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NJ malls transform at Christmastime: photo booths, trees, hefty ornaments, lights and holiday music galore. This year, Westfield Garden State Plaza in Paramus is bringing back a decorative icon from winters past, the legendary giant light-up Santa Claus.

The new Santa figure is 45 feet tall and has size 90 boots. After finding a place atop a chimney from the ’50s through the ’80s, Santa’s making his first return this year.

While the tradition is an old one, the actual Santa Claus isn’t the original; that one was 51 feet tall and towered over the mall parallel to Rte. 17. This jolly staple became the unofficial sign of the holiday season’s start in Bergen County.

To see St. Nick in all his glowing glory, head to entrance 7 by Nordstrom on November 22 at 6:30 pm for the lighting ceremony and countdown at the Design Within Reach parking lot for pre-event festivities. The lighting will happen around 7 pm and the kids will get to meet Kris Kringle until 8:30 pm.