Where To See Santa In Hillsborough This Christmas Season

HILLSBOROUGH, NJ — Visits and pictures with Santa are treasured traditions for many Bridgewater families. For them, there’s nothing quite like seeing jolly old St. Nick live and in person.

In Hillsborough, kids have several chances:

• The 2023 Hillsborough Township Christmas Tree Lighting will be held on Friday, Dec. 1 from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at the Municipal Complex at 379 S Branch Rd. in Hillsborough. Santa will arrive to light the tree at 7 p.m. There will also be hot cocoa and cookies (while supplies last), holiday characters, train rides, and inflatables, kids can drop off letters to Santa, food available for purchase, music, a fire pit, and more.
• The Hillsborough Fire Co. #3 - Station 38 is hosting Breakfast with Santa on Saturday, Dec. 2. The all-you-can-eat breakfast will be held at the Hillsborough Township Volunteer Fire Co. #3 at 324 Woods Road in Hillsborough. Doors open for Seating 1 at 8:15 a.m. Doors open for Seating 2 at 10:30 a.m. For more information click here.
• The Hillsborough PBA 205 and Hillsborough Cinemas are hosting the 3rd Annual Christmas Movie Toy Drive on Saturday, Dec. 2 to support foster children and their families. Films will be shown at the Hillsborough Cinemas at 111 Raider Blvd. at 5 p.m. The featured films are The Grinch (2018) and Christmas Vacation, and the price of admission is one new toy per guest. From 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., complimentary pictures with Santa will be provided by Memories with Mae Photography. Starbucks will be providing complimentary hot chocolate from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. There will also be complimentary cookies.
• Norz Hill Farm & Market, LLC will once again be offering the Holiday Lights Hayride at 130 S Branch Road, Hillsborough. Norz Hill Farm offers Hayride experiences complete with holiday lights, outdoor interactive displays, a spin by the animals, and perhaps a stop by Santa's cornfield office.
• Iron Peak Sports & Events will host its third annual Breakfast with Santa. This festive occasion will take place on Sunday, Dec. 10, from 9 to 10:30 a.m. at Iron Peak at 137 Mountain View Road, Hillsborough.
• Santa @ The Commons, Located in Center Court on the shopping center’s Lower Level at 400 Commons Way, Bridgewater, visits to Santa Celebration will run through Sunday, Dec. 24.
• The Downtown Somerville Alliance's annual Holiday Jubilee on Friday, Dec. 1 beginning at 5:30 p.m. at 61 W Main St. and will feature a variety of performances and activities in the district including a visit from Santa himself.
• Somerville's Holiday Lights Parade on Saturday, Dec. 2 at 5:30 p.m. on Main Street in Somerville will feature lighted and decorated fire trucks, ambulances, and emergency responder vehicles with Santa as well.

Santa arrived on Nov. 5 at Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s Santa’s Wonderland and will hold court through Christmas Eve. Reservations are encouraged.

Santa will also be at Macy’s stores in New York City, Chicago, San Francisco, Philadelphia and Orlando. In New York City, Santa will be at Macy's Herald Square 151 W 34th Street, 8th floor, New York through Dec. 24. Reservations are required, for information click here.

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