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Where and How to Get Unique Santa Pictures in New Jersey

Ho ho ho! If you are looking to get great Santa pictures in New Jersey, have we got a listing for you.

The photo of the kids on Santa’s lap – it’s almost a parental requirement right? Maybe your kids just can’t wait to tell him their list, maybe they won’t go within 10 feet of him. What’s for sure is you’re going to see Santa in LOTS of places this season.

We’ve compiled this list of places to get Santa pictures in New Jersey so that this year you can keep with the traditional or go for the unique. There are so many fun ideas for local Santa photos from donut shops to airplanes. Keep reading and mark your calendar and of course, don’t forget your list!

To have your New Jersey Christmas events with Santa or Santa events advertised on this listing, please visit our event submission form.

Where and How to Get Unique Santa Pictures in New Jersey

Want a different kind of experience when you take your Santa photos in New Jersey this year? Try these locations offering unique Santa pictures in New Jersey.

We’re currently updating this for Christmas 2023. Save this and check back often for updates.

The majority of those NJ locations will offer photos with Santa this year 2023, but we are confirming the details.

To view opportunities for Santa photos in New Jersey by date please scroll to almost the end of this guide where we present the events all together in a calendar listing.

Get Unique Santa Photos in New Jersey at these local businesses

Find a unique Santa

We know it can be hard to find a Black Santa or a Santa sensitive to the needs of a child with emotional, physical, or social challenges. Here’s what we’ve located so far.

Black Santas in New Jersey

  • Selfies with Santa is hosting Christmas Pictures with Black Santa in Berlin and other areas in South Jersey. The dates are December 2, 9, and 19, 2023. Learn more in our Christmas Pictures with Black Santa in Berlin event listing.
  • Black Santa’s Workshop in West Orange is offering several events and photo sessions where children can meet with a Black Santa including a Breakfast with Santa. (still awaiting 2023 updates)
  • The Sistah Shop New Jersey is hosting Photos with Black Santa in Elizabeth on December 16th and 17th for 2023. Buy your tickets here.
black Santa berlin nj

Caring Sensitive Santas in New Jersey

For more information about any of these Santas please visit the lower section of this guide where we discuss Santas at New Jersey malls and shopping centers.

  • Caring Santa is available by appointment at Rockaway Townsquare. Reserve your tickets here.
  • Sensory-Friendly Santa Visits at Woodbridge Center – December 10, 2023 from 9 – 11 am. Reservations are required. Reserve your spot here.
  • Santa Cares Day is on December 3, 2023 at most locations. These are sensory-friendly photo times for children with special needs before the mall opens. These locations are participating and highly recommend guests reserve times in advance. Find a location near you by following this link. Some locations/days/times are listed below.
    • Willowbrook Mall currently no times are available
    • The Mall at Short Hills currently no times are available
    • Quakerbridge Mall currently no times are available
    • Brunswick Square Mall currently no times are available
    • Menlo Park Mall currently no times are available
    • Freehold Raceway Mall currently no times are available
    • Hamilton Mall not participating.
    • Deptford Mall currently no times are available
    • Ocean County Mall currently no times are available

Go to Santa Claus’ home.

Is that even possible? Can we take our kids to visit Santa’s residence without leaving New Jersey? Apparently, we can! Check out these New Jersey towns that have transformed their parks into the North Pole or Toy Workshop for Santa pictures.

Santa’s Viking Christmas Village in Barnegat Light

A visit to Barnegat Light’s Historic Viking Village will take you back in time to the early days of a quaint fishing village. Visit at Christmastime for a fun day for the family!

Christmas Visit with Santa at Toy Land in Jackson Township

It’s a winter wonderland where children are invited to visit with Santa! It’s happening in December at the Jackson Township Senior Center.

Christmas Visit with Santa in Jefferson Township

Come see how the Jefferson Township Parks Crew has transformed Camp Jefferson into the North Pole and have a visit with Santa, Mrs. Claus and Rudolph. Admission is free.

More Winter Wonderlands with Santa 2023

Here are a few more Christmas wonderlands in New Jersey that Santa will visit this year. Some will last multiple days or weekends and some will just last one or two days. Click on the event title for our event listing with more details.

See Santa Fly!

Have your kids ever wanted to see Santa Claus fly? Across New Jersey, Santa visits airports and museums flying in not with his sleigh, but in helicopters and airplanes. Take a look at where you can go in New Jersey for these unique Santa pictures.

Visit with Santa at the Farm

Are there farms at the North Pole? Maybe that’s where the magical Christmas trees grow? Well, the North Pole has nothing on these New Jersey farms that will host Santa in 2023.

  • Santa will be visiting Alstede Farms on most Saturdays and Sundays in December 2023. Purchase tickets for Brunch with Santa on their website.
  • Visit with Santa for free at Johnson’s Corner Farm throughout the month of December. Visit the website to see times. Tickets can also be purchased online for their light show hayride and other seasonal activities. Our family has visited multiple times and we enjoy seeing the lights on the lake, the bonfire and the hayrides decked out with lights.
  • Get close to some cute alpacas while you also get a visit for Santa at the Morning Glori Farmette. Tickets are $50 for a family session with Santa and for an additional charge professional shots will be taken and lightly edited by their photographer. Events are December 9th and 16th, 2023.

Santa of course wants to check in on the Christmas tree farms, and he’ll be at the following:

  • Santa is coming to the Lazy Susan Tree Farm in Robbinsville on Saturday, November 26, 2022, from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm! The Lazy Susan Tree Farm will not be open for the 2023 season. They anticipate reopening for the 2024 season.

Santa Visits the Zoo

Farm animals aren’t the only animals to get attention from Santa Claus. Santa loves to visit New Jersey zoos too.

  • The Turtle Back Zoo has a Holiday Lights Spectacular. It is free. The lights are on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from December 1st – 3rd. Then they are available nightly from December 8th-23rd 2023 (closed December 24th and 25th). There are Meet and Greets with Santa on select dates. It is free and there are optional professional photos to purchase.
  • Santa meet and greets are from 5 pm – 8:30 pm.
    • Fridays, Saturdays, & Sundays
      • November 17 – 19
      • November 24 – 26
      • December 1 – 3
      • December 8 – 10
    • Nightly: December 15 – 23

More chances for Santa photos in the Great Outdoors of New Jersey!

From the farms to the parks, from the beaches to the boardwalks. Santa loves being outdoors!

Santa Photos at the Jersey Shore 2023

  • Christmas Festival in Point Pleasant Beach – Join Point Pleasant Beach in celebrating the holidays with a variety of live entertainment, cozy winter snacks, reindeer rides, Santa, and so much more to enjoy with friends and family!
  • Snowfest Saturday in Avalon – Snowfest Saturday returns to Avalon after a hiatus. Santa Claus himself will be on hand for photos with the youngsters, and families can enjoy bounce houses, carnival rides, obstacle courses, and more!

Santa Photos in Nature 2023

Ride Santa Ride 2023

  • PATCO’s Santa’s Silver Sleigh is a fun ride on December 2, 2023. The train is decorated, Santa visits all the riders and you end up in Philadelphia where there is SO much Christmas fun to be had! Find out more in our calendar event.
  • On December 2, 2023 take a Christmas Trolley Ride with Santa in West Orange. Guests can enjoy a guided trolley tour with Mayor Parisi and Township Officials through the Historic Downtown.
Santa on a Harley
Williams Harley Davidson offers a unique Santa photo.

Skate with Santa

Santa lives at the North Pole so of course, he knows how to ice skate! He can roller skate too. He’s got to work off all those cookies, right? In New Jersey, last December kids could not only get Santa photos but they could also skate with Santa. Many New Jersey skating rinks hosted Santa Claus for a visit during the holiday season, so far we have not been able to confirm Santa will be skating for 2023.

  • Santa’s skating (and bumping) in Ocean County too! On December 14 strap on some skates or rent a bumper car at Ocean Ice Palace in Brick and do some figure 8s with Santa, Mrs. Claus, and more.
  • Skate with Santa at IceLand, Saturday, December 10, 2023! Public Skating is from 2:30 – 4:00 pm. Tickets are for sale at $13 per person plus skate rental. Take your own photos with Santa on the ice.
  • On December 10, 2022, skateboard with Santa at 1st Street Skate Park in Bayonne. Learn more in our Skateboard and Bike with Santa in Bayonne event listing.
Santa visits Warinanco ice skating rink.
Santa visits Warinanco ice skating rink

Santa Visits a Winery

On cold days a visit with Santa indoors may sound like a nice idea. These wineries offer some indoor visit opportunities with Santa and they both have food options for purchase there as well. 

  • The Renault Winery Resort has a Christmas storytime with Santa and fresh baked cookies from the in house pastry chef. There will be an opportunity for pictures with Santa afterwards.  

Santa Visits Kid Play Areas

For younger kids, a great way to get some great Santa photos is to combine them with a visit to a play space. 

  • Santa will visit Peek a Boo Playground in Medford for a Santa Meet and Greet on December 6, 2023. Register on their website for this. 

Craft with Santa

More details coming soon on additional opportunities to create and craft with Santa.

Pajama Parties with Santa

Sometimes you just need a pajama day. Santa does too. Check out these pajama parties with Santa in New Jersey.

Swim with Santa

Swim with Santa in Millville

Santa won’t just be at the beach, he’ll be taking a swim at some community pools too. The City of Millville and the Holly City Family Center have secured a spot with Santa during his busiest time of the year to go swimming with families!

Santa on Horses 2023

Kids love Santa! Kids love horses! Frenchtown Riding Club is putting both together for Christmas Photos with Santa and the Horses in Frenchtown. In addition to pictures with Santa and the horses, there will be sweet treats and holiday music.

Play Ball with Santa

A few more unique ways and places to hang with Santa for photos in New Jersey

  • Looking for a more outdoorsy experience? If you haven’t visited the Atlantic City Bass Pro Shop’s Santa Wonderland this is a great time for a visit.  Santa will be there until December 24, 2023. Reservations are strongly encouraged. Check for the Atlantic City Bass Pro Shop Santa schedule.

5 Traditional Places to Get Great Santa Pictures in New Jersey

Stop while you shop for Santa Claus photos at these New Jersey Malls and Shopping Centers

It’s the classic way to get your wish to the North Pole, right? You’re shopping for presents and there’s the big guy, sitting there waiting to listen. Mall Santas today are very different from the past, with walk through adventures and reservations, but the feeling your kids will get is the same one that you did when you whispered your list to him. Check out special hours for children with autism, pets, and fun clothing themes.

North Jersey malls and shopping centers that offer Santa photos

Bergen County Malls with Santa Photos

  • The Shops at Riverside – The Shops at Riverside Santa is available daily, through December 23, 2023, except Sundays.
    • Santa arrived at The Shops at Riverside on November 17, 2023.
  • Paramus Park Mall – The Paramus Park Mall Santa is available daily. Reservations are encouraged.
    • Santa has already arrived at the Paramus Park Mall for the 2023 Christmas season. He will be there through Christmas Eve, December 24.
    • Santa Paws Dog Photo Nights: Tuesdays, 4 – 7 pm through to Tuesday, December 5, 2023.
  • Westfield Garden State Plaza – Reservations are recommended to skip the line. Santa is available 11 am – 7 pm daily, November 10 to December 23, 2023, except Sundays.
    • Santa has already arrived at the Garden State Plaza.
    • Santa Paws Dog Photo Nights: These are from 4 to 7 pm on Mondays: November 20, 27, December 4 & 11 2023.
  • Bergen Town Center – Visit with Santa to take a holiday photo and tell him all your wishes! He’ll be there daily (EXCEPT Sundays) till December 23, 2023.
    • Santa arrived at Bergen Town Center on November 18, 2023.
    • Santa Paws Dog Photo Nights: Mondays.
Santa Command Center at Santa HQ locations
Santa Command Center at Santa HQ locations

Essex County Malls with Santa Photos

  • Livingston Mall – The Livingston Mall’s Santa is available daily for 2023. Reservations are required. Hours vary and can be seen on the website.
    • Santa arrives at Livingston Mall on November 24, 2023.
  • The Mall at Short Hills  – Santa’s Flight Academy 2023 is open daily during select mall hours. Registration is recommended. The one-of-a-kind, immersive Santa photo experience enables children to dance in Santa’s magic mirror, turn into elite cadets to help Santa power his sleigh, chart his course for delivering presents to children around the world and, new this year, see themselves drive the sleigh as the presents are delivered. The experience ends with a magical snowfall dance party inside Santa’s sleigh.
    • Santa arrives at The Mall at Short Hills on November 9, 2023.
    • Sensory Santa: There will be a special sensory-friendly Santa experience at Santa’s Flight Academy in Grand Court on Sunday, December 4, 2022 from 9 – 10:30 am. Individuals and their families are invited to a private photo session where extra care is taken to support the sensory, physical, and other developmental needs to make this a magical holiday experience. Lights and music will be turned down to help create a calming environment.
Santa HQ Freehold Raceway Mall

Hudson County Malls with Santa Photos

  • Newport Centre Mall The Newport Centre Mall’s Santa is available daily. Reservations are required.
    • Santa arrives at Newport Centre Mall on November 17, 2023.

Morris County Malls with Santa Photos

  • Rockaway Townsquare – The Rockaway Townsquare Santa is available daily except Thanksgiving. Pre-booking a reservation is encouraged as walk-ups are only if space is available.
    • Santa arrived at Rockaway Townsquare on November 10, 2023.
    • Caring Santa is available by appointment on December 14th, 2022 for private visits from 9 to 10:30 am.

Passaic County Malls with Santa Photos

  • Willowbrook Mall  The Willowbrook Mall Santa is available daily at various hours. Reservations are encouraged.
    • Santa has already arrived at the Willowbrook Mall for the 2023 season. 
    • Santa Paws Dog Photo Nights: Mondays from 4 to 7 pm.
    • Santa Cares Day is on December 4, 2022, from 9 to 10 am. These are sensory-friendly photo times for children with special needs before the mall opens.

Union County Malls with Santa Photos

  • The Mills at Jersey Gardens – The Mills at Jersey Gardens Santa is available daily except Thanksgiving. Reservations are required.
    • Santa arrives at The Mills at Jersey Gardens on November 22, 2023.
Santa photos in New Jersey

Central Jersey malls and shopping centers that offer Santa photos

Mercer County Malls with Santa Photos

  • Quakerbridge Mall – The Quakerbridge Mall Santa is available daily during select mall hours. Reservations are required.
    • Santa arrived at Quakerbridge Mall on November 17, 2023. 
    • Santa Paws Dog Photo Night is on December 10, 2023.
    • Caring Santa is at the mall on December 4, 2022 from 9 to 10:30 am for children with special needs.
  • MarketFair – Make a visit reservation beforehand. We have done photos here in years past and it is a really quick walk to see Santa and there is usually not a long line.
    • Santa arrives at MarketFair on November 24, 2023. There is a Santa arrival party on November 25.
    • Santa Paws Dog Photo Nights: Sundays December 3 and 10 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Christmas background with Christmas Trees and Toy Soldier at the Freehold Raceway Mall in New Jersey

Middlesex County Malls with Santa Photos

  • Brunswick Square Mall – The Brunswick Square Mall Santa is available daily during select mall hours in 2023. Reservations are required.
    • Sensitive Santa is available on December 4, 2022, from 9 to 10:30 am with free registration. RSVP in advance.
    • Santa Paws Dog Photo Nights: Select Mondays 5 – 7 pm.
  • Menlo Park Mall – The Menlo Park Mall Santa is available daily. Reservations are required.
    • Santa arrives at Menlo Park Mall on November 9, 2023.  
    • Santa Paws Dog Photo Night: December 10, 2023. 
    • Caring Santa is at the mall on December 4, 2022 from 9 – 10:30 am.
  • Woodbridge Center – The Woodbridge Center Santa is available daily. Reservations are encouraged.
    • Santa arrived at Woodbridge Center on November 10, 2023.
    • Santa Paws Dog Photo Night: Mondays
    • Sensory-Friendly Santa Visits at Woodbridge Center – December 10, 2023 from 9 – 11 am. Reservations are required. The Greenway Family Success Center, of Fords, will be on location during the morning to do holiday crafts with the children and families while you wait for your visit.
The Elf Academy that is part of Santa HQ at participating New Jersey Shopping Centers
Enter the Elf Academy at HGTV Santa HQ.

Monmouth County Malls with Santa Photos

  • Freehold Raceway Mall – The Freehold Raceway Mall Santa is available on select days and times through Christmas Eve. Reservations are available.
    • Santa arrives at Freehold Raceway Mall on November 9, 2023. 
    • Santa Paws Dog Photos: Mondays, November 14, 21, 28 & December 5 from 4 to 7 pm
    • Santa Cares: Sunday, December 4th from 9 to 10:30 am
  • Monmouth Mall – The Monmouth Mall Santa is available daily. Reservations are required.
    • Santa has arrived at Monmouth Mall for 2023. 
    • Santa Paws Dog Photos: 11/27, 12/4, & 12/11 in 2023. 5 pm – 7 pm

Somerset County Malls with Santa Photos

  • Bridgewater Commons – The Bridgewater Commons Safe Santa Experience is available daily until Christmas Eve 2023. Reservations are optional and only available Monday through Thursday,
    • Santa arrives at Bridgewater Commons on November 12, 2023. 
    • Sensory Santa Days are on Sunday, December 4, 10 – 11 am and Sunday, December 18, 9 – 10 am.
New Jersey Santa Photos

South Jersey malls and shopping centers that offer Santa pictures in New Jersey

Atlantic County Malls with Santa Photos

  • Hamilton Mall – Santa is available daily.
    • Santa has arrived for 2023 and will be there until Christmas Eve.
    • Pet photos with Santa: Mondays
    • Santa Cares: Sunday, December 4, 2022, 10:30 – 11:30 am.

Burlington County Malls with Santa Photos

  • Moorestown Mall – The Moorestown Mall Santa is available daily and reservations are encouraged. Virtual visits are also available.
    • Santa arrived at Moorestown Mall on November 11, 2023. 
    • Pet photos with Santa: Monday nights November 13 to December 18, 2023. 

Camden County Malls with Santa Photos

  • Voorhees Town Center – Santa is available daily.
    • Santa arrives at Voorhees Town Center on November 24, 2023.
  • Cherry Hill Mall – The Cherry Hill Mall Santa is available daily. Reservations are encouraged.
    • Santa arrives at Cherry Hill Mall on November 4, 2023. 
    • Pet photos with Santa: Monday nights November 6 to December 18, 2023.  Reservations should be made. 

Cumberland County Malls with Santa Photos

  • Cumberland Mall – The Cumberland Mall Santa is available daily. Reservations are required.
    • Santa arrives at Cumberland Mall on November 17, 2023. 
    • Pet photos with Santa: every Monday, November 20 to December 18, 2023 from 12 to 8 pm. 

Gloucester County Malls with Santa Photos

  • Deptford Mall – The Deptford Mall Santa is available daily. Reservations are recommended.
    • Santa arrives at Deptford Mall on November 9, 2023.
    • Sensory Friendly Santa is from 9:00 am to 10:30 am on December 4, 2022. 
    • Pet Nights with Santa are on Mondays, November 12, 21, 28 & December 5, 2022 from 4 to 7 pm. 
    • Christmas Pajama Party with Santa in Deptford
Family Christmas photo with santa at HGTV Santa HQ at the Freehold Raceway Mall

Ocean County Malls with Santa Photos

More shopping days with Santa

New Jersey downtowns and communities hold special Christmas-themed shopping days to support the small businesses in their downtowns.

Other shopping areas that host Santa pictures in New Jersey include farmer’s markets, flea markets and holiday craft fairs.

Santa will be visiting these shopping days for photos with shoppers.

Make a fun local attraction more fun at these New Jersey family attractions with Christmas attractions

At Jersey Family Fun we are always encouraging families to get out and enjoy, and some of our favorite New Jersey attractions will host Santa as well. Why not say hi to the big guy while you ride a roller coaster, see some animals, or even drive a tractor.

Santa appearances at iPlay America
Find Santa wandering the arcade at iPlay America!
  • Six Flags Great Adventure Holiday in the Park begins on November 24, 2023 and ends on January 1, 2024. Santa will be available for visits until he has to return to the North Pole!
  • South Jersey’s favorite amusement park for the little ones, Storybook Land, welcomes Santa on November 18, 2023! He’ll be available for visits until December 23, 2023 along with Mrs. Claus.
Delivering letters to Santa's mailbox
My boys delivered their letters to Santa’s mailbox before taking a picture with him at the Adventure Aquarium.

Feast with Santa Claus at these New Jersey Meals with Santa

We love updating this list every year. We are currently updating this guide for 2023.

Santa loves pancakes, did you know? He also loves pizza, bagels and Mexican food – share some with him when you enjoy a meal with Santa (and maybe some other special guests) at one of these New Jersey locations. If your little ones want a more relaxed visit with Santa than waiting in line in a store or mall, distracting them with yummy food could be the way to get that great photo!

Click over to find our complete listing of meals with Santa in New Jersey.

santa breakfast with Fairytale Entertainment Characters
@Fairytale Entertainment

Ride a Train with Santa Claus in New Jersey

There’s just something special about seeing Santa on a train. I can’t find the words, maybe it’s nostalgia, but my heart gets all fluttery when I see Santa pull into the station on a train. Across our area, kids can have Santa pictures in New Jersey on a train.

NJ-Christmas-Train-Rides-with-santa

Last year, Santa Claus rode on a freight train into Freehold, another train through Red Bank, the Patco trains through South Jersey and more. For a listing of New Jersey Christmas trains click over to read All Aboard these New Jersey Christmas Train Rides.

Santa Claus photos in New Jersey

Find a New Jersey Christmas event with Santa near you.

There are so many New Jersey Christmas Tree lightings & New Jersey Christmas Parades across the state. Maybe you’ll find a new location by checking our lists below! Bundle up and get your hot chocolate and of course, say HI to Santa while you’re there.

North Jersey Christmas Events

Central New Jersey Christmas Events

South Jersey Christmas Events

Calendar of Events with Opportunities for Photos with Santa in New Jersey

View our Calendar of Santa Events below. These are events with Santa in New Jersey with the exception of the parades most will have opportunities for children to take pictures with Santa.

While most are free and cheap to attend, some have a slightly higher charge. For any date you see with a dot, this means there are Santa events that day. Click the date to see that date’s events with Santa Claus.

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Holiday & Christmas Things to Do in New Jersey with Kids

Updating for 2023.

Ultimate Guide to Christmas Family Fun With Kids
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Best Christmas Towns in New Jersey
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Where-and-How-to-Get-Unique-Santa-Pictures-in-New-Jersey-image
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New Jersey Neighborhoods With Lots of Christmas Lights

For more Christmas Activities near New Jersey visit these blog posts and listings

Make a trip across a bridge to explore more local Christmas Family Fun.

We support family fun in New Jersey but sometimes you want to get away to see what our nearby cities can offer. Both Philadelphia and New York City offer some amazing holiday displays, events, and Christmas attractions. We have your information on how to make a day of Christmas in the City! Click on any of the links below for more details.

For help with your holiday and Christmas Shopping take a look at these posts

We’re currently updating these guides for 2023.

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