Where To See Santa In Smithtown This Christmas Season

SMITHTOWN, NY — Santa Claus will be back in Smithtown 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 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, 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. In Smithtown, kids have several chances:

• The Town of Smithtown Tree Lighting. Santa will be making an appearance!
  • Where: Smithtown Town Hall, at 99 W. Main St., Smithtown.
• Date: 5 to 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 1.
• Smithtown Library Holiday Tree Lighting.
  • Where: Front lawn of Smithtown building at 1 North Country Road, Smithtown.
  • When: 6 to 7:30 p.m. Dec. 2.
  • Info: No registration required. Meet on the front lawn as the holiday tree is lit. After, refreshments will be served inside, and there will be a photo opportunity with Santa. Goods will also be collected for the Smithtown Emergency Food Pantry.
• Children's Holiday Party by Celebrate St. James. Photos with Santa! Buy your ticket(s) here.
  • Where: St. James Community Cultural Arts Center, at 176 2nd St., St. James.
  • Date: 10 a.m. to noon or 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. sessions offered on Dec. 10.

Santa will be at Macy’s stores in New York City, Chicago, San Francisco, Philadelphia, Atlanta, Boston and Orlando. In New York City, Santa will be on the 8th floor of Macy's Herald Square at 151 W. 34th Street from Nov. 25 to Dec. 24. Reservations are required. Reservations can be made online five days in advance of your visit.

Santa is coming to Nordstrom and Nordstrom Rack stores in Seattle and New York City.

JC Penney stores, including stores in New York City, are offering professional portraits with Santa through Dec. 18.