Where To See Santa In Toms River This Christmas Season

TOMS RIVER, NJ — Visits and pictures with Santa Claus are treasured traditions for many Toms River families. In Toms River, kids have several chances to see jolly old St. Nick in person.

Here are the details:

Dec. 6: Toms River's Christmas tree lighting ceremony, 5 p.m. in the courtyard at Town Hall, 33 Washington Street. Santa arrives by fire truck and helps light the tree.

Dec. 7: Photos with Santa for pets and families, to benefit Ocean Partnership for Children, 10 a.m.-noon at 36 Washington St., Toms River.

Dec. 14: Brunch with Santa at the Toms River Elks Lodge 1875, 600 Washington St. begins at 10 a.m.

Dec. 15: Breakfast with Santa to benefit Toms River Fire Company 2, at the Toms River Elks Lodge 1875, 600 Washington St., 8 a.m. to noon. Adults $12, kids under 10 $8, kids under 3 free.

Santa is also holding court at 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.