Lap Sitting On Santa Returns At Bridgewater Commons After 2 Years

BRIDGEWATER, NJ — For the first time in two years, children will once again be able to sit on Santa Claus' lap at the Bridgewater Commons. Lap sitting was halted and social distancing was put in place when the coronavirus pandemic hit.

Mr. Clause arrived at the mall on Nov. 12 for the 2022 Christmas season. The mall initially opened the season with no lap-sitting. However, that decision was reversed this past weekend.

A spokeswoman with Bridgewater Commons confirmed to Patch that "kids can now sit on Santa’s lap."

Kids can now join Santa and sit on his lap atop his grand velvet chair on an elevated platform. A bright red photo frame sits in front of Santa with the saying, "Holiday Joy."

Santa will remain at the Commons through Saturday, Dec. 24.

To make Santa at the Commons reservations and see photo package choices and pricing visit bridgewatercommons.com. Visits and photos take place through Saturday, Dec. 24.

Sensory Santa Days

Sensory Santa Days opens the center early for community members with special needs including and beyond that of autism to meet with Santa. In partnership with The Arc of New Jersey Family Institute, children and adults within all spectrums of special needs and their families are welcome to these sensory-friendly events to experience the time-honored tradition of a visit and photos with Santa in a quiet setting. Families should reserve their time slot in advance at bridgewatercommons.com. Sensory Santa Days dates and times follow:

• Sunday, Dec. 4, 10 to 11 a.m.
• Sunday, Dec. 18, 9 to 10 a.m.

Santa’s Photo Theme Nights

Bridgewater Commons has reserved three evenings for visitors to creatively theme this year’s holiday photo memory with St. Nick. Theme night participants will also receive Santa’s magic sparkle 3D glasses and more.

• Santa’s Luau! – Wednesday, Nov. 30, 4 p.m. – close
• Santa’s PJ Night! – Wednesday, Dec. 7, 4 .m. – close
• Santa’s Ugly Sweater Night! – Wednesday, Dec. 14, 4 p.m. – close

Santa at the Commons Hours of Operation

Nov. 12 - Nov. 23

• Monday – Thursday, 1 to 7 p.m.
• Friday – Saturday – 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Sunday – Noon to 6 p.m.

Nov. 25 - Dec. 16

• Monday – Thursday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Friday – Saturday 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Sunday – Noon to 6 p.m.
• Please Note: Adjusted operating hours on the following dates:
  • Thursday, Dec. 1: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Saturday, Dec. 3: 12:30 to 8 p.m.
  • Tuesday, Dec. 6: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Dec. 17 – 23

• Daily – 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Dec. 24

• 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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