The North Pole Relocates to Freehold
The annual bucket list item in most households is dressing the children up in a special outfit to visit Santa Claus! At the Freehold Raceway Mall, families can visit the jolly old fellow in an immersive experience that will keep antsy toes engaged and having fun while they wait. The HGTV Santa HQ has returned for its 2nd year in Freehold and is also located in 15 locations throughout the United States. The phenomenal display will inspire children to feel as though they are walking into Santa’s headquarters at the North Pole as they explore all the fun activities hiding around each corner.
Tips When Visiting HGTV Santa HQ
at Freehold Raceway Mall
Make an Online Reservation
If you are short on time then we recommend making reservations online at http://www.santa-hq.com/ otherwise you may need to wait on line.
Bring Your Email Address to Send the Elfie Selfie
My kids love making an Elfie! Using a tablet at Santa’s Studio, children can take photos of themselves which inserts them in a video where they become dancing elves. If you want this video to be emailed to family, make sure to have those emails ready to be entered.
Encourage Language Skills
For toddlers, there are so many objects to label. For preschoolers, you can have them help type on the tablet or enter their names when appropriate. The middle stage of HGTV Santa HQ is a scale that children can stand to identify if they have been Nice of Naughty. After their name has been entered, they will receive a full body scan and find out which list their name appears. When done, talk about all the things they can do to stay on the Nice List.
Play Look and Find with Elves
The HGTV Santa HQ has a unique digital component. By using the FREE app called Elf-Ray Vision, children can seek out hidden characters and animations. I recommend downloading the app on your phone before you visit Santa HQ; however, if you don’t, they do have tablets available for the children to use. An elf carrying presents may appear when the app is being used and you can tap the presents to have them open.
If you do download Elf-Ray Vision, the kids can still use it at home but the features will be different.
Visit Santa Claus!
Even though you go through the Santa HQ you are not required to buy photos. Your kids can still say hello to Santa Claus and share what they would like this Christmas. You can always have the professional photo taken and decide if you want to keep afterwards. Although, the temptation will be hard to resist since it is such a stunning display!
Participate in Holiday Pajama Night
On December 8th from 5-8pm, children are encouraged to stop by wearing their favorite holiday pajamas! We were able to meet Mrs. Claus during pajama night where children colored ornaments and enjoyed cookies. In fact, wearing pajamas is a great idea for a unique set of photos with Santa Claus!
Don’t Forget Last Minute Shopping
The Freehold Raceway Mall has lots of stores that I love for my children as well as for adults. Always bring a list with you of people you will be purchasing presents as you can take advantage of the time by picking up gifts. If you have a Lego or Disney fan, make sure to check out the current sales.
Santa HQ Details
- Fur Babies? There are special times on November 13, 20 & 27 and December 4, 11 & 18 for cats and dogs. Please be sure to have your pet on a leash or in a pet carrier.
- Starting November 28 through December 16 unwrapped gifts can be dropped off by the Santa HQ set.
- Early Bird photo packages are also available starting at $39.99.
- Shoppers are invited to bring in an unwrapped toy and participate in Help Through Holiday Giving. Freehold Raceway Mall hopes to collect and donate 1000 toys to Toys 4 Tots.
- On Black Friday (November 24), random lucky shoppers will be surprised with a promotional gift card at the Santa HQ set as part of Spreading Holiday Cheer.
Freehold Raceway Mall is located at 3710 U.S. 9, Freehold, NJ 07728
Check out our 2017 Photo Album!
In full disclosure, Mommy University visited HGTV Santa HQ as guests for a media preview and received complimentary photos. The opinions are honest and belong to Mommy University.
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