Nothing in life is for free. Even a visit to see Santa?

That's the case for kids who go to visit Santa Claus in New Jersey's Cherry Hill Mall. The mall's Adventure to Santa will reportedly cost between $35 and $50, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer. 

Some parents are quite angry. Those parents are saying the charge inherently pushes away low-income families, and that charging kids is not in the spirit of Christmas.

Pennsylvania Real Estate Investment Trust, which manages the mall, says the exhibit is one of only 12 Adventure to Santa attractions in the country. The attraction was free last year.

According to USA Today Dream Works' "Adventure to Santa" at Cherry Hill Mall is an immersive, interactive 17-20 minute attraction that takes families on a trip to the North Pole to see Santa. The display features characters from the Shrek movies as well as a virtual sleigh ride, a concert performed by elves, and various games.

UPDATE: Mall management has had a change of heart and the attraction is free again. Management said

Our customers and their mall experience is our number one priority. After last year's wildly successful debut of "Adventure to Santa – A DreamWorks DreamPlace," at Cherry Hill Mall, we decided to bring back the interactive journey for families to enjoy this holiday season.

In the spirit of the holiday season, we want to keep things festive and bright.

 

We have heard and value our loyal customers' feedback and as a result, have decided to remove the photo package purchase requirements.

 

We appreciate our loyal customers and will continue to incorporate social and compelling experiences into the mall environment throughout the year for all to enjoy. We hope families from around the region check out this must-visit holiday destination at the Cherry Hill Mall and also visit our other traditional Santa experiences at our six sister properties in the Philadelphia region.

 

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