Santa has returned to Queens Center Mall with its vibrant lighting and flamboyant decorations. Children wait in line with parents to sit on Santa’s lap to tell him what they want for Christmas.Waves of harried shoppers intermittently disturb the peaceful and cheery atmosphere, while onlooking shoppers reminisce about their Christmases past.
Children and parents anxiously wait in line for Santa to return.
“I’m reminded of my childhood as I see these kids lining up to see Santa,” said shopper Quil-Vio Monte with a smile. “I wish I could go back to that time and wish for a lifetime supply of soccer equipment.”
According to ShopQueensCenter.com, Queens Center Mall’s official website, Santa arrived in mid-November and will stay until Dec. 24 for the kid in all of us and give out free gifts.
“My parents did not really take me to see Santa when I was younger. Today, I am actually here to buy Nintendo games,” said 15-year old Bryan Facian.”But if I had sat on his lap I would have definitely asked him for free games and candy.”
The snapshots with Santa range anywhere from $19.99 a photo to $39.99 a package which also has some customers thinking twice about partaking in this holiday tradition.
Santa returns from brushing his reindeer.
“I wanted to take a picture with Santa with my girlfriend but at $20 a photo I don’t think we will,” said 18-year old shopper Kenny Alvarado.
According to About.com, Santa Claus will visit four other places with his reindeer to spread good cheer this holiday season including Bay Terrace in Bayside, Atlas Park in Glendale, Jamaica Multiplex Theatre in Jamaica, and City Ice Pavilion in Long Island City.
Baby riding around the mall in 'fire truck' being pushed by parent after seeing Santa.
” The sight of Mister Santa Claus always gets you in the holiday spirit no matter where you are so he is the one thing that will never get old,” said Monte.