Best Places to Take Pictures with Santa In and Around Jersey City
Make sure you’re on the nice list because Santa is officially coming to town! There may be nothing more magical than bringing the kids to visit the jolly man in the red suit during the holiday season. See your child’s face light up as they get to whisper their Christmas list to Santa while you capture these moments to keep forever! But where can you find the place with the perfect holiday backdrop? We’ve created a list of the Best Places to Take Pictures with Santa In and Around Jersey City!
Santa’s Visit – Hamilton Park, Jersey City
Come, meet Santa at Hamilton Park. Santa arrives at Hamilton Park Gazebo. Come early to enjoy a live performance by the Backporch Jug Band from 4:30 to 6:30 pm. While you are here, you can also check out the vendors at the Farmer’s Market.
When: Dec 3, 2025, 4:45 pm
Where: Hamilton Park, Jersey City
Photo with Santa at Riverview Park
We’ve entered the 1-week countdown for the Heights Holiday Market. Free family photos (pets welcome, too!) will be available at Santa’s Workshop setup in the splash pad near the playground from 11 a.m.- 1 p.m. And here’s a little tip… we recommend getting there early so you can see him make his big entrance! This is sponsored by Tutu School of JC Heights.
When: Dec 6, 2025, 11 am – 1 pm
Where: Splash Pad at The Riverview Park
Meet Santa at Liberty Science Center
The Liberty Science Center has a very special guest you would love to meet… Santa!
Ready to make some lasting family memories this holiday season? Why not hang out together in your jammies with Santa Claus! On Santa’s Pajama Party evenings at LSC, your family can get a photo with Santa in your holiday pajamas, take a spin around the sock skating rink, challenge each other to a fluffy snowball fight, and take a peek at the winter sky through the telescopes.
Newport Centre
30 Mall Dr. E W, Jersey City – Phone: (201) 626-2078
Located right in Jersey City, the Newport Center is a great place for your kids to meet Santa. Santa is located in the mall’s center court and can take pictures and sit with your kids during regular mall hours. Santa is here from 22nd November! Make sure you RSVP for your slot with the Santa Fast Pass to skip the long lines!! They also have pet photos with Santa.
The Mall at Short Hills
1200 Morris Tpke., Short Hills, NJ 07078 – Phone: (973) 376-7350
Capture the magic of the season at Santa’s Flight Academy, November 6 – December 23. Make your reservation to meet Santa for a picture-perfect moment. Afterward, take off on an interactive adventure at Santa’s Flight Academy, complete with his 22-foot-tall sleigh! Conclude your visit with a magical snowfall dance party inside Santa’s sleigh, adding a touch of wonder and unforgettable memories. Reservations are strongly recommended for all photo sessions.
Westfield, Garden State Plaza
One Garden State Plaza, Paramus NJ 07652
Garden State Plaza‘s well-known, extra-jolly Santa is back in town beginning 11/7 to 12/24. Experience the beautiful journey and décor to meet Santa and take family photos.
Willowbrook Mall
1400 Willowbrook Mall, Wayne – Phone: (973) 785-1655
Live from the North Pole… it’s Santa Claus! Embark on an enchanted adventure to take pictures with Santa at Willowbrook Mall. Join him to create magical memories you and your family will always remember! Santa will be located at Bloomingdale’s Exhibit Court.
Jersey Gardens
651 Kapkowski Rd, Elizabeth – Phone: 908-354-5900
The ultimate holiday tradition awaits! Secure your spot today.
Freehold Raceway Mall Photos with Santa
3710 US-9, Freehold, NJ 07728
The magic of the holiday season comes alive with a visit to Santa’s winter wonderland. Santa will be here starting November 7th and is located at the Lower Level, Zara Court. A visit with Santa is always free and photo packages are available for purchase. Schedule Your Spot to Meet the Big Guy. Pre-booking your visit is recommended to help reduce wait time, and it’s easy.
New York
Macy’s Santaland
151 W. 34th Street, New York, NY
The Santaland is a fun and festive online holiday experience for everyone to enjoy. First, you’ll need to book a spot in line to meet & snap a photo with the busiest man of the season. St. Nick will be at Macy’s Santaland inside our Herald Square store, so bring your wish list. After all, he’s known for making wishes come true.
Selfies with Santa at Brookfield Place
230 Vesey St, New York – Phone: (212) 978-1673
From November 28 through Christmas Eve, everyone’s invited to Holiday Under the Palms at Brookfield Place to get a selfie with Santa! Experience the magic of the holiday season with crafts, candy canes, and a sprinkle of merriment. Upon arrival, Santa’s helpers will check you in and you’ll soon receive an alert when it’s your turn to meet the jolly man in red. While you wait, explore Brookfield Place for the perfect holiday gifts or grab a bite to eat! On select dates, bring your pup for a fur-tastic photo op with Santa. Please double-check the hours below before you start your journey to see Santa. The queue may temporarily close during open hours if the line reaches maximum capacity towards the end of each session.
North Pole Express
2 E 42nd St, New York, NY 10017
It’s the most wonderful time of the year to visit the Big Apple, so get your whole family on the Nice List with a round-trip ticket to our very own North Pole NYC.
Take in the sights of New York’s winter wonderland, hear thrilling Christmas stories from our very own resident elf, and enjoy chocolate treats and hot cocoa on your way to see Saint Nick. Tell Santa your deepest wishes and get a special good luck sleigh bell – all for a holiday experience you’ll cherish forever.
Kings Plaza – Photos with Santa
Center Court, 5100 Kings Plaza, Brooklyn, NY 11234
Starting November 21, 2025
Kick off your holiday season with a magical visit to Santa! Capture cherished family moments with Santa photos, including special pet photo sessions on select dates.
The magic of the holiday season comes alive with a visit to Santa’s winter wonderland. Santa will be here starting November 21 and is located on Level 2 near Verizon. A visit with Santa is always free and photo packages are available for purchase.
Queens Center – Photos with Santa
Lower Level, near JCPenney
90-15 Queens Blvd, Elmhurst, NY 11373
November 21 onwards
Take holiday photos with Santa to capture your family’s festive moments. The magic of the holiday season comes alive with a visit to Santa’s winter wonderland. Santa will be here starting November 21, 2025, and is located on level 3, between Champs and Jamba Juice. A visit with Santa is always free and photo packages are available for purchase. Special pet photo sessions are also available!
Green Acres Mall – Photos with Santa
Center Court, 2034 Green Acres Road, Sunrise Highway, Valley Stream, NY 11581
November 21 onwards
The magic of the holiday season comes alive with a visit to Santa’s winter wonderland. Santa will be here starting November 21st and is located at Green Acres. A visit with Santa is always free and photo packages are available for purchase. Capture holiday memories with Santa, including special pet photo sessions on select dates.
It’s time to get merry! Let’s celebrate charity, community, and quality time with your friends and family this holiday season.
Are you looking for my holiday fun? There are several winter activities to enjoy with your family around town and at home!
Jingle & Mingle & meet Santa
Tutu School, 499 Palisade, Jersey City
Dec 14 from 2–5pm
‘Tis the season to Jingle & Mingle! Catch Santa at Tutu School on Dec 14 from 2–5pm. Tickets on sale now (or at the door)! Come for the Santa pics, stay for the holiday cheer!
Photos with Santa at Engel & Völkers
Engel & Völkers, 159 14th St. Hoboken
Santa is coming to Engel & Völkers Hoboken!
Join them on December 13th from 11–1 pm for photos with Santa at our Hoboken shop! During the event, they’ll be collecting new, unwrapped toys to support Hudson County CASA — a nonprofit that trains volunteers to advocate for the best interests of children in foster care, ensuring they are safe, supported, and placed in loving, permanent homes. To book your photo appointment with Santa, email: [email protected]
Updated Dec 2, 2025
