Where To See Santa Near Bay Shore This Christmas Season

BAY SHORE, NY — Santa Claus will be back near Bay Shore this holiday season, after a couple of years of COVID-19 restrictions that made it difficult for kids to crawl up on his lap and make their case that they’ve been good boys and girls over the last year.

Visits and pictures with Santa are at the heart of many families’ holiday traditions, but the coronavirus pandemic gave them a lump of coal. Malls and other places took social distancing measures in both 2020 and 2021 to help contain the spread of the virus, moving Santa meet-ups largely online.

Virtual visits are still an option in many places, but there’s nothing quite like seeing jolly old St. Nick live and in person. In Bay Shore, kids have several chances:

Now to Dec. 24

• Photos With Santa at Westfield South Shore Mall
  • 1701 Sunrise Hwy, Bay Shore
  • Various times
  • Make lifelong memories and take pics with ol' Saint Nick at the Westfield South Shore Mall. Reservations are encouraged.

December 2

• Holiday Tree Lighting-Bayard Cutting Arboretum
  • Bayard Cutting Arboretum, 440 Montauk Hwy, Great River, NY, 11739
  • 5:30 p.m.
  • All are welcome to participate in the Bayard Cutting Arboretum's Yuletide celebration. Join carolers in a sing-along of traditional holiday songs. At 6 p.m. sharp, Santa Claus will make an appearance and will light the tree for the 2022 holiday season. Afterwards, hot beverages will be served, and you can say hello to Santa.

December 6

• East Islip Community Chamber of Commerce's Tree Lighting
  • Craig B Gariepy Memorial Park, Lowell and Connetquot Ave., East Islip
  • 5:30 p.m.
  • Join the East Islip Community Chamber of Commerce for an evening of tree lighting and musical holiday celebrations. Enjoy the performances of local band The Reactions, RCK Band and Chorus, dancers, baton twirlers, East Islip Theater Company, and everyone's favorite — Santa Claus.

JC Penney stores, including its Bay Shore location and Outdoor Photography affiliate in West Babylon, are offering professional portraits with Santa through Dec. 18.

If you know of other places near Bay Shore on where to find Santa, be sure to let us know in the comments!