Socially Distanced Santa Visits Set For Ocean County Mall

TOMS RIVER, NJ — Yes, Virginia, there will be a Santa Claus at the Ocean County Mall in 2020.

But this Christmas tradition will have a decidedly different feeling, Simon officials said in announcing Santa will arrive on Nov. 20.

Gone will be the days of exasperated parents trying to entertain children who are crying impatiently and sitting on the floor in getting their special holiday outfits dirty.

Now, the visit to Santa will require an appointment, part of enforcing social distancing in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic.

You can make appointments online on the mall's website.

The appointments are just part of the changes in the coronavirus pandemic.

"We, along with third-party host venues and shopping centers, are all committed to a responsible reopening of our Santa Claus experiences," Simon officials said.

For the visits, everyone ages 2 and up will be required to wear masks. Hours may be reduced and social distancing will be enforced in line. While they strongly encourage reservations, walk-in guests will be accepted on a space-available basis.

Children will not sit on Santa's lap this year (so no more screaming toddler photos when they fear him) but children "will still have the opportunity to engage in conversation and a magical experience with Santa, while maintaining physical distance," officials said.

It won't just be the children and families wearing masks; Santa and his helpers will be wearing masks as well. Santa Claus will be required to complete a temperature check before meeting children for the day.

Santa's suit will be regularly sprayed with disinfectant, a Lysol spray or similar product.

"Though it may be different from the last time you visited, these new measures are designed to offer a magical experience in a responsible way," mall officials said.

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