We collect basic website visitor information on this website and store it in cookies. We also utilize Google Analytics to track page view information to assist us in improving our website.
We collect basic website visitor information on this website and store it in cookies. We also utilize Google Analytics to track page view information to assist us in improving our website.
There’s nothing quite as magical as walking into a mall and seeing a stunning Christmas display leading up to a jolly ol’ Saint Nick, sitting on an extravagant podium, waiting to grant a child’s holiday wish. With the right holiday displays, you can create a magical mall Santa experience that delights both kids and adults alike.
Classic Displays has everything you need to create a Christmas wonderland in your mall, complete with Santa, elves, reindeer, and more, that will leave mall shoppers breathless and eager to come back every year.
Let’s explore some ways to create the most magical mall Santa display for this upcoming holiday season that no one is sure to forget.
There’s nothing wrong with a classic – but to really create a memorable mall Santa display, you’ll want to use a theme that sparks imagination and wonder.
While traditional red and green colour schemes, try to think of ways to really make your mall Santa display unique! There are a lot of themes you can consider that step somewhat out of the norm without compromising on the Christmas spirit:
This is much more than a snowy display-scape; it transports mall shoppers into an icy, glittering world of Christmas imagination surrounded by glittering snowflakes, dangling icicles, and hues of chilly blue and white. Classic Displays Tiksi Polar Bear could be a great option for this theme in particular, encapsulating a well-rounded Winter Wonderland, complete with polar bears!
Rockin’ around the Christmas tree, vintage style, is sure to please both children and adults. This unique concept for a holiday display can capture both the old and the new, by having a traditional old-timey feel with state-of-the-art commercial Christmas displays.
You can really invoke nostalgia for the adults while dazzling the new generation with a blast from the past by featuring vintage toys, nutcrackers, and even wooden ornaments. Our Toy Solider or Andrew Nutcracker could be a great option here!
We also have a wonderful Funny Sitting Deer that could be an excellent choice, too.
OK, maybe this is a bit of a traditional suggestion, but you can make it unique by making this holiday display the best it can be! You can recreate the magic and wonder of Santa Clause’s North Pole operation with elves building toys, having colourful gift boxes and interactive wrapping stations, and having moving parts like conveyor belts.
Want to add an interactive element to your Santa’s Workshop? Try out our Elf Christmas Character for some added whimsy.
Combine elements of fantasy and Santa’s magic by creating a commercial holiday display that recreates the epic journey Saint Nick takes every Christmas to deliver toys to good girls and boys. Complete with Santa’s sleigh, reindeer, and glittering stars above, you can craft a Santa’s display that is sure to WOW both adults and kids alike.
Check out our interactive Santa’s Sleigh for the perfect photo-op, on theme!
Adults will for sure appreciate these creative theme ideas, especially after a long evening of holiday shopping with young kids. Remember, the holidays are a magical but also stressful time for many, so creating experiences that are great for kids but enjoyable for adults, too, is essential to creating the best mall Santa display.
People will talk about it for Christmases to come.
Listen, we don’t have to tell you that first impressions obviously matter. The same is true when it comes to holiday displays. This means that from the very beginning, your guests should be wowed! This is why having a stunning entrance needs to capture the spirit of the season, inviting guests to step directly into the magic.
Large-scale arches that utilize twinkling lights, giant candy canes, or snow-covered forests can provide both kids and adults with a sense of stepping into a new, holiday landscape! Luckily, Classic Displays has plenty of archway options, such as our Lorca Archway or Otaki Slimline Archway.
However, you can also consider using sensory elements such as:
A faux snow machine dusting visitors as they walk through the archway is going to stun and wow kids and adults, making them feel they’re walking into a snowy wonderland.
Install LED lights that can respond to touch – like having a pressure pad that causes them to light up. Or you can design light displays to operate on a timing system. These lights can be set up to twinkle or even change colour, adding a layer of wonder that will delight both kids and adults.
Smell is one of the key senses that brings back memories for both adults and kids. Pump the scent of fresh pine, cinnamon, vanilla, or peppermint into the area to activate the sense of smell and evoke warm holiday memories.
Of course, Santa is the main event – but by adding extra interactive elements around your Christmas display can turn the visit into an experience rather than a visit.
These can range from high-tech elements to simple and charming additions:
You could provide a writing station that allows kids and their trusted adults to write letters to Santa along with their wish lists. Adults can be involved by writing their own letters of gratitude for the upcoming Christmas season.
The display can include a whimsical letter box where kids and adults can “mail” these letters straight to the North Pole. Did we mention we have mailbox displays?
Set up some nifty elf-themed stations where children can help Santa by packing gifts, making toys, or sorting presents – just like little elves! These areas can be used as memorable photo-ops for excited families.
No Santa display is complete without plenty of opportunities to take pictures - but it doesn’t have to be limited to the traditional photos on Santa’s lap. Adults love capturing unique moments just like children do – especially ones they can put in the family Christmas card.
We’ve mentioned this earlier, but a photo-op on Santa’s sleigh is a classic but delightful photo opportunity. Consider including interactive features, maybe like a reindeer or some soft, fake snow guests can sit in. If you want something a little different, you can check out our Gingerbread Sleigh for a unique take on the sleigh photo-op.
Try setting up various background scenes around or within the display, like a life-sized present or gingerbread house. Adults and kids will both enjoy the variety and opportunity for different photo-ops. Check out our Cassel Gingerbread House, for example.
The traditional Santa photo is easily enhanced with a stunning ornate chair, draped in “drip” if you will – AKA fun gold accessories, presents, snow, and candy canes galore. Adding a few extra details like glowing lanterns, a toy train running around the chair, or a friendly snowman can give the experience that extra “oomph.” Of course, Classic Displays takes that extra step with our Santa’s Throne.
While the experience is primarily for children, you should still keep in mind the adults accompanying them. They need to enjoy the experience, too, or at least be able to relax a bit while their child enjoys the experience. Here’s how you can better cater to adults:
Long lines are an inevitable part of the season, so you can’t forget comfortable seating options near the Christmas display. Classic Displays offers site furniture to make sure all your parents and trusted adults have access to comfortable benches make the waiting experience less painful.
You can set up a holiday-themed coffee or treat stand so adults can grab a warm beverage or sweet treat to keep them satiated while their kiddos say hi to Santa.
Consider adding a small holiday market nearby where local artisans can sell their goods. Parents can browse for unique holiday gifts or Christmas decorations while their children enjoy the display – this allows them to check two things off their list at once by giving their children fond memories while they get their Christmas shopping done.
Lighting can make or break the ambience of any holiday display, and this is also true for a Santa-themed setup. By incorporating the proper lighting, you can take a regular display and make something truly stunning. From fairy lights to spotlights, the way you illuminate space can really provide that extra kick to the experience.
Create stunning tunnels of light that people are able to walk through while they bring the kiddos to meet Santa. This is not only beautiful, but it creates such a wondrous atmosphere for the experience ahead.
Incorporate colour-changing or music-synchronized lighting that responds to movement or sound, adding an element of surprise and delight for all visitors. Lights are essential Christmas decorations that really take even a dull display and make it something magical. Check out some of our dynamic lighting solutions.
Classic Displays is at the forefront of modern-day commercial holiday displays. We offer something for lots of occasions and can help you turn any space into a wonderland of lights, displays, and memories. If you want to get state-of-the-art holiday displays, contact us today before the Christmas season passes you by.
For many of us, visiting a busy holiday market, a dazzling light display, or a winter carnival packed with Christmas decorations is pure joy – the kind of magical experience that always leaves you with cherished memories.
Unfortunately, this kind of experience isn’t universal. Many folks – including seniors, people with disabilities, and people with certain health conditions – find these bright, crowded spaces a real challenge.
When spaces aren’t as accessible as they could be, people miss out on the holiday cheer that so many others enjoy. But it doesn’t have to be this way.
At Classic Displays, we believe that everyone deserves to experience the magic of the holidays. We know you feel the same way! So, let's look at simple and practical ways to make your Christmas decorations and holiday venue welcoming and enjoyable for everyone.
To most people, benches seem like just another part of the scenery. But to people with limited mobility, stamina, or certain health conditions, benches are a must!
Benches offer a welcome break for those who have trouble standing or walking for long periods. Think about seniors, people with arthritis or back pain, and those recovering from injuries. To them, knowing there are places to rest can make the difference between visiting your venue or having to skip it altogether.
Benches also provide a place to escape the hustle and bustle for a moment. People with sensory sensitivities or anxiety can use them to take a breather from the crowds and stimulation, which lets them stay and enjoy the festivities longer.
Plus, benches don’t have to be boring! Check out our Frosty Friends, Polar Bear Buddies, Ginger Bench, and Rococo Throne for options that add to the festive flair. And, of course, all of our benches meet AODA, municipal, and national accessibility standards.
Here are a few extra tips to make sure your benches are truly accessible and user-friendly:
Place benches along walkways and paths, in natural gathering spots (like entrances and exits, and near food vendors and restrooms), and anywhere people need to wait.
Sturdy armrests on both sides make it easier for everyone to sit and stand, especially seniors. Armrests also make wheelchair transfers easier. And don't forget about backrests! They provide essential lumbar support for added comfort.
Allow for plenty of space around benches. A minimum of 60 inches in front allows for wheelchair access, and at least 36 inches of side clearance makes transfers easier. Remember that people who use walkers also need space to rest their walker beside the bench.
Always place benches on stable, level ground, away from any hazards like steps, curbs, or overhanging branches.
Safety and accessibility go hand-in-hand! Permanent bollards are a great way to prevent vehicles from parking in front of accessible entrances or blocking ramps. They also act as a safety barrier, protecting pedestrians from vehicles.
Bollards are a great solution year-round, but now’s the time to start thinking about them. If you start planning today, you’ll be one step ahead come spring.
For seasonal events, removable or retractable bollards are a great way to manage the crowds. You can use these bollards to create orderly lines, or carve out a buffer zone around accessible washrooms, which both help give people using mobility aids the space they need to navigate.
Just be sure to consider bollard placement carefully! You don't want to create obstacles or hazards. Avoid placing them in the middle of walkways or in a place that blocks access to benches or other amenities.
We all know how tricky winter weather can be, but for people with disabilities, snow and ice can be even more challenging.
Snow and ice make it incredibly difficult for people with mobility impairments to get around. Wheelchairs and mobility scooters can get stuck in snow or lose traction on icy surfaces. People who are unsteady on their feet, or use canes or walkers, face a higher risk of slips and falls. Even those who drive might struggle with snow-filled accessible parking spaces, icy ramps, and blocked entryways.
To keep your holiday venue accessible all winter long, make sure to clear snow and ice on a regular basis. This means shoveling and salting sidewalks, curb ramps, and pathways, and keeping accessible parking spaces and entryways clear.
It takes a little extra work, but it makes a world of difference!
Here's how to make your outdoor holiday display safe and accessible, no matter the weather:
When setting up an outdoor display, choose a spot that's easily accessible for snow removal equipment. Avoid narrow pathways or areas with obstacles that would make clearing snow difficult.
Set a regular schedule for snow and ice removal, especially after heavy snowfall or freezing rain. Don't let snow and ice buildup and become a problem.
Apply de-icing agents like salt or sand to prevent ice from forming on walkways and surfaces around your display. Keep a sturdy salt storage bin nearby for quick and easy access. (Psst! Our sturdy salt bins come in both bright and neutral colours to complement your display!)
Post signs to warn visitors of potential hazards, such as slippery surfaces or falling ice.
For some, the bright lights, bustling crowds, and loud, festive music can get a bit overwhelming.
This is the case for many folks with autism, ADHD, or sensory processing disorder.
However, it doesn't that mean they and their families don't want to take part in the festivities – they just benefit from a more accommodating environment. With a little extra consideration, you can make those accommodations happen.
One way to create a more inclusive experience is to offer sensory-friendly hours with softer lighting, less or no background music, and limited attendance for smaller crowds. Many malls have rolled out sensory-friendly Santa experiences to great success!
You can also consider creating a designated ‘quiet zone’ or ‘calm zone’ at your venue. This means providing a space for people to take a break from all the sensory stimulation and recharge. Plus, quiet zones aren't just for people with sensory sensitivities – they benefit anyone who needs a moment of peace away from the hustle and bustle.
Even the decorations themselves can impact a person's sensory experience! Here are some simple ways to make your holiday display more sensory-friendly:
Avoid Christmas decorations with intensely flashing or strobing lights. Instead, choose decorations with static or slower-moving lighting sequences.
Include a variety of decorations, some with lights and some without. This adds visual interest and means your display is appealing even when the lights are dimmed or turned off.
Designate your venue as a scent-free zone. Avoid using artificial scents like holiday-themed air fresheners, which can be irritating or trigger sensitivities for some people.
If possible, provide information about light and sound intensity online so visitors can prepare and plan ahead. Knowing what to expect can really help.
Your helpers are the heart of your holiday venue! They're the ones interacting with visitors, answering questions, and making sure everyone has a positive experience. Their actions go a long way to making your venue accessible and fun.
A friendly greeting, a patient explanation, or a genuine willingness to help can make visitors feel welcome and respected. This is especially important for individuals with disabilities, who may require a bit of extra help or understanding.
Here's how you can empower your staff to create a truly inclusive holiday experience:
Teach your team about different types of disabilities, including visible and invisible ones. Help them understand how these disabilities might affect a person's experience at your venue.
Train staff on how to interact with visitors with disabilities in a respectful and considerate manner. Encourage them to offer help without being patronizing or intrusive. A simple, "Is there anything I can help you with?" goes a long way.
Make sure your staff are familiar with all the accessibility features of your venue. This includes accessible entrances, restrooms, pathways, and seating options. They should be able to confidently guide visitors to these amenities.
Making your holiday venue accessible is fantastic, but don't keep it a secret!
Knowing what to expect helps visitors with accessibility concerns plan their visit and feel confident about their ability to participate. It takes the guesswork out of attending your event, which means more visitors and holiday cheer to go around.
Let everyone know about the steps you've taken to create a welcoming and inclusive experience. Here are some tips:
If there's been a big snowstorm or freezing rain, let people know you've cleared the snow and ice – or give them an ETA on when it will be done. This helps people with mobility challenges plan their visit accordingly.
Spread the word about any sensory-friendly hours well in advance so families can plan their visit. The holidays are a busy time, and this is something many families won't want to miss!
Share photos of your benches and other seating areas on social media and your website. Let people know there are places to sit down and rest.
Mention other accessibility features you offer, such as ramps, accessible restrooms, and quiet zones.
Whether it's providing ample seating, clearing pathways, offering sensory-friendly options, or training your staff, every step towards accessibility helps create holiday experiences that are truly fun and inclusive for all.
Classic Displays offers a wide range of accessible amenities, including benches, bollards, salt bins, and, of course, stunning holiday displays that everyone can enjoy. Contact us to make your next holiday season fun for everyone!
Log In / Register
