TOMS RIVER- The Disney Play Date will make its annual return this holiday season to the Ocean County Mall.
For more than 10 years, the mall has served as the host to the holiday-themed event.
On Dec. 7, the event will return to the mall. It will run from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
The event is designed for the community and is signals the arrival of Santa Claus.
“Santa arrives on a fire truck from Toms River Volunteer Fire Company No.2. There is a parade from the truck to the center court, where the Santa set is set up. There will be cookies and milk for the children, also bags of goodies,” Erin Barbato, marketing director for the Ocean County Mall, said.
She said a face-painter, balloons and crafts will be featured during the day.
Barbato also said the fire truck will drop off Santa at the food court entrance, near Boscov’s and the children will meet and start the parade with Santa there.
“It is a really nice event, family friendly and good for the holidays,” Barbato said.
She said it has taken a couple of months to put the event together for the community.
“We always have a good response for this event and it just is a wonderful event all together. It is a good time for everybody,” Barbato said.
She said the event is free to attend and the children will have story time with Mrs. Claus.
“I hope people can takeaway having a good time from this event. This mall to me is like a community center,” Barbato said.
