He’s making a list and checking it twice—yes, Santa in NJ is back, and he’s coming to a town near you. Stop by any of these malls, towns, festivals, and villages, where kids can visit with the elves or special characters, share their wish list with Santa, and get memorable photos to keep. From an old-fashioned celebration to an indoor snowy adventure, there are plenty of places in the Garden State to see Santa this season—ho, ho, ho! And if you want more holiday fun, don’t miss the Santa train rides in NJ. (featured photo credit: Short Hills Mall)
(It’s best to check ahead for in-person events)
SPONSORED
Visit Santa @ Bridgewater Commons
The one and only Kris Kringle returns to welcome children of all ages for another season filled with holiday magic. Visits to Santa @ The Commons will begin Saturday, November 15 through Wednesday, December 24. Santa will be available for photos in a stunning home, set amidst 25 garland-topped light curtains, each adorned with thousands of white, glistening lights, and candy-cane inspired twists cascading from high above. Kris Kringle will sit in a grand velvet chair in front of a redesigned set that includes a majestic new 30-foot tree with a 5-foot topper, additional 10-foot trees and scenic elements as well as new “Elf Training” interactives on the line to entertain kids while they wait. A free, new photo opportunity will debut on the Main Level balcony overlooking Santa where guests can create a photographic memory behind a spectacular 6 foot high by 12 foot wide frame with the word “Joy” amongst glistening lights. Presented by Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset.
400 Commons Way, Bridgewater, NJ 08807
Where To See Santa In NJ
North Jersey
The Santa Experience – Select dates available in October and November
At this private photography studio in NJ, your kids will creatively pose with this photogenic Santa to create a memorable keepsake. From different scenes and setups to one-on-one time with the Big Guy and delicious cookies, your kids will feel the magic and be mesmerized by meeting Santa in a private Christmas wonderland.
Branchburg, NJ 08876
Santa’s Wonderland at Bass Pro Shops – November 1 – December 24
In AC? Head over to the Bass Pro Shops for an exciting visit with Santa. He arrives on November 1, and the photos start on November 2. Kids will experience the magic of Santa’s Wonderland and receive a free 4×6 keepsake photo and free shareable video. Reservations are recommended for your visit.
Bass Pro Shops, 30 N Christopher Columbus Boulevard, Atlantic City, NJ 08401
Santa’s Flight Academy at The Mall at Short Hills – November 6 – December 24
Bring your littles in a crash course to join Santa’s Flight Academy at Short Hills Mall. Through an interactive portal, kids can help Santa guide his 22-foot sleigh and deliver gifts all around the world. And don’t miss Santa Paws and Sensory Santa.
The Mall at Short Hills, 1200 Morris Turnpike, Short Hills, NJ 07078
Santa Arrives at Westfield Garden State Plaza – November 6 – December 24
Ho ho ho—skip the line by making a reservation before you visit Santa this year. There will be several Pet Parties and a Sensory Santa available as well.
Westfield Garden State Plaza, One Garden State Plaza, Paramus, NJ 07652
Photos with Santa at Freehold Raceway Mall – November 7 – December 24
The magic of the holiday season comes alive with a visit to Santa’s Winter Wonderland. Located at Lower Level, Zara Court, a visit with Santa is always free, and photo packages are available for purchase. There will be events throughout the month, like Santa Cares, for a sensory-friendly experience.
Freehold Raceway Mall, 3710 US 9, Freehold, NJ 07728
Photos with Santa at Deptford Mall – November 7 – December 24
Round up your crew to snap a photo with St. Nick and visit Santa’s Toy Shop. Look out for their special events throughout the holiday season.
Deptford Mall, 1750 Deptford Center Road, Deptford Township, NJ 08096
Pictures with Santa at Willowbrook – November 7 – December 24
Santa will hold court by Bloomingdale’s Exhibit Court at Willowbrook, where kids can share their wish lists, and you can purchase photos.
1400 Willowbrook, Wayne, NJ 07470
Santa at Menlo Park Mall – November 14-December 24
Dress up the kids for that festive photo and yearly magical moment with Santa. Experience Santa’s arrival on November 15; Caring Santa ® will greet special needs visitors for a private experience on December 7, and save the date for pet photos on November 23 and December 14.
Menlo Park Mall, 55 Parsonage Road, Edison, NJ 08837
American Dream’s Holiday Dreamland – November 14 – December 24
Visit Santa at American Dream’s Holiday Dreamland, and snap your yearly Santa photo or try the new Signature Santa Experience, where you can have story time with Santa, an extended visit, and receive a Holiday Book Keepsake. After, get in the holiday spirit with Nick the Halls at Nickelodeon Universe with your favorite Nickelodeon friends dressed in their holiday best every Saturday and Sunday beginning November 22. Ask an Elf to help you write a letter to Santa, decorate ornaments, or make a festive craft in the Elf Workshop. Enjoy dancing in snow flurries during our Nick the Halls Dance Party, and don’t forget to join in the Nick the Halls Character Parade.
1 American Dream Way, East Rutherford, NJ 07073
The Mills at Jersey Gardens – November 14 – December 24
Reservations are encouraged, but walk-ups are welcome to see Santa at The Mills at Jersey Gardens. With reservations, your kiddos will get a personalized digital message from the man in the red suit.
651 Kapkowski Road, Elizabeth, NJ 07201
Santa at Bridgewater Commons – November 15 – December 24
He’s back! Santa will begin welcoming children of all ages for visits and photos filled with holiday magic. Located in Center Court on the shopping center’s Lower Level, visits to Santa Celebration will begin Saturday, November 15, through Tuesday, December 24.
Bridgewater Commons, Lower Level, and Center Court, 400 Commons Way, Bridgewater, NJ 08807
Santa Photo Experience at Newport Centre – November 22 – December 24
Bring the little ones and see their eyes light up when they see Santa Claus this holiday season. On November 22, there will be a Magical Elf Christmas Show with a mischievous magician dressed as a Christmas elf.
30 Mall Drive West, Jersey City, NJ 07310
Orchard of Lights at Demarest Farms – November 22 – December 30
Start your engine and explore 32 acres of holiday light displays at Demarest Farms. You can also warm up by the fire pit with s’mores, enjoy hot cocoa and treats in the retail farm market, and take pictures with Santa while listening to Santa’s reindeer singing.
Demarest Farms, 244 Wierimus Road, Hillsdale, NJ 07642
Turtle Back Zoo Holiday Lights Spectacular November 21 – January 3
Stroll under the sparkling lights of over 50 winter and animal characters, then stop by Santa’s workshop to take a picture with the man himself. Check the schedule before you go—Santa has to make quick trips back to the North Pole and isn’t always on the property.
Turtle Back Zoo, 560 Northfield Avenue, West Orange, NJ 07052
Santa’s Arrival in Morristown – Begins November 30
Come down to The Morristown Green and take in the magic of the season. Visit and take Santa pictures in NJ to make this holiday season one to remember. Santa’s rooftop arrival starts on November 30.
The Morristown Green, 10 N. Park Place, Morristown, NJ 07960
Weihnachtsmärktrkt German Christmas Market of New Jersey – December 5 – 7
Who says you need to fly to Germany to experience an authentWeihnachtsmärktrkt? Sussex County Fairgrounds is home to the largest annual Christmas market in the state and the only German Christmas Market in the US, complete with a carousel, pony rides, and a petting zoo. Your littles will enjoy a special visit from St. Nicholas, Mrs. Claus, and the elves.
Sussex County Fairgrounds, 37 Plains Road, Augusta, NJ 07822
Westwood Home For The Holidays – December 6
Get ready for the holiday season with the return of Westwood’s beloved Home For The Holidays celebration, which features a parade, live music, and tree lighting.
Downtown Westwood
Christmas At The Fortunoff Backyard Store – December 6 and 7
Christmas at Fortunoff Backyard Store’s Santa photo opportunities take place on Saturday, December 6, from 11 AM-3:30 PM at their Paramus location and on Sunday, December 7, from 11 AM-3:30 PM at their Totowa location. Families with children and pets are welcome for a complimentary photo with Santa and to join in on the festivities.
141 Route 17 South, Paramus, NJ 07652
545 US Highway 46, Totowa, NJ 07512
Central Jersey
SEAcret Santa, Sea of Lights Indoor Holiday Lights Spectacular, and Diving Santa – November 29 through December, select dates
Start the holiday season with Santa at the Jenkinson’s South Arcade on November 29 and December 6. Then, enjoy the season with an actual diving Santa Claus. The Sea of Lights Indoor Holiday Lights Spectacular includes treats, crafts, pictures with Santa, games, and entertainment.
300 Ocean Avenue, Point Pleasant Beach, NJ 08742
Magical Experiences – select dates in November and December
Meet a true-to-life Santa Claus in a realistic and whimsical setting for 25 minutes of private, uninterrupted time, where your kids will sit down for a professional photography session featuring their visit with Santa in his living room, kitchen, and by the fireplace.
614 Main Street, Toms River, NJ 08753
Santa Claus is Coming to MarketFair – November 22 to December 24
Grab the little ones and meet Saint Nick at MarketFair. Santa arrives at 10:30 on November 22 with his Brass Band, Mrs. Claus, and Grinchy, along with gingerbread crafts, a gingerbread inflatable obstacle course, face painting, and lots of entertainment throughout the day.
MarketFair, 3535 US Highway 1, Princeton, NJ 08540
U-Pick Tulips: Winter Wonderland at Holland Ridge Farms – November 21 – January 4
In the 200-year-old farmhouse at Holland Ridge during their Winter Wonderland event, you can see the man in the red suit from November 28-December 23. At Santa’s Workshop, you can visit and take photos with Santa, decorate a craft, and receive a special gift.
108 Rues Road, Cream Ridge, NJ 08514
Santa at The Quaker Bridge Mall – November 21 – December 24
Santa arrives on November 21. Look out for Caring Santa days and book your Santa experience photos in advance to secure your spot.
3320 US-1, Lawrenceville, NJ 08648
Santa Brunch Cruise in NYC Harbor – December 7, 13, 20, and 21
Travel through the New York Harbor with the family and take in the gorgeous city skyline. Santa and Mr. Claus will be on board after brunch, along with games, activities, and balloon art.
Seastreak Ferry, 326 Shore Drive, Highlands, NJ 07732
Holiday Wonderland and Christmas Market – December 13
Stop by this lively festival with vendors, entertainment, shopping, and plenty of opportunities to take a family photo with Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Heritage Park, 49 West Bay Avenue, Manahawkin, NJ 08050
The arrival of Santa Claus is exciting for all ages. Photo Credit: istock/manonallard
South Jersey
Santa’s Hideaway Adventure at Ocean Resort – November 6 – December 24
Take an adventure that transports you from the Atlantic City Boardwalk to the North Pole, where you’ll find Santa’s Secret Hideaway. Meet the man himself after exiting this magical elevator experience. Then, stay overnight in one of their special holiday hotel rooms to keep the magic going.
500 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, NJ 08401
Santa And Special Days at the Cherry Hill Mall – November 7 – December 24
Santa is coming to town with some fun events. Stop by for Family Pet Photos with Santa on select dates. Make sure to check ahead for dates and times.
Suite 514, 2000 Route 38, Cherry Hill, NJ 08002
Santa Photos at Cumberland Mall – Santa’s arrival on November 14
Capture the magic of the holidays through your little ones’ eyes with a photo with Santa. Dress up for Santa’s Arrival on November 14.
Cumberland Mall, 3849 S. Delsea Drive, Vineland, NJ 08360
DiDonato’s Magical Holiday Express – November 15 – December 23, select dates
Have your crew ride aboard a train through millions of Christmas lights and then do a meet and greet with Santa and his elves in his workshop. Don’t miss the Holiday Movie tent, taking a photo with your favorite snowman, and the Toy Market and Walk-through Holiday Village.
1151 South White Horse Pike, Hammonton, NJ 08037
Visit with Santa at Johnson’s Corner Farm – November 21 – December 23
Get ready to snap a ton of photos with Santa Claus at this event, which features their famous Light Show on the Lake. Take a lighted hayride, decorate a cookie, or roast a s’more on an open fire.
Johnson’s Corner Farm, 133 Church Road, Medford, NJ 08055
Collingswood Holiday Events – November 22 – December 21
Spend the season celebrating, starting with a Handmade Holiday market on November 22 and a tree lighting, visit with Santa, and live ice carving on November 28. Make sure you get your list to Santa (he’ll be around every weekend) and spend several nights of December watching live performances, listening to live music, and strolling along the sidewalk, admiring the festive lights.
Collingswood, NJ 08108
Avalon’s Thanksgiving Weekend – November 28 – 29
Kick off the holiday season in Avalon with a whole weekend of activities. On Friday, there will be a 5K run and a 1.5-mile walk. On November 29, don’t miss Snowfest Saturday, a free family fun event with bounce houses, obstacle courses, slides, trampolines, a rock wall, ice sculpting, and carnival rides. Santa will be in his sleigh at 21st & Dune Drive for family photos, but you must get in line by 3:30 PM.
Avalon, NJ 08202
Santa’s Tree Lighting Ceremony at Cape May County Zoo – November 29
Can you keep a secret? Rumor has it that the zebras at the Cape May County Zoo brought Rudolph and his crew in through the back gates. See for yourself, and while you’re there, take your photo with the jolly man in the big red suit. The celebration will include live holiday music by the John Walter Cape Community Band, Bounce houses, a Wild Lights walk-through, character appearances, an ice sculpture demonstration, treats for all, and a dazzling drone show.
Cape May County Park & Zoo, 707 US 9 North, Cape May Court House, NJ 08210
Breakfast with Santa at the Inn of Cape May – November 29 – December 20, select dates
Share a delicious breakfast with family and friends and welcome special guest Santa Claus as he visits the Inn of Cape May and stops at each table to greet guests on select dates leading up to Christmas.
7 Ocean Street, Cape May, NJ 08204
Breakfast with Santa at Congress Hall – November 29 – December 24, Saturdays and Sundays
Breakfast with Santa returns to Congress Hall when this holiday family favorite starts after Thanksgiving in the Grand Ballroom. Kids and adults will love the delicious breakfast buffet, and don’t forget to dress up in your holiday best for photos with Saint Nick by the poinsettia tree.
Congress Hall, 200 Congress Place, Cape May County, NJ 08204
Winterfest Market in Haddonfield – December 6
The shopping season is here. Shop in the outdoor market, listen to holiday music, and let the kids explore the different holiday activities. Children will also get a chance to give their list to Santa and take a photo.
51 Haddon Avenue, Haddon Township, NJ 08108
Noyes Holiday Market and Gingerbread Village – December 6 – 7
Holiday shopping, food, handcrafted and vintage goods, and more. Throughout the event, there will be live music, arts and crafts activities for children and adults, pictures with Santa, and shopping from local artists and makers.
The Noyes Arts Garage of Stockton University, 2200 Fairmount Avenue, Atlantic City, NJ 08401
Want the inside scoop? Sign up for the NJMOM bi-weekly newsletter to get the lowdown on everything for your family in NJ (think of it as the ultimate cheat sheet for NJ Moms). And don’t forget to tag your photos #NJMOM and @njmom for a chance to be featured.
