A new family-friendly experience (with Santa!) is taking over the fourth floor of the Shops at Columbus Circle

"Columbus Circle has always known how to get festive, but this year it's leveling up: the mall's fourth floor is morphing into a full-blown North Pole playground, complete with passport stamps, a Gingerbread Tower race and, yes, an audience with the big guy in red. Passport to Santa lands at The Shops at Columbus Circle from November 15 through December 31 and it's aiming to be catnip for every kid and grown-up who still gets a little emotional when the tree lights flip on."

"This is not your average "sit on Santa's lap, smile, leave with a candy cane" moment. Guests will spend about two hours hopping through themed "countries" of holiday cheer, collecting stamps in a festive passport along the way. The itinerary includes signing the Naughty or Nice list with Mrs. Claus (be honest), building toys in Santa's Workshop like a real North Pole intern, training with Rudolph, test-your-strength challenges in Nutcracker Kingdom and a gingerbread competition. There's also a stop to write wishes with the Christmas Angel and a Barbie photo op for anyone still in their pink era."

""Kids will be absolutely enchanted as they collect stamps at each magical stop along the way," said producer Brandon Voss in an official statement. "From building toys in Santa's Workshop to racing through Gingerbread Grounds, every moment is filled with holiday wonder-culminating in Santa's Christmas Carnival, the ultimate festive finale.""

Passport to Santa transforms the Shops at Columbus Circle fourth floor into an immersive North Pole playground from November 15 through December 31. Guests spend about two hours moving through themed "countries" and collecting passport stamps at stations that include signing the Naughty or Nice list with Mrs. Claus, building toys in Santa's Workshop, training with Rudolph, strength challenges in Nutcracker Kingdom, and a gingerbread competition. The experience includes writing wishes with the Christmas Angel and a Barbie photo op. Completed passports grant access to Santa's Christmas Carnival with bounce houses, arts and crafts, carnival games, and prizes. Tickets start at $35, with a $55 VIP option offering priority entry, workshop supplies, and unlimited hot cocoa; the event runs daily from 10am to 4pm and advance booking is recommended.

Read at Time Out New York