Where To See Santa In Howell This Christmas Season

HOWELL, NJ — Visits and pictures with Santa Claus are treasured traditions for many Howell families. In Howell Township, kids have a few chances to see jolly old St. Nick in person.

Here are the details:

Dec. 3: Howell's Christmas tree lighting celebration, 4567 Route 9, from 6 p.m.-8:30 p.m.

Dec. 6: Christmas on the Farm, at Acres at Magnolia, 160 West Farms Road, Farmingdale, 4 p.m. Benefits the Acres at Magnolia, a nonprofit animal sanctuary.

Dec. 8: Brunch with Santa at Our House Restaurant, 420 Adelphia Road, Farmingdale, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Dec. 8: Breakfast with Santa, to benefit Adelphia Fire Company, at the fire house, 925 Adelphia Road, 8 a.m.-noon, tickets $10 for adults, $6 for children.

Dec. 11: Dinner with Santa at The Cabin, 984 Route 33, Farmingdale, 5 p.m.-9 p.m. Reservations required, call 732-462-3090.

Dec. 15: Santa Photos at the Hungry Puppy, 1288 Route 33, Farmingdale. Bring your pets for phots with Santa starting at noon.

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

Ocean County Mall: Santa will be at Ocean County Mall through Dec. 24. Make your reservation online. Hours to see Santa are 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Dec. 2-6, Dec. 8-13, Dec. 15, and Dec. 22; 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Dec. 7, Dec. 14, Dec. 16-21 and Dec. 23, and 9 a.m.-4 p.m. on Christmas Eve. A sensory-friendly event is set for Dec. 8 from 9-10:30 a.m. Reservations are required.

Freehold Raceway Mall: Santa is available daily at Zara Court on the lower level at the mall. Make reservations online. Pet nights will also be held on Mondays from 4-7 p.m. A sensory-friendly event is scheduled for Dec. 8 from 10-11 a.m. Hours to see Santa (it's free, photo packages are available for a cost) are as follows: Through Dec. 22, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Sunday-Friday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturdays; Dec. 23, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Christmas Eve.