Westfield Garden State Plaza Blends Musical Nostalgia with Today’s Hits at Annual Big Santa Celebration on November 22

Ring in the holiday season with live performances from All-4-One, TKA, Spice Wannabe, JYT, a new fireworks show, and family fun, all hosted by Ryan Cabrera!
PARAMUS, N.J. – Westfield Garden State Plaza, a destination for fashion, dining, and entertainment located in Bergen County, is ushering in the holiday spirit with iconic musical groups from the 80’s, 90’s, 00’s and today at its annual Big Santa celebration taking place Sunday, November 22.

Guests will be transported back in time to decades known for unforgettable musical hits and festive family traditions, plus music and dance along with rising boy band, JYT, all culminating in Santa’s highly anticipated arrival and a spectacular fireworks display synchronized to holiday music.

Festivities will begin at 4:00 p.m. with multi-platinum singer-songwriter Ryan Cabrera, best known for his early-2000s hits “On the Way Down” and “True,” serving as the event’s host. Cabrera will guide the celebration and introduce a lineup of musical performances featuring:

All-4-One, the Grammy Award winning R&B group behind the timeless songs “I Swear”, “I Can Love You Like That”, “I Turn to You”, and much more. All-4-One is internationally known for making beautiful love songs that not only chart radio airwaves but also garner countless awards. “I Swear” STILL holds a spot on Billboard’s “Hot 100”as one of the most successful singles of all time.

TKA, the influential New York freestyle group led by frontman K7, is known for dance hits including “One Way Love”, "Maria" and “Louder Than Love.” The group is one of the most recognizable male acts in the freestyle genre, blending romantic vocals, catchy melodies, Latin influences, and electronic dance beats.

Spice Wannabe, a high-energy tribute act celebrating the music and style of the Spice Girls. Live with five-part harmonies, original choreography, costumes and British accents, this Girl Power cast delivers a nostalgic experience that is sure to “Spice Up Your Life.”

JYT, a five-member, dance-forward boy band. Developed by Grammy-nominated songwriter and producer Freddy Wexler, JYT has emerged as one of music's fastest-rising new acts, generating more than 550 million views over the past 90 days and building an audience of more than 2.5 million followers across social platforms after the release of their debut EP.

Before the main stage performances begin, guests can enjoy a variety of family-friendly entertainment and activities throughout the event grounds. Pre-show festivities will include stilt walkers, costume character meet-and-greets, balloon artists, and face painters. Opportunities to enjoy food from a selection of food trucks and eateries will also be present.

The evening will build toward one of the season’s most anticipated moments: Santa’s arrival on the fire truck and the lighting of the legendary 42-foot Big Santa, bringing performers and the crowd together for a festive countdown. The celebration concludes with a dazzling fireworks display set to holiday music.

“Big Santa has become a beloved holiday tradition, bringing families and the community together to kick off the holiday season,” said Sue Newsom, Vice President, Shopping Center Management of Westfield Garden State Plaza. “This year, we’re adding a nostalgic twist with a celebration inspired by iconic musical hits. From live performances to Santa’s arrival and the fireworks finale, we look forward to creating another memorable holiday experience for our guests.”

Guests are encouraged to wear their most nostalgic or festive holiday look. Big Santa 2026 will take place near entrance 7 in the parking lot near Nordstrom. For updates and to RSVP to the event, visit Westfield Garden State Plaza’s website and follow the Center on social media.

About Westfield Garden State Plaza

Westfield Garden State Plaza (GSP) is the ultimate destination for fashion, dining and entertainment located just minutes from Manhattan. Anchored by Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom and Macy's, the property features over 230 fashion stores which include Abercombie & Fitch, JD Sports, Vuori, and Zara, complemented by the center’s luxury district, which is home to Burberry, Ferragamo, Gucci, and many more. Lifestyle and tech stores include among others, Apple, Razer, and Tesla, alongside more than 40 unparalleled dining choices, anchored by The Capital Grille, Eddie V’s, and Fogo de Chao. The center’s approximately 20 million visitors can also enjoy some of New Jersey’s best entertainment under one roof, including a 16-screen AMC Theater, Power Up Arena, and Go Playland.

GSP is easily accessible by public transportation or car and is conveniently located at the intersections of Route 4 and Route 17, and is close to the Garden State Parkway. The center offers year-round free parking.