Santa Begins Season at Cherry Hill Mall as Holiday Sales Expected To Top $1 Trillion

Santa showed up at Cherry Hill Mall on Friday, Nov. 7. This kicked off a shopping season that the National Retail Federation thinks will bring in over $1.02 trillion in sales. His appearance started what retail experts call the most crucial time for malls and stores.

The celebration began at 11 a.m. Santa rode in on a fire truck at the Route 38 entrance near Seasons 52. Families came to the event until 1 p.m., enjoying entertainment from DJ's Available, a juggler, balloon artist, face painter, and stilt walker.

Rudolph, Frosty, and Buddy the Elf showed up too. Kids loved them.

Photo sessions with Santa started Friday and will run through Dec. 24 at the Grand Court. Reservations cost $20, with photo packages starting at $39.99.

Pet Photo Nights with Santa began today, Nov. 10, and will continue every Monday through Dec. 15. Dogs, cats, and other animals can come but must have leashes or carriers for the professional portraits.

Mall owner PREIT, which also owns Moorestown Mall, said the Santa events have become something families from the Philadelphia and South Jersey region look forward to each year.

"The arrival of Santa at Cherry Hill Mall marks the official start of the holiday season, and it's one of our most anticipated traditions," said a PREIT representative, according to The Sun Papers. "Our events bring families together and create the sense of excitement that defines holiday shopping."

The PREIT spokesman added that the kickoff weekend sets the tone for the weeks ahead. The momentum from Santa's arrival helps retailers connect with shoppers looking to make memories, find gifts, and celebrate together.

Holiday sales are expected to rise between 3.7% to 4.2% over last year, according to the National Retail Federation. The NRF released its forecast on Thursday, showing holiday spending expected to reach $1.02 trillion, up from $976.1 billion in 2024.

Retail analysts compare the holiday shopping season to the Super Bowl for malls, where excitement, mass consumption, and foot traffic converge.

"It's a great reminder that the mall is more than a shopping destination, it's part of people's holiday experience," said the PREIT representative.

The location will showcase new stores that opened recently, including Canada Weathergear, which debuted last month. OFFLINE by Aerie, Coach, and Saddlehill Cellars are opening for the holiday season, with the wine shop launching a pop-up store this month.

Perfume & Co. and Suki Hana are both set to open at the end of the year. The new tenants will benefit from increased foot traffic during the prime spending season that all retailers and property owners depend on.