Where To See Santa In The Caldwells This Christmas Season

THE CALDWELLS, NJ — Santa Claus will be back in the local area this holiday season. This follows a couple of years of COVID-19 restrictions that made it difficult for kids to crawl up on the Jolly One's lap and make their case that they’ve been good this year.

Due to coronavirus, malls and other places took social distancing measures in both 2020 and 2021, moving many meetups online.

Virtual visits are still an option in many places, but there’s nothing quite like seeing jolly old St. Nick live and in person.

In the local area, kids have a few choices. There are also events for kids with special needs. Check these links:

• Short Hills Mall, Millburn — Santa has arrived. Get details and make reservations here. Find out about "Serene Santa" for kids with special needs on Dec. 4 here.
• Livingston Mall, Livingston — Santa arrived starting Thanksgiving week. Get details and make reservations here.
• Annual Camuso Christmas Display, Livingston — Decades ago, toymaker Ernie Camuso set up a beloved holiday display in Livingston. Since then, the tradition has carried on. There will be Santa visits and a special event for kids with special needs. Get links to the events here.
  
• The Kiwanis Club of Caldwell-West Essex presents Breakfast with Santa on Dec. 10. Find out more here.
• Dickens Village, Maplewood — Santa is coming to Dickens Village! The annual holiday village will have a menorah lighting, horse and buggy rides, and more. Santa should be showing up Dec. 3. Get the full 2022 schedule of events here.
• Newport Mall, Jersey City — Santa's available for photos through most of December. Get details and make reservations here. Pet Photos are available Dec. 11.
• 14th Street Home and Garden Center, Jersey City — The large garden center near the Jersey City/Hoboken border, off exit 14C on the New Jersey Turnpike, sells Christmas trees, ample holiday decorations, and plants, and usually has an annual Santa visit. Watch for information
• NJCU, Jersey City — will hold a breakfast with Santa on Dec. 3. Details here.
• The Ashford, Jersey City — Will hold a special brunch with Santa for adults and kids on the autism spectrum. Get details here.
• JC Families has a list of Santa breakfasts in Central and North Jersey here.
• Jersey Gardens Mall, Elizabeth — Get details and make reservations here

At Area Chain Stores And Malls

Santa arrived Nov. 12 at Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s Santa’s Wonderland and will hold court through Christmas Eve. Reservations are encouraged.

Santa will be at Macy’s stores in New York City, Chicago, San Francisco, Philadelphia, Atlanta, Boston and Orlando. Reservations are usually required, so check the mall websites.

Santa is coming to Nordstrom and Nordstrom Rack stores in Seattle and New York City.

JC Penney stores are offering professional portraits with Santa through Dec. 18.

Check your local library, Fire Department, and toy store for updates on photo opportunities.