Where To See Santa In Manchester This Christmas Season

MANCHESTER, NJ — Santa Claus will be back in Manchester this holiday season for kids sit 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, with virtual visits and socially distanced photos.

There’s nothing quite like seeing jolly ol' St. Nick live and in person. In the Manchester area, kids have several chances:

Festivities at the Manchester Township Christmas tree lighting will include Santa coming to light the tree and sit for photos on Friday. Read more: Christmas Tree Lighting Set In Manchester

The Ocean County Parks and Recreation Department will be hosting free photos with Santa at the gazebo at the parks department's administration offices, 1198 Bandon Road, Toms River.

Santa is at the Ocean County Mall through Dec. 23 for photos with your family, including your pets. Read more: Santa Welcomes Kids, Pets And Families For Photos At Ocean County Mall

Jenkinson's in Point Pleasant Beach will have free photos with Santa on Dec. 10 from 2 p.m.-4:30 p.m. at the South Arcade.

Santa arrived Nov. 12 at Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s Santa’s Wonderland and will hold court through Christmas Eve. Reservations are encouraged.

Santa will be at Macy’s stores in New York City, Chicago, San Francisco, Philadelphia, Atlanta, Boston and Orlando. If you're making the trip into New York City, Santa will be at Macy's through Dec. 24. Reservations are required and must be made five days in advance through the Macy's website here.

JC Penney stores, including the stores at the Ocean County Mall in Toms River and Freehold Raceway Mall in Freehold, are offering professional portraits with Santa through Dec. 18.