NJ Santa Pics: 2015 Holiday Photo Opportunities For Kids Around Maplewood

Want to take the kids to visit Santa Claus this year in Essex County? Here’s a list of places that are hosting Kris Kringle for the 2015 holiday season.

• The Mall At Short Hills will host a “2015 Santa Photos” program until Dec. 24. See the schedule and prices here.
• The Livingston Mall will host wish list and photo meet-and-greet sessions with Santa until Dec. 17. See the schedule and hours here.
• The Wayne Town Santa will be appearing at the Fairfield Garden Center until Dec. 24. See the photo schedule and hours online here.
• The South Mountain YMCA in Maplewood will host a “Breakfast With Santa” event on Dec. 5 featuring a breakfast buffet, photos with Santa and a personalized gift. See event info and donation cost here.

Several Essex County towns are also hosting their own local Santa meet and greet events for 2015. Click on the links to learn more about each event.

• On Sunday, Dec. 6, Downtown Millburn will host the 32nd annual Snowflake Parade at 1:30 p.m., featuring a Santa Land and digital photo booth care of Saint Barnabas Medical Center.
• The Montclair Police Department and PBA Local #53 will host their 6th annual “Santa Visit” from Dec. 13 to 15. Residents who donate two gifts can get one delivered to their child at home by Santa.
• Caldwell will host its annual Christmas Tree Lighting on Dec. 5 at the Caldwell Town Green, featuring an appearance by Santa at 5:15 p.m.
• West Caldwell will host its annual Christmas Tree Lighting on Dec. 6, featuring photos with Santa (participants must bring their own camera).
• The Nutley Chamber of Commerce will host its annual Santa letter collection program for 2015, forwarding the letters to “Santa Claus via the North Pole.”
• Downtown West Orange will host its annual Holiday Open House and Tree Lighting event from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the downtown area on Saturday, Dec. 5. Participants can also take pictures with Santa throughout downtown, culminating with the arrival of Santa at the Christmas Tree Lighting at 5 p.m. on the lawn at Town Hall.
• The Junior Woman’s Club of Verona invites all local children to write their letters to Santa. Letters must be received by Dec. 15. Parents must include a SASE if they want a reply.
• Bloomfield will host a Holiday Celebration on Dec. 12 at the Bloomfield Civic Center, featuring photos with Santa, arts and crafts and light refreshments.

Know about any other local Santa photo opportunities? Share them with the Patch community in the comments section below!

File photo: Santa Claus visits the Livingston Mall in 2012