It is that time of year again and we know all parents are wondering where and when to see the most famous man of the season – Santa Claus, of course. There are many places to see him, take pictures with him, and even eat with him, all around our area. Check out our top picks for where to see Santa in North Jersey below {and hopefully there will be more laughs than tears}:
The first and probably most obvious way to see Santa is right at the mall. All the local malls have the man in red and most allow for online appointment making so no lines {and parents know how dreadful it is to wait on a long line to see Santa}. Check out any of these malls in our area for your holiday photo needs.
- Newport Centre Mall {30 Mall Drive E W, Jersey City}
- Garden State Plaza {Garden State Plaza Boulevard, Paramus}
- Paramus Park Mall {700 Paramus Park, Paramus}
- Willowbrook Mall {1400 Willowbrook Mall, Wayne}
- The Shops at Riverside {390 Hackensack Avenue, Hackensack}
- Short Hills Mall {1200 Morris Turnpike, Short Hills}
Hoboken Family Alliance Holiday Party {UFC Gym — 316 Sinatra Drive in Hoboken}
The HFA Holiday Party on Friday, December 6 from 3-5PM at the UFC Gym, 316 Sinatra Drive, Hoboken. There will be an appearance from Santa along with treats and music for all. This visit allows for giving back this year so please bring a new unwrapped toy or pajamas for HFA’s Annual Toy & Pajama Drive.
Get more information here.
Santa in the Park {Ridgewood, NJ}
If you are looking for something outdoors, you can visit ‘Santa in the Park’ on Saturday, December 5th from 10AM-3PM at Memorial Park in Ridgewood, NJ. They even have breakfast options starting at 8:00AM and a Santa house from 2-4PM.
Get more information here.
Swim with Santa {YMCA — 220 Clark Street, Westfield}
Santa might be known for his warm suit and winter warmth, but he can also swim. On December 16th, at the Westfield YMCA, you can swim with Santa from 1-3PM. Reservations are required, but this will definitely give you a new take on holiday photos.
Get more information here.
Abma’s Farm {700 Lawlins Road, Wycoff}
Santa is visiting farms this year and you can head out to Abma’s Farm in Wyckoff for a visit with Santa on December 8th from 11-3pm. This gets cuter because Mrs. Claus is there too! It is free of charge and you get to take a cute photo with the famous holiday couple.
Heaven Hill Farm {451 NJ-94, Vernon Township}
On Sunday, December 9th and 16th you can enjoy a free train ride around Heaven Hill Farm in Vernon and then take a very happy picture with Santa. Train rides are available on Saturdays as well but Santa is only there on Sundays.
READ: Where to Host Your Holiday Parties in Hoboken + Jersey City
Polar Express Train {1 Railroad Plz, Whippany}
If you want a little more than just a quick visit to see Santa you can book your ticket for the Polar Express. This makes the visit with the man in red a little more interactive with a train ride, singing, and hot chocolate. Kids will love becoming a part of this classic holiday film while topping it off with a visit from Santa.
Details and tickets here.
Turtle Back Zoo {560 Northfield Avenue, West Orange}
You can find weekend visits from Santa Claus at Turtle Back Zoo, along with their Holiday Lights Spectacular. Admission is free and runs through the holiday season from 5-9pm every night.
Get more details here.
Van Saun Park {216 Forest Avenue, Paramus}
Santa will be making an appearance at Van Saun Park in Paramus. They have an annual Winter Wonderland that is full of activities like face painting, ice-skating, carousel rides and more. Santa will be visiting Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
Details and Santa hours here.
Macy’s Herald Square Santa {151 West 34th Street, NYC}
For you brave souls who want to venture into the city, Santa will be at Macy’s Herald Square until December 24th. If you visit the 8th floor you’ll find a replica of the North Pole with soldiers, reindeers and more. Keep in mind this will require a reservation, but it should hopefully cut out the long lines and wait times!
Reserve your spot here.
Where will you be seeing Santa Claus this year? Share with us in the comments below!
See More: Holiday Markets in Hoboken + Jersey City This 2018 Season
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