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Pictures with Santa in New Jersey

Step into Santa's Wonderland at Bass Pro Shops in Atlantic City for Christmas pictures. Photo courtesy of the venue
Step into Santa's Wonderland at Bass Pro Shops in Atlantic City for Christmas pictures. Photo courtesy of the venue
12/3/24 - By Laurie Rein

There's no shortage of opportunities for your little elves to pose for pictures with Santa in New Jersey when the big guy comes to town this Christmas. We've rounded up our favorites, and there are events all over the state listed below for you to snag that photo op. 

For even more seasonal activities, check out our Holiday and Christmas Activities Guide for NJ Kids, where we highlight our favorite places to have breakfast with Santa and plenty more holiday must-do's for New Jersey kids.

As always, if an event piques your interest, click through to our listing for all the details, including addresses, times, and recommended ages. And keep in mind: Really cool things to do with kids often book up quickly, so register or buy your tickets ASAP.

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OUR LATEST VIDEOS

Where to Take Pictures With Santa at New Jersey Malls and Shops

Santa Pictures at Willbrook Mall

Wayne
Daily through Tuesday, December 24, 2024
St. Nick and his helpers are ready for photos at Willowbrook Mall. Pet photos are available as well. Reservations are encouraged. READ MORE

Photos With Santa at Short Hills Mall

Short Hills
Daily through Tuesday, December 24, 2024
Santa's Flight Academy makes its voyage to The Mall at Short Hills. Guests may climb inside Santa's 22-foot sleigh while posing for photos with Santa. Reservations are highly recommended READ MORE

Freehold Raceway Mall Photos with Santa

Freehold
Daily through Tuesday, December 24, 2024
Winter Wonderland has arrived at Freehold Raceway Mall, and Santa is ready for visitors.  Reservations are recommended. READ MORE

Santa's Wonderland at Bass Pro Shops

Atlantic City–FREE
Daily through Tuesday, December 24, 2024
Bass Pro Shops welcomes visitors to make a holiday shopping trip more fun by adding a Santa visit to your outing. Pose for a free photo with Santa in-store. Reservations must be made online. READ MORE

Santa Photos at Cherry Hill Mall

Cherry Hill
Daily through Tuesday, December 24, 2024
Head to the Grand Court to visit with Santa and share your wish list. Snag a photo before he heads to the North Pole on Christmas Eve. Online reservations are encouraged. READ MORE

Santa at Bridgewater Commons

Bridgewater
Daily through Tuesday, December 24, 2024
Santa makes his way to the big velvet chair at Bridgewater Commons, featuring a walk-through holiday display. Photo packages are available for purchase. See the website for special events, including character meet-and-greets. READ MORE

Westfield Garden State Plaza Santa Photos

Paramus
Mondays through Saturdays through Tuesday, December 24, 2024
Santa's back at Westfield Garden State Plaza and ready for photos. Online reservations are recommended. READ MORE

Santa Claus at MarketFair

Princeton
Daily through Tuesday, December 24, 2024
Santa has arrived at MarketFair and is ready to pose for photos. Reservations are recommended. READ MORE

East Gate Square Photos with Santa

Mt. Laurel Township–FREE
Saturdays through Saturday, December 21, 2024
Santa is coming to town at East Gate Square. Come to Santa's workshop, and take a free photo with Santa and his elves. Pets are welcome too.  READ MORE

Pictures with Santa on a Harley

Morris Plains–FREE
Saturday, December 7, Saturday, December 14, and Sunday, December 15, 2024
Pose for a super-cool photo with Santa on a Harley-Davidson. Pets are welcome. Donations of new and unwrapped toys support local families in need. READ MORE
Get a photo with Santa and Mrs. Claus at the Black River & Western Railroad Santa Express. Photo courtesy of the the Black River Railroad Historical Trust
Get a photo with Santa and Mrs. Claus at the Black River & Western Railroad Santa Express. Photo courtesy of the the Black River Railroad Historical Trust

Santa Pictures at NJ Christmas Events in 2024

2024 Asbury Park Holiday Bazaar

Asbury Park–FREE
Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays through Sunday, December 22, 2024
Get in the holiday spirit at this festive and fun filled 2024 Holiday Bazaar in Asbury Park. The Bazaar is inspired by the traditional “Weihnachtsmarkts" holiday markets held in Germany and showcases handcrafted goods and unique holiday gifts. READ MORE

TD Bank Tree Lighting and Winter Festival

Mount Laurel–FREE
Friday, December 6, 2024
Join TD Bank for the magic of the holiday season at its 35th annual Tree Lighting and Winter Festival. New location, same great event includes free photos with Santa, holiday crafts, tasty treats, festive photo ops, DJ, games, prizes, and more. READ MORE

Hometown Holiday in Washington Borough

Washington–FREE
Friday, December 6, 2024
Hometown Holiday returns to Downtown Washington, kicking off the holiday season. The family fun-filled evening features the annual borough tree lighting, Santa and Mrs. Claus arriving on the fire truck, DJ music, free horse and carriage rides, vendors, selfies with Santa and gifts for every child. READ MORE

Toms River Winter Wonderland Weekend

Toms River–FREE
Friday, December 6-Saturday, December 7, 2024
Toms River hosts a weekend of fun to ring in the holiday season. A tree lighting kicks off the weekend and Santa arrives for photo-ops. Shop the Winter Village all weekend long for wares from local vendors, plus enjoy children's activities and music. READ MORE

Willows Wonderland at Fosterfields

Morristown
Saturday, December 7-Sunday, December 8, 2024
Take a wagon ride around Fosterfields Living Historical Farm and tour The Willows, a mansion built in 1854. Rooms are decorated for Christmas in different decades of the 19th & 20th centuries. READ MORE

Fanwood's Famous Christmas House

Fanwood–FREE
Saturday, December 7, 2024
Stroll by Fanwood's Famous Christmas House, which boasts a spectacular 30,000-light display. Monetary donations are accepted to support the NJ Institute for Disabilities.  READ MORE

Photos with Santa at South Arcade

Point Pleasant–FREE
Saturday, December 7, 2024
Jenkinson's South Arcade plays host to Santa Claus—and good little girls and boys who want to stop by and share their wish lists. Snap a free photo with the man in red and score half-price arcade play with a playcard. READ MORE

Sea of Lights at Jenkinson's

Point Pleasant
Saturdays, December 7-21, and Sunday, December 22, 2024
Head down to the boardwalk this Christmas season during Jenkinson’s Sea of Lights. This indoor, holiday lights spectacular takes place inside Jenkinson’s Aquarium. Don't miss character visits, treats, entertainment, Santa photos, and diving Santa. READ MORE

Strolling Santa Claus in Chester

Chester–FREE
Saturdays, December 14-21, 2024
Catch Santa strolling along Main Street on weekend afternoons. Feel free to take "Santa Selfies." READ MORE

Wildwood Family Holiday Celebration & Tree Lighting Ceremony

Wildwood–FREE
Saturday, December 14, 2024
Enjoy a family-friendly event at the Wildwoods Convention Center featuring free admission to holiday-themed crafters and movies, photos with Santa, choir performances, a children’s craft-making table, a magician, face painting, dance performances, storytime with Mrs. Claus, and more. READ MORE

Flounder's Annual Kringle Market

Hillsborough
Saturdays and Sundays from Saturday, December 14-Sunday, December 22, 2024
Flounder's Kringle Market is back at the picturesque Carriage Farm, featuring hand-picked artisans with the finest crafts. Savor the delightful sounds of Flounder's Brass Band playing nostalgic classics. Mr. & Mrs. Claus stroll through the market before heading to the brewhouse for free pictures. READ MORE

Black River & Western Railroad North Pole Express

Flemington
Select dates through Saturday, December 28, 2024
Climb aboard the Polar Express for a visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus, cookies and hot cocoa, a photo booth, sleigh bells for the kids, photo-ops, and more. New this year are photo-ops with Santa's giant mailbox. READ MORE

Places featured in this article:

Grand Arcade and Convention Hall
Fosterfields Living Historical Farm
Fanwood's Famous Christmas House

About the Author

Laurie Rein
Laurie Rein is passionate about finding fun (especially free!) activities for her twin daughters. Before joining Mommy Poppins New Jersey, Laurie worked in the television industry, with roles as an NBC page, copywriter, affiliate liaison for The Rosie O'Donnell Show, and research manager for CBS.
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