Families looking to indulge in some holiday cheer are in luck, the Deptford Mall recently announced a packed schedule of festive happenings this winter season.
Santa’s Toy Shop at the Mall for one is open through Christmas. The photo-op offers a variety of picture packages, but Philadelphians can also now reserve a time slot to bring their kiddos to see Kris Kringle. Booking a spot can be done online at deptfordmall.com/SantaPhotos. Those who reserve also receive a free personalized digital message before your visit.
2024 also marks the return of the Deptford Mall’s Christmas Parade & Celebration, which has been on pause since 2019. Taking place this Saturday, Nov. 16, the parade will begin at 10:30 a.m., and while there, families can hang with Santa and Mrs. Claus, enjoy a live band, and see a host of holiday characters parading through the mall in festive spirit. The parade will begin on the lower level of the mall near Journey Kidz and will continue to Boscov’s Court and the upper level, concluding in Center Court.
Following the parade, the Mall will host a celebration from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. with singing, dancing, holiday activities and photos with Santa in full swing. The Christmas Celebration will also include a special holiday performance by South Philly native and acclaimed recording artist, Felicia Punzo.
“Deptford Mall is excited to bring back the Christmas Parade—a heartwarming holiday event that our community has dearly missed,” said Lori Belsito, Senior Marketing Manager of Deptford Mall in a statement. “This season, we’re proud to offer experiences that bring people together to celebrate the magic of the holidays.”
Other activities at the Deptford Mall this holiday season include Pet Photos with Santa (Nov. 18, 25 and Dec. 2, from 4 to 7 p.m.), a Sensory Santa event which allows guests of all ages and abilities to visit Santa in a comfortable, low-stimulation environment before the mall opens (Dec. 8, 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.), and even two PJ Parties with Mrs. Claus.
With the latter (Nov. 21 and Dec. 5 at 10 a.m., 11 a.m. and noon), families are invited to dress up in their coziest pajamas for a fun-filled event featuring story time, singing, dancing, holiday crafts, snacks, giveaways, and more. As a release notes, after each show, photos with Mrs. Claus will also be available (registration for this event is recommended.)
Additionally, for those looking to give back, the Deptford Mall has also partnered with local nonprofit South Jersey Dream Center to host a Holiday Pajama Drive to help make this season “merry and bright” for over 500 local children in need by gifting them a brand-new pair of pajamas. Children’s pajamas sizes 0-5T can be dropped off at the collection bin located at Santa’s Toy Shop in Center Court, or, you can make a donation online at southjerseydreamcenter.org/virtual-pajama-drive.
To find out more about the Deptford Mall (1750 Deptford Center Road, Deptford, New Jersey) and its holiday activations in 2024, visit deptfordmall.com
