their visit with Santa and is greeted through a dedicated reservation line. Fast Pass reservation includes a convenience fee starting at $4.95, based on demand.
A toy drive is taking place through Dec. 18, when Cross County Shopping Center will be collecting new, unwrapped toys to benefit Andrus in Yonkers. Andrus is a family-centered nonprofit organization providing mental health treatment and support, special education and other social services to more than 4,500 children and families each year throughout New York. Guests are asked to bring Legos, sports items, dolls, gift cards and beauty products to Santa’s house, for kids from age 6 to 14 years. Clothing should be children’s large or adults’ small size.
For more information, visit www.crosscountycenter.com, or www.simon.com/mall/the-westchester.
Happy Holidays, Westchester!
