Where To See Santa In Wayne This Christmas Season

WAYNE, NJ —Visits and pictures with Santa are treasured traditions for many Wayne families during the holidays. For local kids and families, there’s nothing quite like seeing jolly old St. Nick live and in person.

In Wayne and around the area, kids have several chances in the 2023 holiday season:

Santa arrived at Willowbrook Mall in Wayne in early November, where he is taking photos with kids and listening to their Christmas wishes. Pets can get a photo with Mr. Claus, too, on Mondays and Tuesdays from 4 to 7 p.m. There will also be a sensory-friendly visit at the mall on Sunday, Dec. 3 as part of Santa Cares Day at the Bloomingdale's exhibit court. Reservations are encouraged for a time slot.

Santa will also be at the Wayne Township holiday tree lighting on Tuesday, Dec. 5. The annual tree lighting, held from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Wayne Town Hall, will feature a holiday sing-along, music from Bach to Rock, and an opportunity to give Santa your letter in person.

Families can also ride the popular Santa Train, which returns on Dec. 9 to offer a festive, hour-long train ride where every child gets to talk with Saint Nick. There is currently a wait list, as tickets are sold out.

Have breakfast with Santa, and get some gaming in too, at the Wayne Dave and Buster's on Sunday, Dec. 10 beginning at 9 a.m. Visit the one-stop Santa Shop, enjoy unlimited game play, and load up at the All-American breakfast buffet for a "morning of holiday fun." Tickets available here.

For more "breakfast with Santa" events, click here.

JC Penney stores, including the store at Wayne Towne Center, are offering professional portraits with Santa. The Wayne date is on Black Friday (Nov. 24), but Santa will be at other New Jersey malls through Dec. 18.

Santa will also be at Macy’s stores in several major metropolitan areas, including New York City. Santa will see kids of all ages at Macy's Herald Square on West 34th Street from Black Friday through Christmas Eve. Reservations are required to visit their holiday celebrations and get a photo with Saint Nick.