New Jersey mall plays Scrooge with Santa attraction

Update 5:39 p.m.: After widespread criticism over its admission fee Cherry Hill Mall officials announced this afternoon that it will no longer require visitors to purchases a photo package to see Santa.

Children wanting to see Santa Claus at a southern New Jersey mall will now have to pay.

The Philadelphia Inquirer reports admission to the Cherry Hill Mall’s Adventure to Santa costs between $35 and $50. The packages come with photos or video of the visit.

The move has sparked anger from many parents, some of whom say the charge inherently pushes away low-income families, which they say runs counter to the spirit of the holiday.

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, as NewsWorks reported.

The display features characters from the “Shrek” movies as well as a virtual sleigh ride, a concert performed by elves, and various games.