Where To See Santa In Holmdel And Hazlet This Christmas Season

HOLMDEL-HAZLET, NJ — Santa Claus will be back in the Holmdel and Hazlet area this holiday season after a couple of years of COVID-19 restrictions that made it difficult for kids to crawl up on his lap and make their case that they’ve been good boys and girls over the last year.

Visits and pictures with Santa are at the heart of many families’ holiday traditions, but the coronavirus pandemic gave them a lump of coal. Malls and other places took social distancing measures in both 2020 and 2021 to help contain the spread of the virus, moving Santa meet-ups largely 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.

Area malls offer the traditional visits with Santa:

Monmouth Mall:

Santa arrived on Nov. 18 so he is well settled in at the Monmouth Mall, 180 Route 35, Eatontown.

Santa hours are Monday through Saturday 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. with a break from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. On Sunday, visit from noon to 6 p.m. Break is from 2:30 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Events at Monmouth Mall include:

• Pajama event every Tuesday, Nov. 29, Dec. 6 and Dec. 13 to benefit St. Jude charity.
• Ugly Sweater event every Thursday Dec. 1, 8 and 15 to benefit Autism Speaks.
• Pet Photos Nov. 28 and Dec. 5 and 12 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. to benefit the Humane Society.

Visit www.monmouthmallnj.com to make reservations.

Freehold Raceway Mall:

The "Magic of Santa" at Freehold Raceway Mall, 3710 Route 9, in Freehold Township offers visitors various options:

Santa is installed at a winter wonderland on the Lower Level, Zara Court. A visit with Santa is always free and photo packages are available for purchase.

Pre-booking your visit is recommended to help reduce wait time and it's easy:

1. Pre-book now and received a FREE personalized call from Santa powered by the Portable North Pole. All guests who pre-book and purchase a photo package get a free, personalized video from the North Pole after the visit.
2. Show up at your designated time.
3. Share your wish list with Santa and his helpers.
4. Make a lasting memory and get your photo taken with Santa.

Events:

• Pet Nights: Mondays, Nov.28 and Dec. 5. Get ready to make fun memories with Santa. Bring your furry friends to capture a memorable photo with Santa. Monday nights from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Please use the lower level, "Carousel" entrance just before and after your appointment time. Pets must be well-mannered and must be on a leash or carrier. Pet owners/handlers are responsible to clean up after their pet.
• Holiday PJ Palooza: Tuesdays, Nov. 29 and Dec. 6 and 13. Jump into your jammies and join the Holiday PJ Palooza, featuring some favorite characters. Tuesday nights from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. by Santa.

Santa's schedule and hours:

Through Nov. 30:

• Monday to Saturday: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Sun: Noon to 6 p.m.

Dec. 1 to 18:

• Sunday to Friday: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Saturday: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Dec. 19 to 23:

• Monday to Friday: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Dec. 24 (Christmas Eve): 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Visit here for more information and reservations.

And check out this Patch story to see where to get fresh Christmas trees.