Roosevelt Field mall decks its halls after outcry over 'Glacier' Santa set-up

It's beginning to look a lot more like Christmas at Roosevelt Field following an outcry over the mall's "modern" Santa display. As News 12 first reported, Roosevelt Field was among a handful of Simon-owned

News 12 Staff

Nov 10, 2015, 2:02 AM

Updated 3,083 days ago

Share:

Roosevelt Field mall decks its halls after outcry over 'Glacier' Santa set-up
It's beginning to look a lot more like Christmas at Roosevelt Field following an outcry over the mall's "modern" Santa display.
As News 12 first reported, Roosevelt Field was among a handful of Simon-owned malls to roll out what it called the "Glacier experience." The photo-staging area was devoid of any Christmas trees, sleighs or elves, and instead featured Santa seated in an ice cave area that the mall described as "uniquely modern" and "cutting edge."
Photos of the Glacier set-up got a frosty reception on social media, and outraged Long Islanders started an online petition demanding the mall put up traditional holiday decorations. Roosevelt Field and Simon Malls were accused of trying to "censor Christmas" and being "too politically correct," and many said they would boycott by shopping elsewhere.
On Saturday, the mall said it would spruce up the new display by adding a Christmas tree and other elements. But by Sunday, Roosevelt Field management opted instead to dismantle the entire Glacier display and put up classic Christmas decor.
In an updated statement released Monday, Simon Mall President David Contis said, "In six of our nearly 200 malls, including Roosevelt Field, Simon had developed a new Santa experience. It was our intention to experiment with delivering a modern interactive experience for the family. After listening to customer feedback, we immediately decided to remove and replace them with traditional decor, including Christmas trees, and hope our customers will join us in celebrating the Christmas season."


More from News 12
1:30
Police: Car drives into Plainview dance studio; 3 suffer minor injuries

Police: Car drives into Plainview dance studio; 3 suffer minor injuries

2:03
Brightening skies and warmer temperatures heading into the weekend

Brightening skies and warmer temperatures heading into the weekend

1:50
Concern growing over homeless shelter near West Babylon day care

Concern growing over homeless shelter near West Babylon day care

2:00
John Theissen Children's Foundation opens Family Fun Center in Wantagh

John Theissen Children's Foundation opens Family Fun Center in Wantagh

0:13
Officials: West Babylon home destroyed by fire

Officials: West Babylon home destroyed by fire

0:47
Cafe 217 provides students with autism chance for work experience at East Rockaway HS

Cafe 217 provides students with autism chance for work experience at East Rockaway HS

0:42
Community raises $12,000 for workers of Merrick bar closed due to fire

Community raises $12,000 for workers of Merrick bar closed due to fire

0:23
Police: Hempstead man stole parking meters near Jericho Turnpike and Roslyn Road

Police: Hempstead man stole parking meters near Jericho Turnpike and Roslyn Road

1:55
8-year-old from Valley Stream becomes first in NY to undergo gene therapy for rare disease

8-year-old from Valley Stream becomes first in NY to undergo gene therapy for rare disease

2:27
2016 whistleblower tip warned of barrels buried at old Grumman property in Bethpage

2016 whistleblower tip warned of barrels buried at old Grumman property in Bethpage

0:25
Long Islander wins $1,000 a day for life from lotto ticket

Long Islander wins $1,000 a day for life from lotto ticket

1:34
Police: Drunk driver hits patrol car at scene of DWI crash; Suffolk officer hurt

Police: Drunk driver hits patrol car at scene of DWI crash; Suffolk officer hurt

0:44
NuHealth holds breast cancer screenings at Plainview-Old Bethpage Library

NuHealth holds breast cancer screenings at Plainview-Old Bethpage Library

1:09
The East End: Hamptons Handpoured

The East End: Hamptons Handpoured

1:52
Find fun, interactive activities for family and friends at Main Street Board Game Café in Huntington

Find fun, interactive activities for family and friends at Main Street Board Game Café in Huntington

0:37
North Babylon HS gives away dresses, suits ahead of prom season

North Babylon HS gives away dresses, suits ahead of prom season

0:22
Central Islip man sentenced to 22 years in prison for raping daughter

Central Islip man sentenced to 22 years in prison for raping daughter

1:45
Long Island pizzerias come together to raise funds for family of slain detective

Long Island pizzerias come together to raise funds for family of slain detective

0:30
Hempstead man pleads guilty, gets 8 years for drug trafficking

Hempstead man pleads guilty, gets 8 years for drug trafficking

0:19
Nassau Legislature approves 2 new outdoor fields for Mitchel Athletic Complex

Nassau Legislature approves 2 new outdoor fields for Mitchel Athletic Complex