I know! I know! Your kids want to see Santa as much as possible! As grown ups it can get costly paying for one Santa event after another. Making memories with Santa doesn’t have to be expensive! We’re here to help! Make a plan that works for your family’s budget with these dirt cheap events with Santa in New Jersey.
3 Quick Tips Before Visiting Santa
Before you move on to these cheap Santa events in New Jersey we must share a few quick tips.
- First, always make sure your camera memory has enough room for all the photos you may want to take. When there’s a line waiting behind you, others may not be patient as you clear out your memory.
- Make sure your camera battery is fully charged. Don’t scroll through your phone or leave your camera on. There’s nothing worse than having your turn and then not having the battery power to take the photo.
- Always bring some cash/small bills. Most of these events with Santa in New Jersey don’t charge for photos with Santa. But the community group hosting the event may be collecting donations for their group or another important cause. While not required, it’s always appreciated when guests leave a donation.

Dirt Cheap Ways to Hang Out with Santa in New Jersey
Let’s get on to those free and cheap ways to see Santa in New Jersey. Get ready to bookmark these links, save the dates, and register for the events you’re the most excited to bring the kids too.
Ride a train with Santa in South Jersey
Believe it or not, you can take a train ride with Santa without spending a lot of money or needing reservations weeks in advance. When you ride the Silver Sleigh, PATCO’s train ride with Santa you only pay your normal train fare. Take the train to enjoy Philadelphia’s free Christmas activities and spend some time with Santa on the way there.

Did you miss the train? Couldn’t make it? Take the Holly Jolly Trolley with Santa on December 18, 2022. Take a trolley ride around Barrington to check out holiday light displays. All rides will be led in Christmas carol sing-alongs! They will be offering sensory-friendly (non-musical) trolley rides as well.
Eat a Meal with Santa in New Jersey
Yes, breakfasts, lunches, and brunches with Santa can add up when you factor in the costs for each family member plus leaving a tip. But as we put together our list of Meals with Santa for 2022, we found a few that were $10 or less per person.

Snacks with Santa
While not a full meal, these snack-related events with Santa in New Jersey do provide some cheap fun.

Read a Story with Santa in New Jersey
New Jersey libraries provide fabulous places to enjoy cheap events and activities all year long. But during the holidays they really amp things up with fun activities. Here are a few libraries offering Story Times with Santa in New Jersey.
- Coming soon

Enjoy a Daytime Slumber Party with Santa in Deptford, NJ
Don your pajamas and get ready for a daytime slumber party with Santa at the Deptford Mall. During Pajama Jams with Santa, Santa will read a story to the children. Afterward, Santa will engage in festive dancing, crafts and snacks with the children.
It’s a bird! It’s a plan! It’s Santa!
During the Christmas Fly In from Santa in New Milford children and their families can see Santa fly in on a helicopter! After Santa arrives there will be music and activities. Admission is free!
Lions! Tigers! Bears! and Santa oh my!
The Cape May County Park and Zoo and the Cape May County Board of County Commissioners are welcoming families and residents to Santa’s Tree Lighting Celebration at the Cape May County Zoo!
This isn’t just any tree lighting though. There will be live holiday music by the John Walter Cape Community Band, an ice sculpture demonstration, a polar express train ride, a bounce house castle and slide, character appearances, and treats.
Get Crafting with Santa in Freehold in New Jersey
During Santa’s Arrival in Freehold at iPlay America guests will have an opportunity to not only take pictures with Santa, but there will also be crafts. Bonus, guests who donate a toy, or $5 towards gifts, get 2 hours of FREE unlimited non-redemption video games!

Go back in time with a Retro Santa
What if the kids could experience Santa Claus as others have in the past? It’s possible with these low-cost Santa events in New Jersey.
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 Christmas time for a fun day for the family!
Holiday Open House in Glendora at Gabriel Daveis Tavern in Gloucester Township
The historic Gabreil Davis Tavern Museum House will be decorated for the holidays. MainStage Harmony Choir will sing, and a Victorian Santa will be by his antique sleigh for your own picture taking.
Snow Fest at the Wicoff House Museum
Join the Wicoff House Museum for the 3rd annual SnowFest event to celebrate the winter season! Activities include a scavenger hunt, smores, snow cones, wintery-themed books, a museum light show, and a visit with Santa.
Visit a New Jersey Christmas Wonderland
Reindeers, Santa’s Workshops, ice sculptures, and wintery scenes all set the mood for making families feel like they are at the North Pole without ever leaving New Jersey.
Santa’s Wonderland in Atlantic City at Bass Pro Shop
At Santa’s Wonderland at the Bass Pro Shop in Atlantic City kids can leave a letter for Santa, pretend to be an Elf toy inspector with Lincoln Logs, watch animated elves, and more all while waiting for their chance for a free photo with Santa. This South Jersey Santa Wonderland is available now until Christmas Eve.

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
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.
- Christmas Winter Wonderland Festival in Rahway
- Christmas Winter Wonderland in Wildwood at Holly Beach
- Union Township Christmas Festival
- Winter Village at the Ludlam
- Christmas Celebration in Waterford Township
- Christmas Dickens Village in Maplewood
- Christmas Visit with Santa at Toy Land in Jackson Township
- Fairfield Christmas Tree Lighting and Winter Wonderland
- Christmas Winter Village in Sea Isle City at the Ludlam

Hang out with Santa at the Beach
Santa Claus loves the beach as much as we do. There’s a reason we celebrate Christmas in July. It’s so we can see Santa on the beach. But you don’t have to wait till next summer to see Santa at the beaches of New Jersey.
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 two-year 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!
Christmas at the Mansion in Somers Point
Shore Local in partnership with the Patriots of the Somers Mansion present the 2nd Annual Christmas at the Mansion. A holiday extravaganza including local merchants, food trucks, live music, elves wrapping station, kids activities and of course Santa!
Photos with Santa at the Jersey Shore
Up and down the Jersey Shore, beach towns are offering cheap and free events with Santa. Most will allow each child to take a photo with Santa. Click on these event titles for more details.

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 AND horses
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.

Shop till You Drop
Okay, you don’t really have to shop till you drop, you don’t even have to shop at all. That being said, many New Jersey downtowns and communities hold special Christmas-themed shopping days to support the small businesses in their downtowns.
As a way of enticing families to visit and shop Santa usually makes an appearance to greet visitors. There may also be train rides, ice skating, horse carriage rides, food trucks, and more.
Photos with Santa are typically free or offered at a very low fee. Parking fees might also be waived and there could even be incentives for shopping local. Learn more in these event listings.
- Christmas Winter Village in Pitman
- Christmas Festival in Haddon Township
- Christmas Celebration in Keyport
- Christmas Visits with Santa in Collingswood
- Christmas Winter Festival in Ocean City
- Christmas in the Whitesbog Village Family Day
- Christmas Photos with Santa in Marlton
- Christmas Visits with Santa in Chester
- Christmas Pictures with Santa in Berlin at Berlin Farmers Market
- Christmas Market in Basking Ridge

Other free and cheap Santa events in New Jersey
Santa Arrivals
Getting pictures with Santa at the mall can be one of the most expensive ways to get a photo with Santa. However, there’s no fee to watch the grand celebration or parade that most malls have to welcome Santa’s arrival. Here are a few that might work with your calendar.
Craft shows
This time of year there are so many craft shows. We don’t generally list them on our Calendar of New Jersey Events UNLESS the event offers activities for children. Here are a few that do. Check in with your local churches or schools they may also be offering a craft show/market where Santa might be visiting.
Christmas Parades
We love New Jersey Christmas parades! You may not be able to have individual one-on-one time with Santa, but it’s still a fun way to get the kids excited for Christmas. Watch as Santa, his elves, and reindeer ‘float’ by accompanied by bands, dancers, and other community groups.
Christmas Tree Lightings
Nearly every New Jersey town has a Christmas tree lighting. Admission is almost always free and Santa’s usually there for photos with the kids. There are even lots of NJ communities that turn the night into a grand Christmas celebration. If you can’t get to your own town’s visit our listing of New Jersey Christmas tree lightings that might be a better fit for your schedule.


Interested in more opportunities to see Santa?
List of New Jersey Santa events
Visit our listing of Santa events in New Jersey. This will present you with all of the New Jersey events where Santa will make an appearance. The list goes in a reverse order from the one the furthest out in the future to the ones before that.

Calendar of Santa Events
Or view our Calendar of Santa Events. These are events with Santa in New Jersey. 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.
Calendar of Events
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Christmas Pet Pictures with Santa in Newark 2023
Christmas Pet Pictures with Santa in Newark 2023
Here's another Christmas event in Newark, New Jersey. Santa Pictures at Newark! Come down for Santa Paws at Newark AHS! All family members are welcome! All animals are welcome. Please …
Santa’s Arrival at Bass Pro Shop in Atlantic City 2023
Santa’s Arrival at Bass Pro Shop in Atlantic City 2023
Here are more fun activities in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Santa's Arrival! Here comes Santa Claus! Please help welcome Santa as he arrives in the store. Come watch his arrival, …
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Christmas Arrival of Santa in Rockaway at Rockaway Townsquare Mall 2023
Christmas Arrival of Santa in Rockaway at Rockaway Townsquare Mall 2023
Here's another Christmas event in Rockaway, New Jersey. Santa's Coming Come see Santa's Arrival! Santa will be escorted by the Rockaway Fire Department as he arrives at Rockaway Townsquare. When …
4 events,
Christmas at the Farm in Chester at Riamede Farm 2023
Christmas at the Farm in Chester at Riamede Farm 2023
Here's another Christmas event in Chester, New Jersey. Christmas at the Farm Holiday Market Grab a friend and enjoy a fun afternoon of supporting local businesses while sipping on warm …
Christmas Celebration with Santa in Bridgewater 2023
Christmas Celebration with Santa in Bridgewater 2023
Here's another Christmas event in Bridgewater, New Jersey. Santa’s Birthday Celebration and Holiday Kickoff! Come celebrate the arrival of Santa! And don’t forget a present! While he has plenty of …
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Christmas Pictures with Santa in Paramus at Stew Leonard’s 2023
Christmas Pictures with Santa in Paramus at Stew Leonard’s 2023
Here's another Christmas event in Paramus, New Jersey. Meet Santa Claus at Stew's! This holiday season, families are invited to take a complimentary photo with Santa Claus himself at Stew …
Marlton Christmas Tree Lighting at The Promenade at Sagemore 2023
Marlton Christmas Tree Lighting at The Promenade at Sagemore 2023
Here are more fun Christmas activities in Marlton, New Jersey. Tree Lighting Celebration! Turn on the Holiday Lights with your friends and family at The Promenade! When is the Marlton …
6 events,
Christmas Bazaar and Craft Show in Lyndhurst 2023
Christmas Bazaar and Craft Show in Lyndhurst 2023
Here's another Christmas event in Lyndhurst, New Jersey. Holiday Bazaar and Craft Show Find lots of handmade items, Christmas ornaments, baby blankets & sweaters, jewelry, soaps, paintings, homemade cakes and …
Christmas Pictures with Santa in Paramus at Stew Leonard’s 2023
Christmas Pictures with Santa in Paramus at Stew Leonard’s 2023
Here's another Christmas event in Paramus, New Jersey. Meet Santa Claus at Stew's! This holiday season, families are invited to take a complimentary photo with Santa Claus himself at Stew …
3 events,
Christmas Santa’s Wonderland in Atlantic City at Bass Pro Shop 2023
Christmas Santa’s Wonderland in Atlantic City at Bass Pro Shop 2023
Details about photos with Santa in Atlantic City at Bass Pro Shops.
Christmas Pictures with Santa in Paramus at Stew Leonard’s 2023
Christmas Pictures with Santa in Paramus at Stew Leonard’s 2023
Here's another Christmas event in Paramus, New Jersey. Meet Santa Claus at Stew's! This holiday season, families are invited to take a complimentary photo with Santa Claus himself at Stew …
1 event,
Christmas Santa’s Wonderland in Atlantic City at Bass Pro Shop 2023
Christmas Santa’s Wonderland in Atlantic City at Bass Pro Shop 2023
Details about photos with Santa in Atlantic City at Bass Pro Shops.
2 events,
Christmas Santa’s Wonderland in Atlantic City at Bass Pro Shop 2023
Christmas Santa’s Wonderland in Atlantic City at Bass Pro Shop 2023
Details about photos with Santa in Atlantic City at Bass Pro Shops.
Christmas Pajama Party with Santa in Deptford 2023
Christmas Pajama Party with Santa in Deptford 2023
Here's another Christmas event in Deptford, New Jersey. Pajama Jams with Santa Get Ready to Jam with Santa! Dress in your coziest pajamas and share the joy of the season …
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Christmas Santa’s Wonderland in Atlantic City at Bass Pro Shop 2023
Christmas Santa’s Wonderland in Atlantic City at Bass Pro Shop 2023
Details about photos with Santa in Atlantic City at Bass Pro Shops.
1 event,
Christmas Santa’s Wonderland in Atlantic City at Bass Pro Shop 2023
Christmas Santa’s Wonderland in Atlantic City at Bass Pro Shop 2023
Details about photos with Santa in Atlantic City at Bass Pro Shops.
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Christmas and Holiday Celebration in Avalon 2023
Christmas and Holiday Celebration in Avalon 2023
There is a Christmas and Holiday festival happening in Avalon, New Jersey. Festive Friday Festive Friday is back on Friday, November 24, 2023! Stroll down Dune Drive on Friday and …
Point Pleasant Beach Christmas Tree Lighting with Santa 2023
Point Pleasant Beach Christmas Tree Lighting with Santa 2023
Here are more fun Christmas activities in Point Pleasant Beach, New Jersey. Christmas Tree Lighting & Santa's Arrival Sponsored by the Point Pleasant Beach Chamber of Commerce - the annual …
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Keyport Christmas Tree Lighting and Celebration 2023
Keyport Christmas Tree Lighting and Celebration 2023
Here are more fun Christmas activities in Keyport, New Jersey. Miracle on Front Street Annual tree lighting! Bring your family and friends. When is the Keyport Christmas Tree Lighting? When …
Mullica Hill Christmas Tree Lighting and Celebration 2023
Mullica Hill Christmas Tree Lighting and Celebration 2023
Here are more fun Christmas activities in Mullica Hill, New Jersey. Lights on Main! It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Mark your calendars for the Best of Gloucester …
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Santa Meet and Greet in Holmdel at Dearborn Markets 2023
Santa Meet and Greet in Holmdel at Dearborn Markets 2023
Here's another Christmas event in Holmdel, New Jersey. Santa Meet and Greet Come see the real bearded Santa Meet & Greet in Santa's Workshop! When is this Christmas event? When …
Christmas Pictures with Santa in Paramus at Stew Leonard’s 2023
Christmas Pictures with Santa in Paramus at Stew Leonard’s 2023
Here's another Christmas event in Paramus, New Jersey. Meet Santa Claus at Stew's! This holiday season, families are invited to take a complimentary photo with Santa Claus himself at Stew …
3 events,
Christmas Santa’s Wonderland in Atlantic City at Bass Pro Shop 2023
Christmas Santa’s Wonderland in Atlantic City at Bass Pro Shop 2023
Details about photos with Santa in Atlantic City at Bass Pro Shops.
Phillipsburg Christmas Tree Lighting and Santa Visit 2023
Phillipsburg Christmas Tree Lighting and Santa Visit 2023
Here are more fun Christmas activities in Phillipsburg, New Jersey. Annual Phillipsburg Tree Lighting and Santa Visit The Town of Phillipsburg will host the Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony in downtown …
6 events,
Christmas Santa’s Wonderland in Atlantic City at Bass Pro Shop 2023
Christmas Santa’s Wonderland in Atlantic City at Bass Pro Shop 2023
Details about photos with Santa in Atlantic City at Bass Pro Shops.
Christmas Pajama Party with Santa in Deptford 2023
Christmas Pajama Party with Santa in Deptford 2023
Here's another Christmas event in Deptford, New Jersey. Pajama Jams with Santa Get Ready to Jam with Santa! Dress in your coziest pajamas and share the joy of the season …
3 events,
Bayonne Christmas Tree Lighting 2023
Bayonne Christmas Tree Lighting 2023
Here are more fun Christmas activities in Bayonne, New Jersey. Christmas Tree Lighting Come help light the tree with your family and friends! When is the Bayonne Christmas Tree Lighting? …
Brick Christmas Tree Lighting 2023
Brick Christmas Tree Lighting 2023
Here are more fun Christmas activities in Brick, New Jersey. Christmas Tree Lighting Come to the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony and help welcome the Christmas season to Brick! When is …
6 events,
Boonton Christmas Tree Lighting 2023
Boonton Christmas Tree Lighting 2023
Here are more fun Christmas activities in Boonton, New Jersey. Holiday Tree Lighting Come down to Santa Land for a night of fun! When is the Boonton Christmas Tree Lighting? …
Paramus Christmas Tree Lighting at Stew Leonard’s 2023
Paramus Christmas Tree Lighting at Stew Leonard’s 2023
Here are more fun Christmas activities in Paramus, New Jersey. Stew Leonard's in Paramus Christmas Tree Lighting The Stew Leonard’s Paramus store is kicking off the 2023 holiday season with …
79 events,
Holiday House in Cherry Hill at Barclay Farmstead 2023
Holiday House in Cherry Hill at Barclay Farmstead 2023
Here's another Christmas event in Cherry Hill, New Jersey. "Let it Snow" Holiday House A great way to start the holiday season! When is this Christmas event? When is the …
Washington Township Christmas Tree Lighting and Celebration (Gloucester Township) 2023
Washington Township Christmas Tree Lighting and Celebration (Gloucester Township) 2023
Here are more fun Christmas activities in Washington Township, New Jersey. Annual Christmas Tree Lighting It's the most wonderful time of the year… Washington Township's Annual Tree Lighting Tree Lighting …
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Christmas Nature Walk with Santa in Barnegat 2023
Christmas Nature Walk with Santa in Barnegat 2023
Here's another Christmas event in Barnegat, New Jersey. Nature Walk with Santa Let your child experience nature with Santa Claus this holiday season. During this program, Santa and his helpers …
Mount Arlington Christmas Tree Lighting 2023
Mount Arlington Christmas Tree Lighting 2023
Here are more fun Christmas activities in Mount Arlington, New Jersey. Annual Tree Lighting Join your friends and neighbors for the annual tree lighting! When is the Mount Arlington Christmas …