Santa Express Case Study

A Philadelphia Holiday Tradition

Overview

Client: SEPTA, PREIT and the Gallery at Market East
Event: Santa Express

Objective

To kickoff the holiday shopping season and invite families from Philadelphia and the surrounding suburban areas to come and shop at the Gallery at Market East, one of the largest urban malls in the United States.

The Event

A Philadelphia tradition continued this year to kickoff the holiday shopping season. SEPTA, PREIT and the Gallery at Market East hosted the annual Santa Express on Black Friday. The Santa Express fleet was comprised of five colorfully decorated trains, with a cast of holiday characters on board, including Santa and Mrs. Clause and Santa’s Helper’s (SEPTA volunteers).

Roberts Event Group, Inc. hand selected a festive group of magicians, face painters, musicians and other costumed characters to join the Santa Express, ensuring that children and adults would be entertained. Coordinators on each train moved performers throughout each car to make sure all passengers enjoyed their trip into the city.

All trains converged below the Gallery at Market East and a parade began as entertainers and guests followed Santa and Mrs. Clause to the center of the mall to the tune of “Here Comes Santa Clause.” The Santa Express concluded with a big celebration in the center of the mall complete with all of the holiday characters!

Roberts Event Group, Inc.’s thorough planning and communication with the entertainment for Santa Express made it a seamless event for everyone who participated. What a memorable and interactive kickoff to the holiday shopping season!

The Onsite Response

“The individuals at Roberts Events Group are what we call the magic makers behind Santa Express. This event is so unique and special that we would only trust it to an event company of the highest caliber. From the planners behind the scenes to the elves and even Santa himself, they know how to create an experience that truly connects to our customers. The result is more than just an event. It is, for people of all ages, a holiday memory that lasts a lifetime.”

Maureen V. Brady, Marketing Director
The Gallery at Market East & Springfield Mall