The holiday spirit is already lighting up New Jersey, as families across the state gear up for a festive season filled with Santa meet-and-greets, dazzling light displays, and charity-driven events. From bustling malls to charming coastal towns, this week offers countless ways to celebrate, capture memories, and support local communities.

Malls remain a central hub for holiday festivities, providing a convenient setting for families to visit Santa and snap photos. Popular destinations hosting Santa appearances include Bridgewater Commons, Deptford Mall, Freehold Raceway Mall, Garden State Plaza, The Mills at Jersey Gardens, and Menlo Park Mall. Visitors can expect themed decorations, holiday music, and interactive experiences alongside the traditional photo opportunities, creating a cheerful atmosphere for all ages.

For those seeking a more immersive holiday adventure, New Jersey’s winter wonderlands offer a blend of lights and seasonal activities. Lights on Hiawatha in Hi-Nella delivers thousands of blow-molded decorations and an interactive Santa workshop, perfect for families looking to combine spectacle with holiday storytelling. Along the Jersey Shore, visitors can enjoy free photos with Santa on the amusement train at Jenkinson’s Boardwalk in Point Pleasant Beach, offering a fun, seaside twist on the traditional holiday visit. Ocean City also hosts multiple Santa appearances at Mark Soifer Park, as well as at the Music Pier, giving locals and tourists alike plenty of chances to meet the man in red throughout November and December.

New Jersey’s holiday lights aren’t just about twinkling displays—they’re also raising funds for charitable causes. Rockaway’s Fleetwood Lights welcomes donations of non-perishable food items to benefit local food pantries, while Lawlor Lights in Pittsgrove supports Toys for Tots and the local food bank. Along the coast, BlueClaws Charities continues collecting unwrapped toys and food items for the Salvation Army’s Holiday Toy Shop, culminating in their “Christmas with the Claws” event in early December. Other notable displays, such as the Gress House Holiday Light Spectacular in Union Beach, Cook’s Christmas Lights in Jackson, and Fanwood’s Famous Christmas Houses, benefit causes including the Children’s Miracle Network, National Multiple Sclerosis Society, and the NJ Institute for Disabilities. These efforts combine holiday cheer with meaningful community impact, making every visit more memorable.

South Jersey residents, particularly around Cherry Hill, can enjoy seasonal offerings close to home. The Deptford Mall provides a local Santa destination. Community-centered shopping events, often titled “Dine, Donate, and Delight” or “Shopping for a Cause,” also give locals the chance to support charities while exploring the best holiday shopping opportunities in the region. Beasley Media’s WJRZ, continues its annual “Share the Joy” campaign, collecting donations to support families across the state.

Celebrate the Holidays with Santa Brunch at iPlay America in Freehold. The holiday season in New Jersey is in full swing, and families can kick it off with a festive morning at iPlay America in Freehold, where Santa Brunch returns every Saturday through December 20, 2025, with special Sunday sessions on December 14 and 20 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. This seasonal event is designed to deliver cheerful holiday memories, bringing together families of all ages for an interactive and immersive experience.

Santa Brunch is more than just a meal; it’s a morning of holiday magic. Guests are invited to meet Santa Claus in a vibrant, festive setting where they can snap photos, exchange high-fives, and enjoy personal moments with the big man in red. Children receive coloring books to spark their creativity, while the menu offers a selection of kid-friendly specialties alongside classic brunch favorites for grown-ups. Every bite is infused with the joy and spirit of the season, making this an ideal way to celebrate the holidays with family and friends.

Families visiting iPlay America will also appreciate the location’s broader offerings, with a range of indoor attractions and activities designed for all ages. From interactive games to thrilling rides, the venue transforms a standard brunch into a complete holiday adventure. Parents and guardians can enjoy the festivities knowing that children have a safe and entertaining space to explore, play, and immerse themselves in the holiday atmosphere.

Reservations are recommended to secure a table, as the event has become a popular seasonal destination for families across Central Jersey and the Jersey Shore. Attendees are encouraged to arrive early to make the most of the festive decorations, entertainment, and opportunities to interact with Santa before he heads back to the North Pole.

iPlay America’s Santa Brunch exemplifies the kind of fun and family-friendly activities that make New Jersey a prime destination for seasonal celebrations. For more ideas on things to do and holiday experiences across the state, check out Explore New Jersey Activities & Fun, where you can find guides to local events, attractions, and interactive experiences designed to make every visit memorable.

Whether you are a local or visiting from elsewhere in New Jersey, Santa Brunch at iPlay America offers a joyous start to the holiday season, providing an experience that blends festive food, family bonding, and cherished traditions in one vibrant, indoor venue.

Event Details:
Dates & Times: Saturdays through December 20, 2025, plus Sunday, December 14 & 20, 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Location: The Bistro at iPlay America, 108 Schanck Rd, Freehold, NJ 07728
Cost: Price of food
Contact: 732-577-8200
Recommended Ages: All ages

These seasonal activities offer something for everyone, whether it’s traditional mall visits, coastal holiday experiences, interactive brunches, or charitable light displays. As the state lights up for the holidays, New Jersey residents and visitors alike have an abundance of opportunities to capture festive memories, support local causes, and immerse themselves in the sights, sounds, and spirit of the season. For more insight into New Jersey’s entertainment and holiday happenings, Explore New Jersey’s activities section provides a guide to statewide events and cultural celebrations that pair perfectly with the holiday season.