Spirit Christmas Opens 30 Locations Across 12 States With Santa Photo Sessions

Spencer Gifts is launching 30 Spirit Christmas shops across 12 states after testing eight stores last year. Five had opened their doors by Nov. 4. The remaining 25 were set to open days later.

The first shop opened in Mays Landing, New Jersey, back on Oct. 17. Spencer Gifts spokesperson Marisa Simonson told USA TODAY on Oct. 21 that more were coming in late October, with others following in early November after converting from Spirit Halloween shops.

Mary Griswold, another spokesperson, confirmed on Nov. 4 that crews were working hard to transform each space from its Halloween version into a winter wonderland. Spirit Halloween had closed its seasonal run. These Christmas shops will serve shoppers through December, Griswold said.

The 30 shops span Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. Some took over Spirit Halloween buildings, while others found new homes.

By Nov. 4, five were welcoming shoppers: Manchester and Milford in Connecticut, Christiana in Delaware, Salem in New Hampshire, and Mays Landing in New Jersey. Twenty-five more were coming soon, including Cherry Hill, Lawrenceville, Paramus, Rockaway, and Toms River in New Jersey.

Pennsylvania planned four: Bethel Park, Erie, Pittsburgh, and Whitehall. New York would get three in Amherst, Bohemia, and Poughkeepsie. Ohio was opening two — one in Mentor, another in North Canton.

Illinois planned three stores in Bloomingdale, Joliet, and Naperville. Indiana would see two pop up in Fort Wayne and Merrillville. Michigan got two as well: Grand Rapids and Novi. Massachusetts would welcome two in North Attleborough and Dartmouth.

Lexington, Kentucky, and Waldorf, Maryland, each got one. The Lexington shop would open at 1980 Pavilion Way, taking over a former Big Lots building.

Shoppers can hunt for decorations, gifts, and stocking stuffers. Santa Claus photo sessions are also available at select shops.

Photo sessions kick off Nov. 21, according to a Spencer Gifts announcement. Santa will appear Fridays from 3-7 p.m., Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sundays from noon to 6 p.m., all local times. Some shops started taking appointments before they even opened.

Customers wanting exact opening dates should check the store locator on the Spirit Christmas website for the latest updates.

The company behind Spirit Halloween launched eight Spirit Christmas shops throughout the Northeast in 2024. This year's expansion nearly quadruples that footprint.