After a gap of one year, children will be able to meet their beloved Santa Claus in person once again. Whether on the nice list or naughty list, Santa will be at a number of locations waiting to click photos, create memories and weave the magic of Christmas with families all over North Jersey. Several of the North Pole’s satellite locations have options for pet visits, time slots for children with special needs, and other ways that can accommodate each family’s needs. Each location has enhanced cleaning and operational protocols for guests’ health and safety, which vary by location but information on each is available online. Keep reading to learn more about where to visit Santa in North Jersey this season.
Disclaimer: Many of these events require reservations, please call ahead to confirm before showing up.
(Photo credit: @rockawaytownsquare)
Photos with Santa, The Mall at Short Hills
November 12th – December 24th
At Short Hills Mall, guests will have a chance to meet Santa, step inside his 22-foot tall sleigh, and experience magical snowfall. Reservations are highly encouraged, and patrons can pre-pay for photo packages. For more information click here.
Santa at Freehold Raceway Mall, Freehold Township
November 12th – December 24th
Photos with Santa are available for purchase, and reservations are highly encouraged. For more information click here.
Westfield Garden State Plaza, Paramus
November 12th – December 24th | 11AM – 8PM
Santa will be available for photos and patrons will be given the option to have children stand next to Santa or maintain social distance. For more information click here.
Santa @ The Commons, Bridgewater Township
November 13th – December 24th
Kids 10 and under will receive magical twinkle special effects glasses with their photos (while supplies last). There will be a special day on December 3rd held in conjunction with The Arc of New Jersey Family Institute offering a sensory-friendly Santa experience. For more information click here.
Santa Magic Show & Photos with Santa, Butler
November 27th + December 5th
This 45-minute magic show performed by Santa and his helpers will finish with an opportunity for photos with Santa. For more information click here.
Christmas Festival at the Morristown Green
November 28th – December 19th
There will be photos with Santa, holiday crafts, ice sculpture demonstrations, a vintage-style rocking horse, and rides on a miniature train. For more information click here.
Breakfast with Santa, Jersey City
December 4th | 8AM – 11AM
All Roads to Success (ARTS) and Deliverance Children’s Ministry (DCM) are hosting a Breakfast with Santa event where Santa comes bearing gifts, and activities. This event will include a coat giveaway, toy giveaway, arts and crafts, cookie decoration, and more. For more information click here.
Cookies with Santa, New Brunswick
December 5th | 1PM – 2PM
Santa Claus will be available for photos and read a Christmas story to children. There will also be milk and cookies. For more information, click here.
Meet Mr. & Mrs. Santa Claus at McGinley Square
December 10th
Mr. and Mrs. Claus will be at a meet and greet for locals and maybe even take photos with them. For more information click here.
Brunch with Santa, Wayne
December 11th | 10AM – 3:30PM
The brunch event is organized by Cosmopolitan and M&B Events. Patrons can shop from a holiday boutique, there will be goodie bags for the kids, and photos with Santa. For more information click here.
Meet Santa at The Cottage, Jersey City
Saturdays + Sundays in December | 1PM – 4PM
Santa will be around every weekend to meet with little ones and to take photos at The Cottage. This is a BYOC – Bring your own camera event. Reservations are not required. For more information click here.
Treats, Photos and Sing Along with Santa, Jersey City
December 18th | 9AM – 1PM
Santa Claus and his elf will be available for photos and a meet and greet with children. Guests can sing along with Rockassori and a percentage of all sales will be donated to support ‘Toys for Tots’. For more information click here.
Santa’s Workshop at Center City Mall, Paterson
December 19th | 11AM – 2PM
Santa’s workshop at Center City Mall includes free photos with Santa, letters to Santa, and arts and crafts. Guests will also have the opportunity to meet and greet Mickey Mouse & Minnie Mouse at the event. For more information click here.
The Santa Photo Experience at Simon Malls
The Santa Photo Experience at Simon Malls welcomes guests to sit with Santa or maintain social distance, whatever they feel comfortable with. All of Santa’s helpers will be wearing masks at all times for guests’ safety. The photo experience is available at all Simon Malls across New Jersey – which include the following locations:
Rockaway Townsquare, Rockaway Township | November 12th – November 24th
For more information click here.
Photos with Caring Santa, Rockaway Townsquare | December 12th | 10AM – 11AM
Exclusively for children with special needs. For more information click here.
Menlo Park Mall, Edison | November 12th – December 24th
For more information click here.
Photos with Caring Santa, Menlo Park Mall | December 12th | 9AM – 11AM
Exclusively for children with special needs. For more information click here.
Pet Photos with Santa, Menlo Park Mall | November 21st + December 5th | 6:30PM – 8PM
For more information click here.
Breakfast with Santa | December 4 | 9AM – 10AM
A special breakfast with Santa where guests will be served milk and cookies. A make and take craft session and photos with Santa will complete this special experience. For more information, click here.
The Mills at Jersey Gardens, Elizabeth | November 18th- December 24th
For more information click here.
The Shops at Riverside, Hackensack | November 18th – December 24th
For more information click here.
Livingston Mall | November 18th – December 24th
For more information click here.
Newport Centre, Jersey City | November 19th – December 24th
For more information click here.
Quaker Bridge Mall, Lawrence Township | November 19th – December 24th
For more information click here.
Photos with Caring Santa | December 5th | 8AM – 10AM
Exclusively for children with special needs. For more information click here.
