—Westfield Garden State Plaza to host their fifth annual Big Santa Lighting and Spectacular Drone Show.
Garden State Plaza is set to kick off the holiday season on Friday, November 18 with a lighting of their iconic “Big Santa” right on the mall’s premises. The mall promises that this year’s show—the fifth of its kind— will be the most spectacular one yet. As always, admission is free.
Along with the lighting will be a Christmas-themed drone show. 160 of the flying machines will be strapped with Christmas lights before taking off to decorate the night sky in a choreographed performance. To accompany the drones will be Christmas music from New York City’s legendary Christmas station: 106.7 Lite FM. Drone shows have become increasingly popular over the years, especially for the holiday season, and GSP certainly meets the mark when it comes to putting on a breathtaking show.
It doesn’t stop there, though.
The festivities will also include live music, giveaways and a visit from holiday legends such as The Grinch and Santa Claus himself. On the food side of things, two food trucks will be in attendance. Catlike Reflexes, a hot wing and french fry food truck, and The Mozzarella God, a truck dishing out sandwiches and other foods centered around fresh mozzarella— each menu item donning names of The Godfather and Sopranos characters.
Following the show’s completion, guests are encouraged to continue the celebration inside the mall, where additional giveaways and holiday retailers can be found. Retailers include:
- CAMP: A create-your-own holiday friendship bracelet experience. Located on the second level, near the AMC Theater.
- Chic Sugars: Holiday cookie decorating! Located on the second level between Macy’s and Neiman Marcus.
- Lego: A build-your-own Lego experience. Each guest will get to build their own mini-build Lego creation. Located above the food court.
- Razer: Free merchandise bags and product demos.
- Arena Stem: Guests will create their very own 3D artwork to take home.
As per usual, when it comes to a Westfield GSP event, you can expect a night that is jam-packed with fun from start to finish. The Big Santa Lighting and Drone Show, and everything that comes with it, is the perfect way for kids to kick off their holiday season. At no cost, it stands as one of the best ways to get in the spirit of the season. It’s the most wonderful time of the year, so what are you waiting for? RSVP today.
The initial Santa lighting and drone show will run from 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Retail stores and additional holiday fun will be available from 7:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
About the Author/s
Peter Candia is the Food + Drink Editor at New Jersey Digest. A graduate of The Culinary Institute of America, Peter found a passion for writing midway through school and never looked back. He is a former line cook, server and bartender at top-rated restaurants in the tri-state area. In addition to food, Peter enjoys politics, music, sports and anything New Jersey.
