Where To See Santa In Manchester This Christmas Season

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

Here are the details:

Dec. 3: Pizza with Santa, to benefit the Lakehurst Volunteer Fire Company, at the fire house, 207 Center St., 6 p.m.-8 p.m., tickets are $7 per person.

Dec. 7: Visit with Santa and get photos at Manchester's Christmas in the Pines. The event is 2 p.m.-8 p.m. at Harry Wright Lake Park, Lake Avenue.

Dec. 21: Pancake Breakfast with Santa, to benefit Manchester Volunteer Fire Company, at the fire company, 545 Commonwealth Blvd., Manchester, 9 a.m.-noon; $10 for ages 10 and older; $8 for kids ages 3 to 9, kids under age 3 get in free.

Dec. 21: Breakfast with Santa at Three B's Bar & Bistro, 314 Route 70, Lakehurst. Begins at 9 a.m.

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.