Santa Claus Is Coming To Howell: Where To See Him

HOWELL, NJ — Visits and pictures with Santa Claus are treasured traditions for many Howell families.

In Howell, kids have several chances to see jolly old St. Nick in person.

Here are the details:

Dec. 2: Howell will hold its Christmas Tree Lighting celebration from 6 p.m.-8:30 p.m. at the municipal building, 4567 Route 9. Santa Claus will be on site with Mrs. Claus and their Elf. There will be hot drinks from The Caffeine Haven, cookies, games, inflatables, a petting zoo, hair tinsel and glitter by the Salon Professional Academy, musical entertainment by the Howell High School and Memorial 5th Grade chorus. Parking is available at the municipal building and there will be a shuttle service from Howell Commons Shopping Plaza, near Old Navy and The Salon Professional Academy.

Dec. 14: Pancake Breakfast with Santa at Ramtown Fire Company, 8 a.m.-11 a.m. Adults $10; children 3-12 years old, $5, children under 3 free. Photos with Santa. Call Pete Realmutto at 973-420-0437.

Santa is also holding court at several shopping malls in the local area, including:

Ocean County Mall: Santa Claus arrives at the mall on Hooper Avenue on Dec. 4 and will be welcomed with a celebration from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. He will "make a grand entrance on a fire truck, followed by a holiday story time and a special surprise visitor you won’t want to miss," according to mall officials. There will be music, crafts, and plenty of holiday cheer, mall officials say. The celebration and the Santa Photo Experience are at Center Court at the mall. If you're looking to take photos with Santa, reservations are required. A special sensory-friendly Santa photo experience for children with special needs and their families is set for Dec. 7 from 9:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m. Reservations are required.

Freehold Raceway Mall: Santa Claus is welcoming children and families on the lower level of Freehold Raceway Mall in Zara Court daily through Christmas Eve. Mall officials recommend reserving your visit; doing so comes with a free personalized digital message from Santa before the visit, "powered by Portable North Pole," and a free 3-month trial to Crayola Create and Play, mall officials said. There also are two pet photo nights, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Dec. 1 and Dec. 8, and the Santa Cares sensory-friendly event from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. on Dec. 7, for those with special needs and their families.