Santa Claus Around the NJ Area

Ho Ho Ho! Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! Where’s Santa? Have you seen a jolly gentleman dressed in red with a white beard and carrying presents? Is he at the mall, a farm, zoo, theme park, or Winterfest? Where oh where can he be? Do not despair, Santa’s reindeers are equipped with nature’s own GPS system so Santa always know where to go.  Please confirm dates and times as they are subject to Santa’s hectic schedule. 

Here are In-Person Santa Claus events

Dickens Village Holiday Celebration

Ricalton Square Maplewood
973.762.4556
Dec 4th–Dec 18th Sat 10:30AM-5PM
This community tradition opens in December and runs each Saturday until Christmas. The festivities typically include horse and wagon rides, a petting farm, story time, crafts, carolers, tree lighting, visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus, and a Menorah lighting. https://maplewoodvillagenj.com/calendar

Holiday Market in the Park

29 Hopatchung Rd. Hopatcong
Dec 4th
Shopping, food and fun from 3PM to 8PM with vendors, crafters, and artists in Modick Park. The Tree Lighting, Santa Visit, and Giveaway for Kids will be from 6PM to 8PM. https://www.farmtoartfun.com/#/

North Pole at North Park Place

14 Maple Avenue, Suite 201 Morristown

973.455.1133
Starts Nov 28th
The Christmas Festival at the Morristown Green is back again! Decked out in holiday finery, the Morristown Green will become a wonderland of nostalgia during the month-long festival.
· Visits and photos with Santa
· Holiday crafts
· Ice sculpture demonstrations
· Vintage-style rocking horse
· Rides on a miniature train https://www.morristown-nj.org/christmasfestival2021/

Short Hills Mall - Santa’s Flight Academy

1200 Morris Tpke Short Hills
973.376.7350
Nov 12th-Dec 24th
Capture the magic of the season at Santa's Flight Academy. After a visit with Santa, children will be transformed into elite cadets in order to join Santa’s flight crew. After being fitted for a virtual flight suit, they will help Santa prepare his sleigh to deliver presents around the world by navigating Santa’s flight course and powering his sleigh before takeoff. The experience culminates inside Santa’s 22-foot tall sleigh with magical snowfall. https://shopshorthills.com/events/the-mall-at-short-hills-santa-s-flight-academy?id=23716

Santa Express Train Ride

Stangl Road & State Route 12, Flemington
908.782.6622
Nov 20th-Dec 19th
Don't miss the Santa Express, one of BR&W's most popular annual events! This year's event is heavily modified from previous years, so that everyone has the opportunity to visit Santa and stay safe!
· Meet Santa & Mrs. Claus
· Train ride from Flemington to "North Pole Station"
· Silver Bell & Gold Souvenir Ticket for kids
· Santa’s Sleigh Photo Op.
· Christmas Tree Photo Op. https://www.blackriverrailroad.com/

Photo Ops with Santa and His Helping Horses

79 Old Clinton Rd. Flemington
609.924.4330
Nov 21st 11AM-3PM
Team Velvet, Inc. will hold a fall fundraiser to support its mission of providing non-mounted equine therapy for helping children overcome trauma. Families will have a special opportunity to have a family holiday photo taken with Santa and his Christmas horses at Journey’s End horse farm https://www.teamvelvet.com/

Christmas Village Skylands Stadium

Skylands Stadium Championship Place, Augusta
973.383.7644
Nov 24th-Jan 9th
Admission to the Christmas Village is FREE. Rides, Games, Food & Santa Photos are additional costs.
· Ride the Ferris Wheel & Carousel
· Skate the Rink
· Take a Photo with Santa
· Live Music and a Beer Garden! http://skylandsstadium.com/lightshow/

Northlandz Santa Claus Holiday Train

495 U.S. 202 Flemington
908.782.4022
Come enjoy a beautiful scenic ride, and during their Holiday Train Santa makes it so much fun! They will have hot chocolate and cookies to keep you warm too! They will also have music, beautifully decorated Christmas trees, decorated trains, lights, Holiday Glitter and lights galore! https://northlandz.com/events/santa

Christmas in Raritan

Downtown Raritan
Dec 11th 1PM-6PM
Join the Raritan Economic Development Committee for the first ever Christmas in Raritan NJ!
· Shop Crafters & Vendors
· Adult Beverages
· Pictures taken on Santa’s Sleigh
· Visit Santa
· Food Trucks
· Tree Lighting Event: St. Ann’s at 4:30PM https://makeraritanyours.com/events/

Rockaway Townsquare Mall Caring Santa
301 Mt. Hope Ave Rockaway
Dec 12th
Come out to the Rockaway Townsquare Mall for a private photo experience for children with special needs and their families. Children will have the opportunity to visit with Santa and have their photo taken with him. Santa will be located in Macy’s Court. https://rockawaytownsquarecaringsantaphoto.splashthat.com/. 

Santa In-Person - Central New Jersey

Allaire Historic Village Christmas

4263 Atlantic Avenue Farmingdale
732.919.3500
Sun Dec 5th, 12th, 19th 
Sights, sounds, and activities designed to enchant both young and old for Christmas. Be sure to bring your cameras and your holiday cheer along as you forge a new family holiday tradition in the form of a Christmas visit to the Historic Village at Allaire. 
https://www.eventbrite.com/o/the-historic-village-at-allaire-13446907031

Breakfast with Santa at Liberty Hall Museum

1003 Morris Ave. Union
908.527.0400
Dec 19th 
Santa! I know him! Naughty or nice–all are welcome when Liberty Hall hosts Breakfast with Santa! Their hot breakfast buffet and games will fill you with Christmas cheer and put you in the holiday spirit. Then take a photo with the jolly old man himself in Santa’s sleigh. Reservations required. Space is limited.
https://libertyhall.kean.edu/events-and-performances/breakfast-with-santa-6/

Photos w/ Santa Freehold Raceway Mall

3710 U.S. 9 Freehold
732.577.1144
Starts Nov 12th 
The magic of the holiday season comes alive with a visit to Santa’s winter wonderland. Santa will be at the Freehold Raceway Mall starting November 12th and is located at the Lower Level, Zara Court. A visit with Santa is always free and photo packages are available for purchase. https://www.freeholdracewaymall.com/santaphotos

Sunday Brunch with Santa at American Hotel

18 E Main St. Freehold
732.333.0094
Sundays Dec 5th-Dec 19th
Bring your “wish” list and your appetite to The American Hotel’s famous Sunday Brunch with Santa! Enjoy their brunch specialties and grab a photo with Santa!
https://downtownfreehold.com/things-to-do/holiday/

Palmer Square Tree Lighting

40 Nassau Street Princeton
609.921.2333
Nov 26th
Bring the family to the annual Tree Lighting featuring traditional musical performances from Palmer Square’s community partners and a whole lot of holiday family fun! Santa will once again use his magic to kick off the holiday season and help light the tree!
https://www.palmersquare.com/event/palmer-square-tree-lighting-2021/

Johnson’s Corner Farm

133 Church Rd. Medford
609.654.8643
Starts Nov 26th
Santa is looking forward to seeing all the children again this year. He will be sitting on his Red tractor and greeting all of the children from a safe distance. Sorry you will not be able to sit on Santa’s lap. Check out the other holiday activities such as their Christmas Light Show Hayride, S’mores on the open fire, and Christmas cookie decorating!
https://www.johnsonsfarm.com/family-activities/holiday-activities/

Maple Leaf Farm Christmas Wonderland

525 Route 9 South Manalapan
732. 851.4400
Nov 26th-Nov 28th 
Beautiful open-air Christmas Wonderland! This walkthrough features vintage figures from the 1950s-70s. Numerous different scenes that change every year, from the traditional Nativity Scene to new-age, like Olaf and Anna....Perfect for ALL ages! Oh and don’t forget to say hello to Santa!
https://www.facebook.com/christmaswonderlands

MarketFair Santa Arrival

3535 US Highway 1 Princeton
609.452.7777
Nov 26th 
Celebrate Santa's Arrival as his helpers and musicians prepare for his Grand Entrance to MarketFair!  Interactive Holiday Shows, Arts & Crafts, Balloon Sculpting, Mrs. Claus Storytime, and Giveaways for the first 150 registrants!
https://marketfairshoppes.com/event/Santa-Arrival-Event/2145555839/

Menlo Mall Santa Photo Experience

55 Parsonage Rd. Edison 
732.494.6255
Nov 12th-Dec 24th (Check Times on Website)
Tis the season for photos with Santa! The ultimate holiday tradition is back, photos with Santa! Meet Santa and tell him what your Christmas wish is for 2021! 
https://www.simon.com/mall/menlo-park-mall/stores/santa-photo-experience

Santa at Bridgewater Commons

400 Commons Way Bridgewater
908.218.1166
Nov 13th-Dec 24th 
Santa is back! Located in Center Court on the Lower Level, Santa at the Commons, presented by RWJ Barnabas Health, welcomes families for safe, socially distanced visits and photos via a reimagined walk-though experience.
https://www.bridgewatercommons.com/santa/

Santa In-Person Southern New Jersey

Bass Pro Shops - Santa’s Wonderland

30 N Christopher Columbus Blvd. Atlantic City
609.449.4500
Nov 6th-Dec 24th 
Experience the magic of Christmas at Santa’s Wonderland at your local Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s! Meet Santa and tell him what you wish for this Christmas! Make your FREE reservation today!
https://www.basspro.com/shop/en/santas-wonderland?storeID=65

Santa at Cumberland Mall

3849 S. Delsea Drive Vineland
856.825.9507
Through Dec
Make a reservation to visit Santa at the Cumberland Mall. Tell Santa what you would like for Christmas and take some memorable photos with him. Also don’t forget to bring your Pet for Photos with Santa on Mondays!
https://vipholidayphotos.com/MakeReservation.aspx

Santa at Deptford Mall

1750 Deptford Center Road Deptford
856.848.8100
Starts Nov 12th 
The magic of the holiday season comes alive with a visit to Santa’s winter wonderland. Santa will be at Deptford Mall starting November 12th and is located at Center Court, Near Macy's. A visit with Santa is always free and photo packages are available for purchase.
https://www.deptfordmall.com/santaphotos

Diggerland’s Winter Festival

100 Pinedge Drive West Berlin
856.768.1110
Nov 13th-Dec
Santa is really busy leading up to the holidays, but each weekend in November he’s making a special stop at Diggerland USA from 1:30 – 3:30 PM so you can get photos INCLUDED WITH REGULAR ADMISSION! Santa will ride in during Diggerland’s famous Parade of Machines.
https://www.diggerlandusa.com/winter-festival/

Santa Express Train Ride

1 Mill Rd. Tuckahoe
856.263.2675
Starts Nov 20th 
The Santa Express operates every weekend from the Saturday before Thanksgiving until Christmas. Join Santa on a 75 minute trip departing from either Richland Village or Tuckahoe Village. Tell Santa what you want for Christmas and get a photo together!
https://the-santa-express.com/

Six Flags Holiday in the Park

1 Six Flags Blvd, Jackson Township
732.928.2000
Nov 13th-Jan 2nd 
Holiday in the Park is back! Tis the season for glittering lights, delicious snacks, and a festive spin on your favorite rides. Plan your visit today!
https://www.sixflags.com/greatadventure/events/holiday-in-the-park

Christmas Fantasy with Lights

6415 East Black Horse Pike, Egg Harbor
609.646.0103
Nov 15th-Dec 30th
Watch as Santa Claus appears in his chimney, waves his magic wand, and lights Storybook Land with over 1 million lights!
• All Rides & Snack Bar Open
• Bring Unwrapped Toy for Toys for Tots and receive FREE small popcorn!
https://storybookland.com/fallchristmas.html

Magical Holiday Express at DiDonato's

1151 South White Horse Pike, Hammonton
609.561.3040
Nov 15th-Dec 29th 

All Aboard DiDonato's Magical Holiday Express!

Train ride
Meet & Greet with Santa & his elves in his Workshop 
Stories, photos, & chats with Mrs. Claus
Present from Santa
Holiday Movie tent with favorite snowman
Cookies to enjoy
Walkthrough Holiday Village
Toy Market 
FREE Photo Ops
http://didonatofuncenter.com/train-rides/

Holiday Weekends in December Historic Smithville

615 East Moss Mill Road Galloway
Dec 3rd-Dec 31st 
When you get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the holidays, plan a day at Smithville to slow it down, enjoy your family and be reminded of the simpler pleasures of the holidays. Smithville in December is just what your holidays need! All different events throughout December!

• Magic Talking Tree
• Mrs. Claus Reading Stories to the Children
• Breakfast with Santa at Fred and Ethel’s Lantern Light
• S’mores on the Greene
  https://www.historicsmithville.com/smithville-events/december-smithville/ 

Swimming with Santa at Sahara Sam's

535 North Route 73, West Berlin
Starts Dec 4th
It gets cold in the Polar North, so you can expect to find Santa swimming in the warm tropical oasis every winter at Sahara Sam’s! Starting Saturday, Dec 4th, enjoy a swim with Santa every Saturday and Sunday in December PLUS Friday, Dec 24th on Christmas Eve from 11AM to 2PM! Don’t miss this unique holiday experience, reserve your tickets today! Great for groups, families and individuals!
https://saharasams.com/

Wildwood Family Holiday Celebration

4501 Boardwalk Wildwood
609.729.9000
Dec 11th 
Enjoy a FREE family-friendly event at the Wildwoods Convention Center. At 4:30PM there will be a tree lighting ceremony. Activities Include:
Holiday-Themed Crafters
Movies
Photos with Santa
Choir Performances
Children’s Craft Making Table
Magician
Face Painting
Dance Performances
https://wildwoodsnj.com/event/family-holiday-celebration-2/

Virtual Santa Experiences

Santa “Ed” Taylor - Virtual Visits

424.343.9555
Nov-Jan
Santa will Zoom, Skype, FaceTime or use most any other service to have an amazing ‘Virtual Visit’ with a person of your choice. You give Santa some inside info to add to the magic. A Virtual Visit with Santa Claus is guaranteed to blow anyone away… seriously… Santa right there, in person, from the NORTH POLE… what could be better than that? You select your day and time. 
https://santaed.com/live-video-chat-with-santa/

Visit with Santa Virtually

Nov 19th-Dec 26th 
Awaken the good will and magic of the Christmas spirit in your home with a delightful, heart-to-heart Visit with Santa. No cranky crowds and no long lines waiting for your photo opportunity with the big guy.
https://www.visitwithsanta.com/

Macy's 95th Thanksgiving Day Parade New York

Nov 26th 9AM
Millions of families nationwide are expected to tune in to experience the magic of Macy’s Parade artistry. That’s not all—major celebs, top TV hosts, talented showstoppers & more will make the buzzworthy broadcast feel like one big celebration. Don’t forget to make it till the end to see Santa! Catch the action on NBC! 
https://www.macys.com/social/parade/only-on-nbc/

Zuhoo Virtual Santa Experience

Nov-Dec
At Zuhoo your children can experience the magic of seeing Santa from the safety and comfort of their own home. You can customize your experience for special needs, ASL, a diverse cast, multiple languages, and faith based at no additional cost. The duration of the virtual meeting with Santa is 10-15 minutes. 
https://www.zuhoo.com/#top
Virtual Santa
Available All Year
Santa will be scheduling Virtual Visits for the coming Christmas 2021 season. This means you can visit with Santa, live from the ‘North Pole’, from the comfort of your home. Santa can even attend a virtual event that you are hosting. Santa can wear various outfits to match your event. Chef’s costume, Hawaiian shirt and several other outfits are available.
https://santa01.com/virtual-santa/

Virtual Santa Party

Dec 4th 
Stone Soup Group is hosting the Virtual Santa Party again this year! Their mission is to keep you safe by bringing the North Pole to you. At the end of the event, a video of your experience with Santa will be sent to you to keep as a special memory. Every child that is registered will receive a gift sent to you from Santa’s Elves. 
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/virtual-santa-party-2021-tickets-206146819687