Madison Marquette will roll out a brand-new “Holiday Magic Village” experiential Santa set in five U.S. markets, including Empire Outlets in New York City, this year. The new set, operated by Cherry Hill Programs, will provide guests the opportunity to share their holiday wish lists and take part in a professional photo session with Santa Claus in Santa’s Workshop or take a photo with Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch in The Grinch’s Grotto. The other five locations are: Bell Tower in Fort Myers, Florida; City Place Doral in Doral, Florida; Glen Eagle Square in Glen Mills, Pennsylvania and Pacific Place in Seattle.
“We are incredibly pleased to be able to roll out such unique experiences in time for the holidays at five of our shopping centers this year,” said Rocky Viniard, vice president of marketing, Madison Marquette. “The days of simply standing in line to see Santa are gone. With our new Holiday Magic Villages, we’re bringing the entire journey to life, giving our shoppers the chance to enjoy a warm and personal photo encounter with Santa and with The Grinch as well as an opportunity to take part in something new and exciting built to entertain people of all ages along the way.”
“This is an incredible opportunity for Cherry Hill Programs, and we are beyond excited to bring this brand-new holiday tradition to several communities around the country,” said Steve Craig, CEO of Cherry Hill Programs. “The experience we’ve designed includes something for everyone — regardless of age — from Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch to Santa himself.”
Adding to the fun in the newly designed Santa’s Workshop and elaborate Grinch’s Grotto is a proprietary software program from Cherry Hill called “My Photo Op Spot.” Guests can scan a QR code inside the Holiday Magic Village set, upload selfies or other photos they have taken with their own devices, then use the software to remove the photo’s original background, replacing it with the guest’s choice of festive holiday backgrounds. The photos can then be downloaded, saved and shared on social media. Guests can even tag their friends on social media with the hashtag #MyPhotoOpSpot.
All five Holiday Magic Village sets will open November 18th and remain open through Christmas Eve, December 24. Santa’s hours may vary; guests are asked to check Santa’s hours and, to reduce wait times, book and pay for their photo session in advance. Due to COVID-19 safety measures, walk-up guests cannot be accommodated this year, but visitors can book same-day photo reservations with no additional fee. Reservations are required for all photo sessions. Guests are asked to observe the state and local COVID-19 regulations in their area; social distancing and masks may be required.
