Santa Is Returning With New Home, Photo Set At To Bridgewater Commons For 2024 Season

BRIDGEWATER, NJ — Santa Claus is heading to the Bridgewater Commons with a brand new home and set for photos. And he is kicking off his arrival with a salute to his own birthday.

The Big Man himself will arrive at Center Court on the mall’s Lower Level Santa will be at 400 Commons Way in Bridgewater on Saturday, Nov. 16 with the World’s Coolest Birthday Party.

Sponsored by Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset, the birthday party will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., featuring Mrs. Claus, music, dancing, balloon art, magic and a birthday sing-along. The Girl Scouts Heart of New Jersey will hand out sweet treats to guests (while supplies last).

"We invite all our guests to bring an unopened toy to the birthday party, which Santa will give to a child in need through the Salvation Army. And to thank you for your generosity, you’ll receive $5 off your Santa photo package," said Tom Kovacic, Director of Marketing and Business Development at Bridgewater Commons.

Following the party, Santa will be available for photos in a new home, set amidst 25 garland-topped light curtains (each adorned with thousands of white, glistening lights) and candy-cane-inspired twists cascading from high above.

Kris Kringle will sit in a grand velvet chair in front of a redesigned set that includes a majestic new 30-foot tree with a 5-foot topper, additional 10-foot trees and scenic elements as well as new "Elf Training" interactives on the line to entertain kids (and their parents) while they wait.

Photo packages will be available for purchase. Santa will be at the center from Nov. 16 through Dec. 24. Reservations for photos will be available Monday through Thursday from Nov. 15 through Dec. 12. Fridays through Sundays during that period will be walk-ins only.

From Dec. 13 through Dec. 24 also will be walk-ins only. For more information and to make a reservation, visit www.bridgewatercommons.com.

In addition to helping those in need at Santa’s birthday party, other events include:

• The Salvation Army hosting its Angel Tree program, which provides Christmas gifts for thousands of children and seniors around the country. Once a child or senior has been registered and accepted as an Angel, their Christmas wish list will be shared with donors in the community who purchase gifts of new clothing and toys to put under the Angel’s own family tree. Shoppers can pick an angel off Bridgewater Commons’ tree and return the unwrapped gift with the Angel to the red bin located next to the Angel Tree, located on the Main Level by L’Occitane.
• Santa Cares Day on Sunday, Dec. 1 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., which allows community members with special needs their own, quieter time with Santa.
• The long-awaited return of Pet Night with Santa for our furry, four-legged friends, from 3 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 3 and Thursday, Dec. 5.
• The free Santa + Friends, where Santa is joined by his famous holiday friends for a meet and greet, photos, story time and autographs. Meet Elsa and Anna of Disney’s “Frozen” from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 7; and Disney Princesses Belle and Cinderella on Saturday, Dec. 14 from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.

"Holidays are about tradition, and we’re thrilled to continue some much-loved ones such as Santa Cares and the Salvation Army Angel Tree, while introducing the new, including Santa’s stunning new set for the World’s Coolest Birthday Party and Pet Night," Kovacic said. "We’re looking forward to welcoming everyone to Bridgewater Commons for an exciting and fun holiday season."

For more information on events, visit www.bridgewatercommons.com.

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