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Westfield Garden State Plaza to Blend Musical Nostalgia with Today's Hits at Annual Big Santa Celebration

Published by New Jersey Stage

originally published: 10/30/2026

(PARAMUS, NJ) -- Westfield Garden State Plaza, a destination for fashion, dining, and entertainment located in Bergen County, is ushering in the holiday spirit with iconic musical groups from the 80's, 90's, 00's and today at its annual Big Santa celebration taking place Sunday, November 22, 2026. The lineup includes Ryan Cabrera, All-4-One, TKA, Spice Wannabe, and JYT.

Guests will be transported back in time to decades known for unforgettable musical hits and festive family traditions, plus music and dance along with rising boy band, JYT, all culminating in Santa’s highly anticipated arrival and a spectacular fireworks display synchronized to holiday music.

Festivities will begin at 4:00pm with multi-platinum singer-songwriter Ryan Cabrera, best known for his early-2000s hits “On the Way Down” and “True,” serving as the event’s host. Cabrera will guide the celebration and introduce a lineup of musical performances featuring:

All-4-One, the Grammy Award winning R&B group behind the timeless songs “I Swear”, “I Can Love You Like That”, “I Turn to You”, and much more. All-4-One is internationally known for making beautiful love songs that not only chart radio airwaves but also garner countless awards. “I Swear” STILL holds a spot on Billboard’s “Hot 100”as one of the most successful singles of all time.

TKA, the influential New York freestyle group led by frontman K7, is known for dance hits including “One Way Love”, "Maria" and “Louder Than Love.” The group is one of the most recognizable male acts in the freestyle genre, blending romantic vocals, catchy melodies, Latin influences, and electronic dance beats.





 

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Spice Wannabe, a high-energy tribute act celebrating the music and style of the Spice Girls. Live with five-part harmonies, original choreography, costumes and British accents, this Girl Power cast delivers a nostalgic experience that is sure to “Spice Up Your Life.”

JYT, a five-member, dance-forward boy band. Developed by Grammy-nominated songwriter and producer Freddy Wexler, JYT has emerged as one of music's fastest-rising new acts, generating more than 550 million views over the past 90 days and building an audience of more than 2.5 million followers across social platforms after the release of their debut EP.

Before the main stage performances begin, guests can enjoy a variety of family-friendly entertainment and activities throughout the event grounds. Pre-show festivities will include stilt walkers, costume character meet-and-greets, balloon artists, and face painters. Opportunities to enjoy food from a selection of food trucks and eateries will also be present.

The evening will build toward one of the season’s most anticipated moments: Santa’s arrival on the fire truck and the lighting of the legendary 42-foot Big Santa, bringing performers and the crowd together for a festive countdown. The celebration concludes with a dazzling fireworks display set to holiday music.

“Big Santa has become a beloved holiday tradition, bringing families and the community together to kick off the holiday season,” said Sue Newsom, Vice President, Shopping Center Management of Westfield Garden State Plaza. “This year, we’re adding a nostalgic twist with a celebration inspired by iconic musical hits. From live performances to Santa’s arrival and the fireworks finale, we look forward to creating another memorable holiday experience for our guests.”

Guests are encouraged to wear their most nostalgic or festive holiday look. Big Santa 2026 will take place near entrance 7 in the parking lot near Nordstrom. For updates and to RSVP to the event, visit Westfield Garden State Plaza’s website and follow the Center on social media.




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Stephen

Stephen King 35mm Double Feature: Carrie and Pet Sematary

Friday, October 30, 2026
@ 7:00pm

Union County Performing Arts Center (UCPAC) - Main Stage
Rahway, NJ

Join us in October for a terrifyingly great Stephen King 35mm double feature: “Carrie” and “Pet Sematary.” Come early to shop our vendors, grab cocktails and snacks, and enjoy a spooky organ concert played on our “Biggest Little Wurlitzer.”

 

Get

Get The Led Out

Friday, October 30, 2026
@ 8:00pm

State Theatre New Jersey
New Brunswick, NJ

From the bombastic and epic, to the folky and mystical, Get The Led Out (GTLO) have captured the essence of the recorded music of Led Zeppelin and brought it to the concert stage. The Philadelphia-based group consists of six veteran musicians intent on delivering.

 

Zoso:

Zoso: The Ultimate Led Zeppelin Experience

Friday, October 30, 2026
@ 8:00pm

Mayo Performing Arts Center
Morristown, NJ

Celebrating 31 years of touring in 2026, Zoso has become one of the most iconic and respected Led Zeppelin tribute experiences in the world, having played over 4,900 shows in all 50 states and internationally. Known for their unparalleled dedication to faithfully recreating the legendary band’s live performances, Zoso has earned accolades from both critics and fans alike.

 

Suzanne

Suzanne Vega - Flying With Angels

Friday, October 30, 2026
@ 8:00pm

Outpost In The Burbs
Montclair, NJ

Suzanne Vega will perform a career-spanning show including favorites like “Tom’s Diner”, “Luka”, “Marlene On The Wall”, and many more, plus songs from her latest album, Flying with Angels, which was released in May 2025 to critical acclaim. She will be joined on stage by her longtime guitarist, Gerry Leonard (of David Bowie fame), and cellist Stephanie Winters. [Video Trailer]

 

The

The Lizzie Rose Halloween Spectacular, Costume Contest, and Movie Night, featuring Halloween music by The Wag

Friday, October 30, 2026
@ 7:30pm

Lizzie Rose Music Room
Tuckerton, NJ

COME SEE THE LIZZIE ROSE HALLOWEEN SPECTACULAR!

 

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EVENT PREVIEWS

(NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- State Theatre New Jersey presents Get The Led Out on Friday, October 30, 2026 at 8:00pm. From bombastic and epic to the folky and mystical, Get The Led Out (GTLO) have captured the essence of the recorded music of Led Zeppelin and brought it to the concert stage. The Philadelphia-based group consists of six veteran musicians intent on delivering.



The Lizzie Rose Halloween Spectacular takes place October 30th

The Lizzie Rose Halloween Spectacular takes place October 30th

(TUCKERTON, NJ) -- On Friday, October 30, 2026, Lizzie Rose Music Room presents a Halloween Spectacular show with a Costume Contest, and Halloween music by The Wag. Are you looking for something fun to do this Halloween? You just found it! Showtime is 7:30pm.



Songwriters in the Pines Returns to Albert Music Hall on Friday

Songwriters in the Pines Returns to Albert Music Hall on Friday

(WARETOWN, NJ) -- Albert Music Hall will once again celebrate the creativity of local and regional songwriters on Friday, October 30, 2026, with another installment of its Songwriters in the Pines Series. The evening will feature a diverse lineup of performers sharing their original music and some of the stories that inspire it. The audience can discover new artists, enjoy a variety of musical styles, and experience the region's songwriting talent in a unique and welcoming atmosphere. Showtime is 7:00pm.



Outpost in the Burbs presents Suzanne Vega on Friday

Outpost in the Burbs presents Suzanne Vega on Friday

(MONTCLAIR, NJ) -- Outpost in the Burbs presents Suzanne Vega on Friday, October 30, 2026 at 8:00pm. Vega brings her Flying with Angels Tour 2026 to Montclair - a special show that will appeal to long-time fans.



bergenPAC presents a screening of "The Blair Witch Project" and special Q&A about the making of the film

bergenPAC presents a screening of "The Blair Witch Project" and special Q&A about the making of the film

(ENGLEWOOD, NJ) -- Bergen Performing Arts Center (bergenPAC) presents a screening of The Blair Witch Project on Friday, October 30, 2026 at 7:00pm. The film will be followed by a Q&A with Heather Donahue, Joshua Leonard, and Michael C. Williams.



Levoy Theatre presents Broken Arrow - A Tribute to Neil Young on Friday

Levoy Theatre presents Broken Arrow - A Tribute to Neil Young on Friday

(MILLVILLE, NJ) -- The Levoy Theatre presents Broken Arrow - A Tribute to Neil Young on Friday, October 30, 2026. Doors open at 7:00pm, showtime is 8:00pm.



NJPAC presents a night of comedy with Jon Bramnick and special guest Vinnie Brand on Friday

NJPAC presents a night of comedy with Jon Bramnick and special guest Vinnie Brand on Friday

(NEWARK, NJ) -- New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) presents a night of comedy with Jon Bramnick and special guest Vinnie Brand on Friday, October 30, 2026 at 7:30pm in the Victoria Theater.



The Cutting Room hosts Tripi: Close to Fire - A Grief Support Benefit Concert on Friday

The Cutting Room hosts Tripi: Close to Fire - A Grief Support Benefit Concert on Friday

(NEW YORK, NY) -- On Friday, October 30, 2026, The Cutting Room hosts Tripi: Close to Fire - A Grief Support Benefit Concert. It marks the release of Tony Tripi's album Close to Fire: Roman's Anthology Release Part I and continues the album's mission of turning grief into remembrance, connection, and community. Showtime is 9:00pm.



Willie Nile to perform special "Storyteller" show at Jersey Shore Arts Center

Willie Nile to perform special "Storyteller" show at Jersey Shore Arts Center

(OCEAN GROVE, NJ) -- Beloved singer/songwriter/rocker Willie Nile will perform a special solo "Storyteller" show at Jersey Shore Arts Center in Ocean Grove on Saturday, October 31, 2026 at 8:00pm. Local favorite Robinson Treacher will open the show. The show marks the kickoff of the third season of Split Level Concerts at the Arts Center. The concert series highlights renowned Americana and contemporary folk musicians in a uniquely intimate setting.



Two River Theater presents "Stir" by Melinda Lopez & Joel Perez

Two River Theater presents "Stir" by Melinda Lopez & Joel Perez

(RED BANK, NJ) -- Two River Theater presents Stir by Melinda Lopez & Joel Perez from October 31 to November 22, 2026. Join them in the kitchen as two siblings piece together their mother's beloved black bean recipe. Secrets simmer and memories are on the menu as they reconnect from across the country.