Westfield Garden State Plaza kicks off the 2025 holiday season with the 8th Annual Big Santa Celebration and annual lighting ceremony. The event also features the Drone Light Show Spectacular, a breathtaking aerial display choreographed to music and lighting up the sky with festive, holiday-themed animations.

The much-anticipated event is hosted by Z-100’s Danielle Monaro, co-host of Elvis Duran and the Morning Show and features an evening of live music, family entertainment, a breathtaking drone and light show, and holiday magic headlined by country music singer and songwriter Dylan Schneider.

For the first time ever, the Big Santa celebration will take place outdoors near Entrance 3 between AMC Theatres and Fogo de Chão, giving the 45-foot-tall iconic holiday decoration a new location for the holiday season. The original Big Santa was a fixture at Westfield Garden State Plaza from the 1950s to the 1980s and after a three-decade hiatus, was replicated to make a nostalgic return in 2018. Standing at 42’ tall, Big Santa will now welcome holiday shoppers from a new entrance to the Center.

Big Santa festivities will begin at 5:00 PM with a DJ spinning holiday hits, followed by the official event kickoff at 6:00 PM. Guests can enjoy an exciting lineup of national and local talent, including:

• Ridgewood Symphony Orchestra
• Broadway Youth Ensemble
• Dance Company Debut
• Headliner Dylan Schneider – Country music’s rising star, known for hits like “Bad Decisions” and “Ain’t Missin’ You.” 

The Big Santa Lighting and Drone Light Show is free to attend, but RSVP is encouraged. Guests are encouraged to arrive early to enjoy the entertainment, special attractions, and exclusive shopping offers throughout the center.