Woodbridge Center Mall Unveils Interactive Santa's Workshop at Annual Parade

Online, November 15, 2010 (Newswire.com) - Central New Jersey residents lined the halls of Woodbridge Center Thursday evening to welcome Santa and Mrs. Claus at the shopping center's annual Santa Arrival Parade. Excited families crowded along the parade route that snaked through the mall's lower level to catch a glimpse of Father Christmas in his sleigh.

Lead by Woodbridge Township Mayor John E. McCormac, the parade also featured the Town Council, JFK Memorial High School Marching Band and Show Choir, Cheerleaders and Football Team. Also marching were several community groups, costumed characters, holiday entertainers, Avenel Detachment Marine Corps League and with several store mascots including Chic-fil-A Cow.

Mayor McCormac was proud to usher in the holiday season at the mall. "Woodbridge Center is a great corporate citizen and they do so many good things for our town. It's our pleasure to come be with them tonight," said the Mayor.

"We were so thrilled with the parade," said Sr. General Manager Amy Bellisano. "Parents were very happy, kids were excited and merchants were thrilled, the evening was spectacular. This was the most well attended Santa's arrival in fifteen years," she continued.

Thursday also marked the unveiling of an all-new Santa's village at Woodbridge Center. 'Santa's Wish Workshop' is a modern take on the traditional Santa set, allowing children to enjoy their time waiting to see Mr. and Mrs. Claus by engaging in fun activities along the way.

While in line children can use five interactive stations to make snow, design wrapping paper, count gifts for Santa, create candy canes and make a wish into the Wish Tree at the 'My Wish portal.' Professional photos are available for families looking to capture the experience.

When asked how the new workshop compared to Santa experiences elsewhere, Woodbridge Twp. resident Danielle Malinowski said, "Amazing, much better, finally something good!" She and her family were first in line - they arrived over an hour before the parade.

"Woodbridge Center is a family focused community shopping center. We support and embrace the community with local events and partnerships throughout the year. Having the opportunity to give the community a great Santa experience is special. I mean, where else in the entire state of New Jersey can you make it snow in a mall? This really highlights what the holiday spirit is all about," says David Albertson, Director of Field Marketing for General Growth Properties.

Albertson says he knows "Santa means a lot to kids, so Woodbridge Center wants to make sure a visit to his workshop goes beyond their expectations.'

The Center will offer extended hours throughout the holiday season along with other programming such as midnight openings for select retailers on Black Friday, 'Merrier Fridays' which include shopping rewards and Story Time with Mrs. Claus, 'St. Nick's Pet Pics' - pet pictures with Santa on Monday nights from 6-9pm at Santa's Wish Workshop, Charity Gift Wrap starting the day after Thanksgiving by Hadassah of Colonia, and Toys for Tots with the Avenel Detachment Marin Corps League.

In addition to their holiday offerings Woodbridge caters to families throughout the year with a carousel ride, train ride and 'Tiny Town', a soft play area for children. More details can be found online at www.woodbridgecenter.com.

About Woodbridge Center:
Opened in 1971 Woodbridge Center caters to millions of shoppers each year. Thanks to a diverse selection of stores the center is an excellent destination for young adults, families with children and shoppers looking for quality shopping, dining and entertainment. For information visit www.woodbridgecenter.com.

The Center is owned and/or managed by General Growth Properties, Inc. GGP currently has ownership interest in and management responsibility for more than 200 regional shopping malls in 43 states, as well as ownership in planned community developments and commercial office buildings. The Company's portfolio totals approximately 200 million square feet of retail space and includes more than 24,000 retail stores nationwide. The Company's common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol GGP. For more information visit www.ggp.com.