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Photo courtesy of Laura Feinschil
Tons of NJ residents make heading to the mall for a photo op with Santa an annual tradition. But instead of sticking to a traditional red-and-green snowscape, why not transport yourself to the 1940s for a one-of-a-kind holiday experience?
Cherry Hill Mall has a brand new Santa set-up this year, based on the beloved film A Christmas Story, the ‘80s movie about a boy named Ralphie Parker who wants nothing but a Red Ryder B.B. gun for the holidays. The mall has a replica of the Parker living room (leg lamp and all), kitchen and even the infamous slide right behind Santa. Grown-ups will love exploring ‘40s-era appliances and furnishings from the film while the kids tell St. Nick their wishlist.
The walk-through was created by Parker3D, a Scotch Plains design firm. While exploring their masterpiece, you can download an interactive app on your smartphone that’ll allow you and the kids to see a bunch of virtual surprises, such as their faces inside the iconic pink bunny get-up or soap suds in their mouths (the result of an accidental “oh, fudge!”).
Santa photos are available through Christmas Eve in the Grand Court from 10 am-9 pm daily. Professional photo packages are available, as well as family pet pics (your pooch can come through December 18). And don’t forget to add a gift to the Holiday Giving Tree before December 22, all of which will benefit The Center for Family Services.
Cherry Hill Mall is located at 2000 NJ-38 in Cherry Hill. For more information, call 856-662-7440 or visit cherryhillmall.com/holiday. If you’d rather see the real deal, you can make a road trip with the fam to the actual Christmas Story house in Cleveland, OH, which is open year-round and 7 days a week (you can even stay there overnight!).