Where To See Santa Around Parsippany This Christmas Season

PARSIPPANY, NJ — Santa Claus is coming to Parsippany 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 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. Kids have several chances around Parsippany:

Santa's Arrival & Tree Lighting Festival

Parsippany Municipal Building, corner of Route 46 West and Parsippany Boulevard; 5-7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3

It's about to look a lot like Christmas in Parsippany. Festivities will run from 5-7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3.

Santa Claus will arrive via firetruck. And immediately following the tree lighting, Kris Kringle will meet with children to get their wishes. Bring a camera, since the township encourages people to take their child's photo with Santa. Refreshments will be served after each child's visit with Santa Claus. Read more: Santa's Arrival, Tree Lighting This Weekend In Parsippany

Rockaway Townsquare

301 Mt. Hope Ave., Rockaway; through Dec. 24

Santa Claus is back, getting pictures with children in the Macy's Court. Make a reservation here.

Willowbrook Mall

1400 Willowbrook Blvd., Wayne; through Dec. 24; 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 12-6 p.m. Sunday.

Kris Kringle has already settled into his spot at the Willowbrook Mall — the Bloomingdale's Exhibit Court. The mall will also hold sensory-friendly hours for people with special needs, along with photo opportunities for pets.

Santa will accept walk-ups, but click here to make a reservation. Reservations are required for the sensory-friendly hours. Read more: Santa Claus Is Coming To Wayne's Willowbrook Mall

JC Penney

See participating locations for dates and times available.

JC Penney is giving families more opportunities to get Santa photos. The company is holding Santa events at its stores through Dec. 18, but participation and event dates vary by location.

View participating locations to set up a time. Several New Jersey locations offer photo opportunities, including JC Penney at the Wayne Town Centre and Jersey City's Newport Centre.

Christmas Festival at the Morristown Green

Morristown Green; 5-8 p.m. Nov. 27 and December weekends through Dec. 18: 12-7 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, 3-8 p.m. Fridays.

It all began in 1913, when a small group of volunteers lit a single star atop a tree on the Morristown Green. The downtown Christmas celebrations have carried on for more than a century.

Santa will arrive Sunday, Nov. 27, kicking off a season of photos, holiday crafts, ice sculpture demonstrations, a vintage-style rocking horse and rides on a miniature train. Activities are free for visitors, with the exception of a $15 fee for a photo with Santa. Find out more.