Updated for 2020! Includes virtual Santa experiences!
It’s that time of year again! Santa flies, strolls and parades into malls all across New Jersey. We are lucky to be NJ residents as our selection of malls is vast making the holiday season even more exciting and festive. Although it seems that Santa arrives earlier and earlier each year, the delight on a child’s face erases our parental judgment about the push for the holidays so soon. The magic and wonder in a child’s eyes is priceless and something I look forward to every year.
To help make holiday planning easier, I decided to put together a list of Santa arrivals at malls throughout NJ. As more information is released, the list will be updated so make sure to check back regularly. I put the malls in alphabetical order to make it easier to find your local mall. At the bottom of the post, you can also find links to posts about additional places to see Santa along with Sensory Santa Experiences. Happy Holidays!
Mall Santas in New Jersey
Bridgewater Commons: Santa arrives in Bridgwater on November 16 and will be available for pictures through December 24. A Safe Santa experience is being offered which includes a no-touch, walk through experience. Virtual Zoom visits with Santa are also available. Appointments/reservations are required. Safe Santa Cares will take place December 3 9am-11am. For more information, visit the mall website.
Cherry Hill Mall: Santa will be available for pictures November 6-December 24. Reservations are required and safety precautions will be in place. Learn more on the mall website.
Deptford Mall: Beginning November 20, families can meet Santa at his headquarters located in Center court near Macy’s. Deptford Mall is offering a contact-free experience with additional safety precautions in place. Reservations are recommended to ensure social distancing. Photos are available through December 24. For more information visit the mall website.
Freehold Raceway Mall: Santa will be available for photos November 20-December 24 at the lower level intersection between JC Penney and Zara. Freehold Raceway Mallis offering a contact-free experience with additional safety precautions in place. Reservations are recommended to ensure social distancing. For dates and time, visit the mall website.
Garden State Plaza Mall (Paramus): Safe Santa comes to town on November 27 and will be available for pictures through December 24 (no photos on Sundays). Reservations are required and families must wear masks. For more details, visit the mall website.
Hamilton Mall (Mays Landing): A virtual event is being offered this year to families which includes a Zoom with Santa! Families can also order magical box filled with holiday cheer. Learn more on the mall website.
Livingston Mall: Beginning November 27, families can tell Santa all their Christmas wishes. He will be available for pictures through December 24. Reservations are required and masks are required. Check out the mall website for a list of dates and times
Menlo Park Mall: Families can meet the Jolly Old Elf himself beginning November 20. Visits continue through December 24. Reservations and masks are required. Visit the website for more detailed information.
Monmouth Mall: Beginning November 14, little ones can enjoy a virtual visit with Santa. Story time with Santa and Mrs. Claus will also be available. For more details, please visit their website.
Moorestown Mall: Santa arrives on November 6 and will be located in the Homesense Court through December 24. A virtual visit with Santa is also available. For more information visit the mall website.
Newport Centre: Santa will be landing in Jersey City on November 27. He will be available for pictures in the Center Court through December 24. Reservations and masks are required. For dates and times , visit the mall website.
Ocean County Mall: Santa arrives in Toms River on November 20 and will be available for pictures through December 24. He will be located in the Center Court. Reservations and masks are required. For more details, please visit the mall website.
Paramus Park: Santa arrives on November 20 and will be taking pictures with families through December 24 (no photos on Sundays). Reservations are highly encouraged and face coverings are required. Paramus Park is also offering a virtual Santa experience including story time with Mrs. Claus. Learn more on their website.
Quaker Bridge Mall: Welcome Santa to the mall on November 27 at Quaker Bridge Mall. He will be available for pictures through December 24 in the Macy’s Court. Reservations and masks are required. For more information including pet photo opportunities, please visit the mall website.
Rockaway Townsquare: Santa arrives November 20 and will be delighting children through December 24. He will located on the lower level by Macy’s. Reservations and masks are required. You can find the schedule of dates and times on their website.
Short Hills Mall: Santa flies into Short Hills Mall on November 27 to join Santa’s Flight Academy for another season full of holiday fun. This reimagined experience will non-contact event. Reservations and masks are required. Santa will be 6 feet from guests at all times. Visit the website for more information.
The Mills at Jersey Gardens: To the delight of children (and parents), Santa flies into Elizabeth on November 27. He will be located Lower Level Center Court through December 24. Reservations and masks are required. You can find additional information on the mall website.
The Shops at Riverside: Santa arrives in Hackensack on November 27 and will be available for pictures through December 24. (Note: Santa will not be available on Sundays as the mall is closed.) Masks and reservations are required. For additional information, visit their website.
Willowbrook Mall (Wayne): Santa flies into the Willowbrook Mall on November 20 and will taking pictures with families through December 24. Reservations are highly encouraged and face coverings are required. Willowbrook Mall is also offering a virtual Santa experience including story time with Mrs. Claus. You can find more information on their website.
Woodbridge Center: Virtual visits with Santa will begin November 14 and continue through January 7. Story time with Santa and Mrs. Claus will also be available. Check out the mall website for details.
More places to meet Santa:
