RHONJ Star Melissa Gorga and Multiple Platinum-selling Singer-Songwriter David Archuleta Ushered in the Holiday Season at Westfield Garden State Plaza’s Big Santa Lighting on November 9

Bergen County’s biggest holiday event included a drone show, musical and dance performances, and a food village. 

Westfield Garden State Plaza kicked-off the holiday season with the 7th annual lighting of the iconic Big Santa on Saturday, November 9 from 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM. This year’s celebration was hosted by Real Housewives of New Jersey (RHONJ) star Melissa Gorga who lit the 45-foot tall Big Santa with her family. The event also featured multiple platinum-selling singer-songwriter David Archuleta who performed four show-stopping songs to ring in the season!

“GSP’s iconic Big Santa is a symbol of Bergen County’s holiday season, and this year we were thrilled to count down the annual lighting in the company of nationally acclaimed singer-songwriter David Archuleta and Bergen County’s-own Melissa Gorga,” said Wesley Rebisz, senior general manager, CSM at Westfield Garden State Plaza. “Thank you to the community, our friends, and neighbors who joined us to celebrate the most spectacular lighting yet.”

From the 1950s through the 1980s, Big Santa was perched atop a chimney in the mall’s parking lot and could be seen for miles. The community icon was brought back to life in 2018 through an intense 12-week process which utilized state-of-the-art technology, and traditional hand carving and sculpting techniques to accurately capture Big Santa’s extra-large and enchanting personality.

For the third year in a row, the Big Santa Lighting festivities included a 200-figure drone show that lit up the sky with beautiful holiday illusions. The celebration also featured performances by Dance Company DEBUT, The Broadway Youth Ensemble from bergenPAC's Performing Arts School, and My Fairytale Party. Plus, the real Santa Claus who arrived in a fire truck! Several food trucks offered bites to eat, and guests enjoyed spinning a giant prize wheel for the chance to win exciting prizes.

The Big Santa lighting and holiday drone show took place in the parking lot adjacent to Nordstrom and was free to attend. At the end of the lighting, everyone was invited to continue the celebration inside the mall for exclusive offers. In addition, attendees will receive week-long discounts at participating stores.