Where to Find Santa in Morris County!

Macaroni KID West Morris is rounding up all the places to find Santa this holiday season so parents in Morris County, NJ can spend less time planning and more time making precious memories with their families! 

Whether you're looking to dine with Santa, visit with him up close, or just wave from a distance as he rides by in a parade, we've found all the best events for kids of all ages and stages! Finding Santa has never been easier! 

🎁   🎁   🎁

While we strive to keep this guide as up-to-date as possible, we caution that weather and other unforeseen circumstances may affect the events listed. 

Please call ahead to confirm or check the organizer's website before going. 

Check back soon for updates and please share this guide with friends and family! Be sure to tell event organizers that you saw their event here on Macaroni KID West Morris and have a wonderful holiday season!

Breakfast, Brunch, or Lunch with Santa

Chester Lions Club's Annual Lunch with Santa

Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023, at 11:30 a.m. ~ Pre-registration is required here.

• The Lion's Club has hosted Lunch with Santa for over 30 years!
• Free and fun for families with children aged 10 and under.
• Kids have lunch and visit Santa.
• They can also create holiday-themed crafts, decorate cookies, and more!

Brunch with Santa at Alstede Farms in Chester

Saturdays and Sundays, Dec. 3-17, 2023 ~ Purchase tickets in advance here.

• Join Santa and his helpers while indulging in a casual, family-style buffet in Harvest Hall.
• There are two seatings at 10 a.m. and noon. Tickets sell out quickly so don't delay!
• All seating will be indoors and photo opportunities with Santa will be available to all guests.
• Tickets are sold by tables of four, six, or eight guests.

Breakfast with Santa aboard the Battleship New Jersey

Call 866-877-6262 x108 for tickets

Dec. 9, 2023, from 9-11 a.m.

62 Battleship Place, Camden NJ

• Join Santa and the Crew of the Battleship New Jersey for a yuletide tradition aboard America's most decorated Battleship!
• Spend the morning enjoying a hot, delicious breakfast served from the Chow Line.
• Participate in fun activities and enter to win some great prizes.
• Mingle and have a picture taken with Santa.
• Experience a Fire Power Tour of the Battleship after breakfast.

Annual Breakfast with Santa at Holy Spirit School in Pequannock ~ Tickets available here

Saturday, Dec. 9, 2023, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

• Join us for one of two sessions beginning at 8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.
• Activities include crafts, games, face painting, Mrs. Claus, and a special appearance from the Grinch!
• Plenty of photo opportunities in front of our beautiful Christmas backdrops and a memorable picture with Santa.
• Shop our Christmas Boutique and stop by the HSS tree lot next door for your Christmas tree.
• Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for seniors and children age 3+, children under 3 admitted free.

Breakfast with Santa at Applebees in Hackettstown

Saturday, Dec. 9, 2023, from 8:30-10 am

• $10 ticket includes photos with Santa, breakfast, raffles, goodies, and more!
• 100% of sales will be donated to Toys for Tots

Pancake Breakfast with Santa at the Whippany Firehouse ~ Tickets are only available online here.

Sunday, Dec. 10, 2023, from 8 a.m. to noon

• The jolly old man in the red suit will be at the Whippany Fire House on Sunday, December 10th for a pancake breakfast served by members of the fire company.
• Bring your cameras! Santa will be taking pictures next to the fire truck.
• If you are unable to join us, fear not as Santa and Sparky will be touring Whippany on a fire engine.

Brunch with Santa at Sunset Pub and Grill in Lincoln Park  

Reservations open by phone only on Tuesday, Nov. 14 from 1-6 p.m. (973) 694-8700

• Please be patient when calling for a reservation. Leaving a voicemail does not secure a reservation. You must get through and speak to one of us.
• Seatings at 9 a.m., 11:30 a.m., and 2 p.m. on Sat., Dec. 16 and Sun., Dec. 17, 2023.
• Come see Santa arrive with Elsa, Olaf, and others!

Can't Miss Holiday Experiences 

These holiday experiences are worth the drive!

The Polar Express Train Ride ~ Tickets sell out quickly!

Delaware River Railroad Excursions in Phillipsburg

Nov. 24-26, Dec. 1-3, 8-10, 15-17, 2023

Departures: Fridays at 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. and multiple times on Saturday and Sunday.

• Relive the magic of the classic story as they are whisked away on THE POLAR EXPRESS™ for a magical hour-and-a-half trip to meet Santa. 
• Get your Golden Ticket punched by your car host!
• Enjoy hot chocolate and delicious cookies served by dancing chefs.
• Listen to the classic children’s book, The Polar Express, by Chris Van Allsburg. 
• Santa and his helpers will greet you and each guest will receive the first gift of Christmas - a silver sleigh bell!

Westfield Garden State Plaza Mall in Paramus

Mrs. Claus' Kitchen Experience ~ Reserve your spot here!

Friday, Saturday, and Sunday - Nov. 24 to Dec. 24, 2023

• Mrs. Claus' Kitchen is not just any kitchen; it's a whimsical gingerbread haven!
• Take a guided tour of Mrs. Claus' magical kitchen and take your own photos with Mrs. Claus.
• Join Mrs. Claus and dive into the art of baking, then explore her picturesque garden.
• Take home an array of baked wonders from DeLinias Dolcini available for purchase.

Santa Claus is Coming to Town

Madison Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting

Friday, Nov. 24, 2023, at 5:30 p.m.

• For those who are unable to attend in person, you can watch the entire ceremony live-streamed on YouTube from the comfort of your home.
• The parade begins at the Madison Ambulance Corps building and proceeds down Prospect Street towards Main Street where it will turn left and proceed up Main Street before ending at Condurso Way.
• At the conclusion of the parade, the Christmas tree on Waverly Place will be lit, around approximately 6:30 p.m.

Denville Holiday Open House on Ice

Friday, Nov. 24, 2023, from 5:30-9:00 p.m.

• Ice skating, carolers, s'mores
• Selfies with Santa
• Warming stations
• Store and restaurant specials
• Festive activities and more!

29th Annual Boonton Fire Dept. Christmas Parade

Saturday, Nov. 25, 2023, from 1-3 p.m. (Rain Date: Sunday, Nov. 26)

• Come watch a variety of bands, floats, public service vehicles, and marchers precede Santa up Main St.
• Then join us at Santaland where seasonal refreshments will be served in the parking lot to parade participants and observers while Santa Claus begins the weekends of consultation with each child who visits. 

Denville Annual Rotary Tree Lighting and Visits with Santa at Santa Land

Saturday, Nov. 25, 2023, at 6:00 p.m. ~ ongoing

• Visit Santa on Dec. 2 and 3, and Dec. 9-23, 2023
• Weekdays: 4-7 p.m.
• Weekends: 1-6 p.m.

Denville Holiday Parade

Sunday, November 26, 2023 at 2:00 p.m.

• See Santa arrive in town courtesy of the Denville Fire Department led by a line of great entrainment, community organizations, festive floats, and more. 

Pictures with Santa, Fairmount Fire Company No.1, Long Valley

Sunday, Nov. 26, 2023, 9 a.m. to noon, and 1-3 p.m, 

• A Million Dreams Photography is partnering with the Fairmount Auxiliary to provide a festive outdoor holiday photo opportunity featuring Santa and Fairmount's antique engine!
• Both packages include unlimited access to our hot chocolate and cookies bar and instant digital copies.
• This is a cash-only event. $10 for a single person or pet. $20 for two or more people and/or pets. 
• Pet-friendly sessions are from 1-3 p.m.

Boonton Santa Land and Holiday Tree Lighting

Nov. 30, 2023, from 4:30-7:30 pm (special guest and tree lighting at 6:30 p.m.)

• Boonton’s Santa Land has been a traditional pre-Christmas presence since 1963. 
• The Boonton Volunteer Fire Department erected the present brick structure located beside the Water Department on N. Main Street.
• Enjoy the ice rink, hot chocolate, a food truck, and a gift raffle for ages 12 and under.
• Santa offers children regular visiting hours of 5-8 pm, on Fridays and Saturdays and 2-6 pm on Sundays. The building’s interior offers engaging Christmas decor to occupy attention as kids wait their turn to sit on Santa’s lap. 

"The Miracle on Blackwell Street Parade" ~ Dover Holiday Tree Lighting & Marketplace

Thursday, Nov. 30, 2023, at 6 p.m.

• Gather on Blackwell Street between Towpath Square and N. Essex Street to watch the parade.
• Watch for Santa to arrive on a firetruck and help him countdown to light the holiday tree.
• Visit Santa at JFK Commons Park (across from Dover Library), tell him your holiday wishes, and receive a goody bag.

Florham Park Tree Lighting at the Community Center

Sunday, Dec. 1, 2023, 6:30-9:00 pm

Mt. Olive Christmas Tree Lighting at the Municipal Building

Sunday, Dec. 1, 2023, from 7-8 pm

Morristown Green Santa House

Friday, Dec. 1, 2023, through Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023

• Family activities, entertainment, and Santa visits and photos will take place on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays throughout the month of December concluding on Sunday, December 17th. 
• All activities are free with the exception of a $15 fee for photos with Santa. (cash, check, and major credit cards accepted)
• Saturday and Sunday from Noon to 7 p.m. throughout December until December 17th
• Fridays (1st, 8th, and 15th) from 3-8 p.m.

The Merry and Bright Festival of Trees 20^th Anniversary 

Saturday, December 2 – Saturday, December 9 at the Barn at Highlands Ridge Park in Chester

• SRC Festival of Trees 2023 is a community-wide celebration featuring decorated holiday trees in a rustic winter wonderland setting.
• Trees are individually decorated by families, businesses, and civic organizations and are enjoyed by hundreds of people every year.
• All trees are for sale. You can also purchase or donate toward the purchase of a tree to be donated to brighten the Christmas of a local family.
• There will be items in the Gift Shop and "Cash and Carry" trees available for immediate purchase.

Chester Annual Tree Lighting at Municipal Field Gazebo

Sunday, Dec. 3, 2023, from 5-7 p.m.

• Get in the holiday spirit with live music by the West Morris Mendham High School Choir and Band.
• Enjoy free refreshments donated by local businesses.
• Special appearances by Chester Volunteer Fire Company, Chester, NJ, Chester Police Department, Chester First Aid Squad, and the one and only Santa Claus!

Santa Visits at the Dover Public Library

Saturday, Dec. 2, 9, and 16, 2023, from 1-3 p.m.

• Come and visit Santa to tell him about your wishes for the holiday!
• Don't forget to write Santa a letter to give him in person.
• Goody bags are provided to all children.

Santa's Arrival and Tree Lighting in Parsippany-Troy Hills at Parsippany Town Hall

Sat., Dec. 2, 2023, from 5-7 pm

Borough of Butler Public Library

Santa Visits the Library on Thursday, Dec. 7, 2023, at 5:45 p.m.

• Enjoy holiday music in the Court Room until Santa arrives.
• Enter through the library and receive a number which will be called when it's your turn to visit Santa.
• Visit with Santa and be ready to take a photograph!
• Registration is not necessary.

Borough of Riverdale Tree Lighting Ceremony and Holiday Gathering

Thursday, Dec. 7, 2023, at 6:30 p.m.

• The annual Holiday Gathering is immediately following the Riverdale School Tree Lighting Ceremony at the Riverdale Senior Community Center (57 Loy Ave.)
• Enjoy hot chocolate and desserts.
• Bring your camera and take a picture with Santa!

Boonton Fire Dept. Santa Run

Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023, from 11 a.m. to 2 pm.

• Santa will be climbing on board a fire truck to visit the streets of Boonton!
• Listen for the air horns and sirens to know when Santa is close.
• While there is no exact time that Santa will pass your street, know that the fire truck will go down every street in town to make sure every kid gets to see Santa!

Denville Fire Dept. Santa Run

Sunday, Dec. 24, 2023, from 5-9 p.m.

• Check the link above closer to Dec. 24th for the 2023 schedule. 
• The current online schedule is subject to change.

Christmas Festivals

Morristown Green Christmas Festival

Santa arrives to kick off the annual Christmas Festival on Sunday, Nov. 26, 2023, at 5 p.m.

• For over 100 years, generations of residents and visitors have come to the heart of downtown Morristown to enjoy the magic of the Christmas season.
• Visit Santa in the  Santa House, enjoy holiday music and crafts, take a photo with a vintage-style oversized rocking horse, see ice sculpture demonstrations, and take free rides around the Green on a miniature electric trail (not available on Fridays.)

Hackettstown Hometown Holiday Weekend

Dec. 1-3, 2023

• Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides through the Historic District
• Holiday Bazaar Shopping and Dining Tent
• Holiday Music on Main St. from 12-5 pm all weekend
• Businesses Open Late with Specials and #ShopSmall Offers
• Centenary University Grand Illumination and Holiday Celebration
• Santa Parade at 7 pm (Main St. at Plane St. to Moore St.)
• Tree Lighting at 7:30 pm (Main and Moore St. Gazebo)
• Santa's Wonderland at the Community Center, Saturday from 12-4 pm

The Hackettstown Parking Authority is providing FREE PARKING in all municipal parking lots and metered parking spaces for the Hometown Holiday Weekend.     

33rd Annual Tree of Light Festival on the Village Green in Watchung

Sat., Dec. 2, 2023 (rain date, Dec. 3, 2023)

• Festivities include a dedication ceremony, fireworks, music, food, and more!
• Be a part of the celebration by placing a red light on our tree in honor of or white in memoriam of a person, family, friends, and others.  
• The names of honorees and remembrances will be posted on the illuminated display on the Village Green in time for the ceremony for those dedications received by November 30th.
• The display and our website will be continually updated throughout the holiday season. The dedications can be seen here.
• To place a light on the tree, please complete the printed Dedication Order Form here and mail it along with your tax-deductible donation of $50.00 per light.

Deck the Halls with Morris County Historical Society ~ Pre-register here for $30

Sat., Dec. 2, 2023, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

• Come experience Christmas past at Macculloch Hall and Acorn Hall!
• Immerse yourself in the magic and wonder of Christmas past.
• The event features holiday music on Acorn Hall’s 1873 Chickering Grand Piano and Thomas Nast’s most famous Christmas scenes at Macculloch Hall.
• Both sites will also feature festive photo opportunities and unique treasures in their respective gift shops. 

Roxbury’s Annual Home for the Holidays Festival 

Indoors at the Roxbury Public Library and two churches on Main. Street in Succusunna

Saturday, Dec. 2, 2023, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

• Enjoy music, food, crafts, and shopping with local vendors!
• This fun festival celebrates Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanza, and the beauty of the winter season!
• Santa arrives by firetruck at 11:05 a.m. at the Library Gazebo (103 Main St.)
• Schedule an appointment for a photo with Santa here. Suggested minimum donation is $5 cash at the door. Proceeds benefit Roxbury Social Services. Walk-ins are welcome after 12:30 p.m.
• For special needs accommodation, please email pamsmith@roxburynjchamber.com
• Harvey, the Algieri family's pet pig will be in the gazebo from 1:30-2:30 p.m. to pose for pictures with you as a fundraiser for 11th Hour Rescue.
• Food and drinks will be available for purchase inside the two churches and the library.

Winter Wonderland at Lincoln Park Community Lake

Sat., Dec. 2, 2023, from 4:30-6:30 p.m. (Rain date Sun., Dec 3)

• All parking inside the lake will be limited (including handicap).
• Visit with Santa, enjoy music, food trucks, and other holiday surprises
• Santa and friends will light the tree at 6:30 p.m. followed by fireworks at 6:45 p.m.

Frelinghuysen Arboretum's Festival of Trees

December 8, 9,15,16, 22, 23, 26, 30, 2023, from 10 a.m. to 4  p.m.

• Tour the Frelinghuysen Arboretum's Mansion decorated for the holidays in the Festival of Trees.
• Enjoy trees decorated by scouts, families, floral designers, and garden clubs in this outing for the family.
• Admission is $10 per person.

Holiday in Kinnelon at the Municipal Bldg.

Dec. 8, 2023, from 6-9 pm

• Join us for family fun and holiday cheer!
• Tree Lighting and Visits with Santa
• Clydesdale Holiday Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides
• High School Carolers
• Kids Activities
• Ice Skating Rink
• Hot Chocolate Bar and Cookies
• Waffle and Coffee Truck

Any Who’s Winter Fest at Turkey Brook Park in Mount Olive

Dec. 8-10, 15-17, 22-23, 2023; Fridays from 4-7 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays from 12-7 p.m.

• Discover the enchantment of the holiday season at Any Who's Winter Fest, a winter wonderland event sponsored by Fratelli Beratta and featuring a charming shed village provided by Amish Mike!
• Secure your tickets online and fast-track through the line or purchase them on-site. Children ages 3 -12 $15, and children 2 and under are admitted free. Ages 13 to adult $5. 
• Children's tickets provide unlimited access to three exhilarating rides! Kids will love the train rides, the thrilling slides, and the whimsical fun house!
• Everyone can warm up by the bonfire while drinking hot chocolate and enjoying tasty funnel cake.
• Explore the Vendor Village for a one-of-a-kind shopping experience, perfect for finding special holiday gifts and treats.
• Feel the holiday spirit with live music performances that will fill the air with joyful sounds.
• Costumed characters will be on site for free photos!

Reeves-Reed Arboretum Festival of Trees~ Tickets are available here.

Sunday, Dec. 10, 2023, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

• Join us for this outdoor winter festival celebrating community and culture! 
• The day’s activities will include arts and crafts for Kwanzaa, Christmas, Hanukkah, and the Winter Solstice, games, stories, musical entertainment, a story walk, photo opportunities with Santa, as well as food vendors, and a holiday market.
• Member tickets go on sale Wednesday, November 1; for $7/per person, and children 3 and under are free.
• Non-Member tickets go on sale Wednesday, November 8; for $12/per person, children 3 and under are free.
• If there is room for walk-ins on the day of the event, the cost per person will be members $10 and non-members $15. Children 3 and under are free.

Mail Your Letter to Santa via #USPSOperationSanta

Santa's address at the North Pole: Santa Claus, 123 Elf Road, North Pole 88888

• USPS Operation Santa®️ receives thousands of letters to Santa every year.
• Letters are accepted beginning Sept. 18, 2023, through Dec. 11, 2023.
• Letters are carefully reviewed, scanned, and posted here, with personal information removed, beginning Nov. 20, 2023.
• Generous people adopt letters and find just the right gift to help Santa fulfill their wishes.
• Registration opens for adopters on Nov. 6, 2023, here. The last call for adopters is Dec. 18, 2023.
• Learn more at https://www.uspsoperationsanta.com/how

Meet Santa's Helpers Spreading Holiday Cheer

"Elvis the Elf" - Santa's Favorite Elf! ~ Main Street in Historic Downtown Chester, NJ

• Find "Elvis the Elf" on Sunday, Nov. 19, and Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023, from 1-4 p.m.
• He will meet and greet everyone, answer your questions about the North Pole, and sing holiday tunes with his guitar!

Manhattan Holiday Carolers ~ Main Street in Historic Downtown Chester, NJ 

• The Manhattan Holiday Carolers, a cappella caroling quartet, will be performing a variety of traditional and contemporary holiday classics in beautiful hand-made Victorian-style costuming.
• Strolling and singing throughout downtown Chester on 11/25, 12/2, 12/3, and 12/16 from 12-4 p.m.
• Take a photo with the carolers at noon and 3:30 p.m. at 47 Main Street.

Don’t miss these popular holiday events in or near Morris County!

Let It Glow: A Holiday Lantern Experience at Bergen County Zoo

Nov. 9, 2023, to Jan. 14, 2024, Thursday and Sunday 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., and Friday and Saturday 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.

• Don't miss this family walkthrough light display with 30+ larger-than-life lanterns of animals and nature!
• This fundraiser has all NEW LANTERNS FOR 2023.
• Buy tickets online here or at the door.
• Each admission ticket comes with a train ticket. Adults $18, Children $9.
• Please note that these tickets are separate from Van Saun's "Winter Wonderland"
• S'mores kits are available for purchase in the Gift Shop to enjoy at the fire pits.

Skylands Christmas Light Show & Christmas Village in Augusta

Select Dates: Nov. 22 to Dec. 30, 2023

Tickets must be purchased online, in advance here. Starting at $29.

• The drive-thru portion of the event takes approximately 30 minutes. Plan for at least 2 hours to enjoy the Christmas Village.
• Tickets are for the drive-thru Light Show featuring over 2 million lights! No tickets are needed to enter the village area.
• Food, Santa photos, and some experiences are an additional cost.

Bergen County Winter Wonderland at Van Saun Park ~ Purchase tickets here!

Nov. 24, 2023, to Jan. 1, 2024

• Northern New Jersey's premier winter event features open-air ice skating, a hospitality tent, children's games, carousel rides, food trucks, and an indoor/outdoor beer garden!
• Bergen County Zoo Train rides are available for purchase as well. 
• Purchase tickets to skate at The Rink at Winter Wonderland here.
• Ice bumper cars are a new exciting way to get out on the ice at Winter Wonderland. Tickets are available here.

The Model Railroad Club Annual Holiday Train Show and Open House at Lenape Park in Union

Nov. 24-26, Dec. 2-3, and 9-10, 2023; open 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day (Last guest admitted at 5:30 p.m.)

• Purchase tickets in advance here to save $1 each from the door price.
• Regular admission: Adults $10, Seniors $8, Children $5
• The Model Railroad Club, Inc. educates the general public and the Club’s members about the railroads and the industries they served in the New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania area. 

Holiday Light Show at Brookhollow's Barnyard in Booton

Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, Nov. 25, 2023 to Jan. 6, 2024

• Walk through from 4-6:30 p.m. and feed the animals. Train rides are available from 4:30-6 p.m.
• Drive through from 6:30-8: p.m. (no animal feeding)
• Additional dates are to be added closer to Christmas.
• Purchase tickets at the door.
• Walk through: $9.50 per person (under 2 free); Drive through $20 per car (height limit of 7' 5")

A Charlie Brown Christmas: Live on Stage at MPAC

• Sunday, Nov. 26, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m.
• Purchase tickets here.
• Don't miss the stage adaptation of the classic animated television special!
• Join Charlie Brown and the gang as they journey to uncover the true meaning of Christmas.
• After the final bow, the audience is invited to join the Peanuts gang in singing traditional Christmas songs and carols!

Community Day: Winter Wonderland at The Newark Museum of Art ~ Get Free Tickets Here

Saturday, Dec. 9, 2023, from 12-5 p.m.

• Winter Wonderland is back with more seasonal performances and activities for the whole family!
• Enjoy hands-on artmaking, a performance by Teen Step Up, and more.
• Shop with local vendors at The Newark Holiday Market.

Sensory-Friendly Holiday Events

Sensory Santa Winter Wonderland in Ramsey ~ RSVP Here

Tuesday, Dec. 12, 2023, from 5-6:30 p.m.

• Snowflakes, Santa hats, and twinkling lights - oh my! Bundle up and join Bierman Autism Centers in Ramsey for a sensory-friendly soirée where every holiday takes center stage.
• Whisk into our winter-themed photo booths! With Santa making a cameo, it's the selfie spot you won't want to miss.
• Enjoy sumptuous treats.

Free Autism Winter Wonderland Theme Party in Matawan ~ RSVP here (Almost Full)

Saturday, Dec. 9, 2023, from 12-3:30 p.m.

• Join Success on the Spectrum in Matawan for an enchanting and inclusive holiday experience for Autistic children and families alike.
• Snowflake Spectacular wall decor featuring sparkling snowflakes in all shapes and sizes, creating a whimsical and inviting atmosphere.
• The Crafting Corner allows for sensory exploration and artistic expression. Create your own snowflakes, snowmen, and other winter-themed crafts.
• Warm up with a delicious hot cup of cocoa at our Hot Cocoa Bar featuring various tippings and flavors.
• Capture holiday memories with family and friends at our themed photo booth with winter props and backdrops.
• The Winter Wonderland Dance Party with sensory-friendly music and lighting will create a dance floor everyone can enjoy.
• A Quiet Area is provided for guests who need a break from the excitement.
• Meet and Greet with our special Snow Queen Princess. Her presence will make this party even more magical!

☃️  ☃️  ☃️