Santa Arrives At Bridgewater Commons For 2023 Season

BRIDGEWATER, NJ — Santa Claus has arrived at the Bridgewater Commons mall. See when you can catch him for the Christmas season.

Located in Center Court on the mall’s Lower Level Santa will be at 400 Commons Way in Bridgewater through Sunday, Dec. 24.

Santa @ The Commons will offer 25 garland-topped light curtains (each adorned with thousands of white, glistening lights) and candy-cane-inspired twists cascading from high above as they wait to meet and pose with an authentic Kris Kringle perched in his grand velvet chair on an elevated platform behind his adoring guests.

A red photo frame sits in front of Santa proclaiming, “Holiday Joy.” Photo packages are available at various prices.

On select dates, Santa will be joined by his famous holiday friends for a meet + greet, photos and autographs. These Santa + Friends special events are free, and purchases are not required.

On Saturday, Dec. 2 from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m., meet Elsa and Anna of Disney’s Frozen. Saturday, Dec. 9 from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m., visit with Disney Princesses Belle and Cinderella, and on Friday, Dec. 15 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., meet Buddy the Elf.

For guests will special needs including and beyond that of autism, Bridgewater Commons will host Santa Cares on Dec. 3 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. (International Day of Persons with Disabilities).

In partnership with The Arc of New Jersey Family Institute and Parents With a Plan, the center will allow children and adults within all spectrums of special needs and their families are welcome to their sensory-friendly event to experience the time-honored tradition of a visit and photos with Santa.

"Visits to Santa are a beloved family tradition for many but can be a bit overwhelming for neurodiverse children and adults," said Tom Kovacic, Marketing and Business Development Director for Bridgewater Commons. "This will be a quieter, more low-key event."

Another unique Saint Nick event will be held on Wednesday, Dec. 6, when the holiday meets the tropics at Santa’s Luau from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Guests are asked to don their best Hawaiian gear with Santa and help those affected by the wildfires in Maui, as 100 percent of the proceeds of the day will be matched by Bridgewater Commons and donated to parent company Pacific Retail Capital Property’s (PRCP’s) drive to support the island.

Online reservations are optional and limited to Monday through Thursday only.

Operating hours for Santa @ The Commons are:

Nov. 12 - Nov. 22

• Monday - Friday 12 p.m. – 7 p.m.
• Saturday 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.
• Sunday 12 p.m. – 6 p.m.

November 23 (Thanksgiving Day) —CLOSED

November 24 - December 14

• Monday - Thursday 11 a.m. - 7pm
• Friday - Saturday 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
• Sunday 12 p.m. – 6 p.m.

The following dates have adjusted hours:

• Saturday, Dec. 2, 12:30 p.m. – 8 p.m.
• Tuesday, Dec. 5, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
• Thursday, Dec. 7, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.

December 15 - 23

• Daily 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.

December 24

• Sunday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

For more information visit bridgewatercommons.com/event/photos-with-santa.