Where To See Santa In Barnegat-Manahawkin This Christmas Season

BARNEGAT-MANAHAWKIN, NJ — Santa Claus will be back in Barnegat and Manahawkin 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. In Barnegat and Manahawkin, kids have several chances:

• Meet Santa at the Ocean County Mall through Dec. 23.
• The Garden Market hosts pictures with Santa on Dec. 2.
• From Dec. 3 through 14, Santa will be visiting neighborhoods with the fire department.
• Santa visits Reynolds Garden Shop on Dec. 3.
• Kids and pets can get photos taken with Santa at The Mainland on Dec. 4.
• Visit Santa and Mrs. Claus at Santa Saturdays at the Tuckerton Seaport.

JC Penney stores, including at the Ocean County Mall, are offering professional portraits with Santa through Dec. 18.