Where To See Santa In Cranford This Christmas Season

CRANFORD, NJ — Santa Claus will be back in Cranford 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 Cranford, kids have several chances:

• Santa will make an appearance at Cranford's tree lighting on Friday, Nov. 25 at the gazebo on North Union and Springfield Avenue. Carolers will also be singing Christmas tunes, and attendees will have the chance to take photos with Santa. Read more: Cocoa + Caroling: Holiday Tree Lighting Event Coming Soon To Cranford
• Santa is also making a special visit to Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming in Cranford on Sunday, Nov. 27 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Whether they've been naughty or nice, all dogs must be on a leash or in a pet carrier at the event. Read more: 'Santa Paws' Is Coming To Cranford

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.

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

JC Penney stores, including stores in Wayne and Woodbridge are offering professional portraits with Santa through Dec. 18.