New Jersey mall requires payment if kids want to visit Santa

CHERRY HILL, N.J. (AP) — Children wanting to see Santa Claus at a southern New Jersey mall will now have to pay.

The Philadelphia Inquirer reports (http://bit.ly/1lr9zXQ ) admission to the Cherry Hill Mall's Adventure to Santa costs between $35 and $50. The packages come with photos or video of the visit.

The move has sparked anger from many parents, some of whom say the charge inherently pushes away low-income families, which they say runs counter to the spirit of the holiday.

Pennsylvania Real Estate Investment Trust, which manages the mall, says the exhibit is one of only 12 Adventure to Santa attractions in the country. The attraction was free last year.

The display features characters from the Shrek movies as well as a virtual sleigh ride, a concert performed by elves, and various games.

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Information from: The Philadelphia Inquirer, http://www.inquirer.com