Are you looking for the best places to take pictures with Santa in and around Bergen County, NJ? The holiday season is here, and for many families, taking pictures with Santa is a cherished tradition. Whether you prefer the rustic charm of local farms and nurseries or the convenience of shopping malls—right in Bergen County or just a short drive away—there are plenty of magical options to capture the moment. This guide covers top Santa photo locations throughout Bergen County and nearby areas, including Short Hills, Wayne, Rockaway, and Bridgewater, complete with dates, hours, and booking information for the 2025 holiday season.”
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Looking for a festive and free way to kick off the holiday season? Rohsler’s Nursery is once again offering complimentary photos with Santa, making it the perfect local outing for families, kids, and even pets. This event is first-come, first-served, so arrive early to grab your spot.
While you’re there, stroll through their beautiful selection of seasonal décor, fresh Christmas trees, wreaths, and holiday gifts. It’s an easy and fun way to support local businesses and one of Bergen County’s favorite nurseries.
- Location: 100 Franklin Turnpike, Allendale, NJ 07401
- Dates: Every Saturday & Sunday from November 29 – December 14, 2025
- Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
- Cost: FREE!
- What to Bring: Your camera!
- Event Details: https://rohslers.com/event/free-pictures-with-santa/
Experience a truly unique holiday photo opportunity! Santa is coming to Bergen County Horse Rescue where he’ll be saying hi to the horses, checking his list twice, and taking pictures with families. This nonprofit horse rescue provides a magical setting where you can meet Santa surrounded by their beautiful rescued horses.
Start your holiday shopping at their Hoof Prints Gift Shop while you’re there, and support a great cause that rehabilitates and protects neglected horses in Bergen County.
- Location: 350 Ramapo Valley Road, Mahwah, NJ 07430
- Date: Saturday, December 6, 2025
- Hours: 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM
- Rain Date: Sunday, December 7, 2025
- Admission:
- Adults: $20
- Children: $15
- Under 3: FREE
- What to Expect:
- Meet Santa and the amazing rescued horses
- Bring your camera and take photos with Santa
- Browse the Hoof Prints Gift Shop
- Support a wonderful nonprofit organization
- Bring: Your camera
- Tickets: https://www.bergencountyhorserescue.org/purchasetickets/santa-event
- Website: www.bergencountyhorserescue.org
- Instagram: @bergen_county_horse_rescue
Santa and Mrs. Claus are coming to the farm! Bring your family for a special photo op with a charming farm-style backdrop that captures the rustic magic of the season. This family-owned farm, which has been part of the Wyckoff landscape for over 90 years, offers a unique alternative to traditional mall Santa photos.
Kids can write letters to Santa on-site, or bring a pre-written letter to drop in the North Pole mailbox for direct delivery to the big man himself! It’s a perfect way to capture the spirit of the season with a touch of farm charm.
- Location: 700 Lawlins Road, Wyckoff, NJ 07481
- Dates: November 28, 29, and December 6, 2025
- What to Expect:
- Take your own photo or let staff snap one with your camera
- Kids can write letters to Santa on-site
- Bring a pre-written letter to drop in the North Pole mailbox for direct delivery!
- Farm-style backdrop perfect for capturing holiday memories
- Optional Add-On: S’mores kits to enjoy around the warm fire!
- Tickets: Required, purchase online
- Book Now: https://www.abmasfarm.com/events/
Join us for a magical Santa Story Time experience! This interactive event goes beyond just photos—Santa and Mrs. Claus will read stories, share jokes, and lead songs with fun props, creating a memorable experience for the whole family.
The event takes place in a tent, so please dress warmly for the occasion. Tickets are required, and space is limited, so be sure to reserve your spot early. The same heartwarming story will be read at every time slot.
- Location: 700 Lawlins Road, Wyckoff, NJ 07481
- Dates: December 9, 10, 13, & 20, 2025
- What to Expect:
- Interactive story time with Santa and Mrs. Claus
- Songs, jokes, and fun props
- Photo op with Santa and Mrs. Claus afterward
- Bring your camera, and staff will help capture the memories (or take your own)
- Event takes place in a tent—dress warmly!
- Recommended for: Ages 2+
- Optional Add-On: S’mores kits to enjoy around the warm fire (Saturdays only)
- Tickets: Required, space is limited—reserve early!
- Book Now: https://www.abmasfarm.com/events/
One of the largest malls in New Jersey, the Westfield Garden State Plaza offers a beautifully decorated Santa set where children can meet Santa Claus and pose for professional photos. A variety of photo packages are available, including digital downloads and print options. Don’t forget to check out their themed events like pet photo nights with Santa! You can also stroll around high-end retailers, department stores, and popular brands, and then have a satisfying meal with the mall’s wide variety of dining options.
- Location: 1 Garden State Plaza, Paramus, NJ 07652
- Hours: Monday to Friday: 2:00 PM – 7:00 PM and Saturday: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM.
- Book Now: https://whereissanta.com/mall/0024
- Paramus Park Mall offers a cozy and intimate setting for photos with Santa. Kids can share their holiday wishes while photographers capture the moment. Special sensory-friendly photo sessions are available for families who need a quieter environment. Paramus Park is a highly recommended shopping destination due to its wide range of retail stores, including both national chains and specialty shops. It’s also easy to access, whether you’re from northern New Jersey or New York City. Its proximity to other local attractions also adds to its appeal, making it a great spot for a full day of shopping and leisure.
- Location: 700 Paramus Park, Paramus, NJ 07652
- Hours: Monday to Friday: 2:00 PM – 7:00 PM and Saturday: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM.
- Book Now: https://whereissanta.com/mall/0077
Bergen Town Center offers a charming and festive environment for Santa photos. The mall’s holiday decor sets a magical tone, and Santa is ready to listen to kids’ wish lists while posing for memorable photos. The mall also offers sensory-friendly sessions for families who prefer a quieter setting. It’s definitely one of the 8 best malls to take pictures with Santa in and near Bergen County, NJ.
- Location: 1 Bergen Town Center, Paramus, NJ 07652
- Hours: Schedule varies, see booking link for more info
- Book Now: https://bergentowncenter.com/events/bergen-town-center-photos-with-santa
Known for its upscale vibe, The Shops at Riverside provides an elegant Santa photo experience. The display features festive decorations and holiday music to set the mood. Reservations are encouraged to minimize wait times. During Christmas, the Shops at Riverside offer a festive and vibrant shopping experience, with beautifully decorated storefronts, holiday lights, and a warm, cheerful atmosphere perfect for seasonal shopping. Visitors can explore a wide variety of stores offering everything from holiday gifts and decorations to fashion and technology, making it a one-stop destination for all your Christmas needs.
- Location: 390 Hackensack Avenue, Hackensack, NJ 07601
- Santa Location: near AMC Theatres, Level 2
- Hours: Schedule varies, see booking link for more info
- Book Now: https://whereissanta.com/mall/1413
American Dream Mall takes the Santa experience to the next level with an immersive holiday setup. Their “DreamWorks DreamPlace” features Santa in a magical winter wonderland. Kids can enjoy interactive activities while waiting for their turn. It’s a great spot for families looking for an extraordinary holiday memory.
- Location: 1 American Dream Way, East Rutherford, NJ 07073
- Hours: Schedule varies, see booking link for more info
- Book Now: https://www.americandream.com/events/santa-photos
Located just outside Bergen County, Willowbrook Mall is another excellent option. Their Santa photo setup includes a classic backdrop with Christmas trees and lights. They also offer fun extras like storytime with Santa on select dates. Christmas at Willowbrook Mall in New Jersey is a magical experience, with the entire mall beautifully adorned in festive decorations, twinkling lights, and holiday-themed displays that set the perfect mood for the season.
- Location: 1400 Willowbrook Mall, Wayne, NJ 07470
- Santa Location:Bloomingdale’s Exhibit Court
- Hours: Schedule varies, see booking link for more info
- Book Now: https://whereissanta.com/mall/0002
If you’re willing to drive a bit further, Rockaway Townsquare Mall offers a traditional Santa experience with a modern touch. Their photo packages include keepsakes like ornaments and personalized frames. It’s a great option for a day trip with the family. The Rockaway Townsquare is transformed into a winter wonderland featuring stunning holiday decorations, sparkling lights, and seasonal displays – perfect for those who wants to embrace the holiday spirit.
- Location: 301 Mount Hope Avenue, Rockaway, NJ 07866
- Santa Location: Macy’s Court
- Hours: Schedule varies, see booking link for more info
- Book Now: https://whereissanta.com/mall/0197?utm_campaign=aba-rockaway-townsquare&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=website-simon
Although a short drive from Bergen County, Bridgewater Commons offers a standout Santa photo experience. Their setup features an enchanting holiday backdrop, perfect for capturing seasonal memories. Additionally, they host themed photo nights, such as pet photos with Santa and special events for kids. It’s last but not the least of our 8 best malls to take pictures with Santa in and near Bergen County, NJ list.
- Location: 400 Commons Way, Bridgewater, NJ 08807
- Hours: Schedule varies, see booking link for more info
- Book Now: https://amusemattebooksanta.com/bridgewater-commons/
- Monday to Saturday: 10 AM–9 PM,
- Sunday: 11 AM–6 PM.
- Extended hours closer to Christmas.
xperience New Jersey’s most extraordinary Santa setup! Santa’s Flight Academy at The Mall at Short Hills features an immersive holiday experience with Santa’s 22-foot-tall sleigh. After your photo with Santa, take off on an interactive adventure complete with flight simulators, a real-life snow globe, and conclude with a magical snowfall dance party inside Santa’s sleigh.
This upscale mall offers one of the most elaborate Santa experiences in the region, making it worth the drive from Bergen County. Special events include Sensory Santa sessions in partnership with Autism Speaks, and Santa Paws for your furry friends.
- Location: 1200 Morris Turnpike, Short Hills, NJ 07078
- Santa Location: Grand Court
- Dates: November 6 – December 24, 2025
- Special Events:
- Sensory Santa: Sunday, December 7, 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM (partnership with Autism Speaks, reservations required)
- Santa Paws: Select dates for pet photos
- What to Expect:
- Photos with Santa in his 22-foot-tall sleigh
- Interactive flight simulator experience
- Real-life snow globe photo opportunity
- Magical snowfall dance party inside the sleigh
- Professional photo packages available
- Reservations: Strongly recommended, walk-ups welcome
- Book Now: https://whereissanta.com/mall/0035
- More Info: https://shopshorthills.com/pages/santas-flight-academy
- Mall Hours: Monday-Saturday: 10 AM – 8 PM, Sunday: 11 AM – 6 PM
Tips for a Great Santa Photo Session
Now that you know the 8 best malls to take pictures with Santa in and near Bergen County, NJ, you should take your time to prepare accordingly. For a great Santa photo session in Bergen County, book early and choose a festive location with a cozy atmosphere. Dress kids in their holiday best, bring comfort items to ease any nerves, and try to visit during quieter hours for a more relaxed experience.
- Make Reservations: Many malls now offer online booking to reserve your spot with Santa, helping you avoid long lines.
- Dress Festively: Consider matching holiday outfits for the family for a picture-perfect moment.
- Plan for Off-Peak Times: Visit during weekdays or early mornings to enjoy a quieter atmosphere.
From upscale shopping centers to interactive holiday experiences, Bergen County, NJ, and its surrounding areas have something magical for every family. Capture the joy of the season with a visit to one of these malls and create cherished memories that will last a lifetime.
Looking for some of the best bakeries for holiday treats to share with family and friends this holiday season? Check out Thanksgiving Bakeries Bergen County | Pie Order Bergen County Pre-Order Guide on the blog.
