When children visit Santa Claus at Southpark Mall this year, they’ll be doing it under a faux glacier, rather than a Christmas tree.
The shopping center says the change will make the Santa-visiting experience “fresh and exciting,” but already on Twitter Friday some were complaining about the replacement of a traditional Christmas symbol.
Additionally, the mall will not be holding its popular tree-lighting in Symphony Park as it’s done in years past, a spokeswoman said.
SouthPark is among the first wave of Simon malls to get one of the glaciers. The giant white mound will feature interactive elements, including a sound and light show every 30 minutes, the mall said in a statement Friday.
“The reinvented and modernized experience will bring the Charlotte community together in a way that hasn’t been done before,” the mall said.
Malls have been investing more to enhance the experience of shopping, especially during the critical holiday shopping season, as buying habits evolve. SouthPark said the glacier addition is intended to create a “magical experience” for families.
SouthPark is also in the middle of a massive renovation that includes upgrades to its furniture and columns inside and new signage and landscaping outside.
Staff writer Sergio Tovar contributed.