Where To See Santa In Long Branch-Eatontown This Holiday Season

EATONTOWN, NJ — Santa Claus will be back in the Eatontown 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.

Meet Santa from 12 - 4 p.m. Dec. 17 in the Long Branch OEM building. Children up to ages 10 can meet Santa and walk away with a free present.

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.

Englishtown: Historic Village Inn will have photos with Santa Saturday. Dec. 10, Sunday Dec. 11, 1-4 p.m., $15. This benefits Village Inn, 2 Water St., Englishtown. Free cider and donuts will be available.

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