Take Photos With Santa At These Bergen Malls

Deck the malls! Here’s where to get photos with Santa and enjoy more festive fun at Bergen County’s five shopping centers.

Now that it’s December, it’s nearly impossible to drive along Route 4 and Route 17 and not see the holiday displays everywhere. Do you also wave to the Big Santa who sits perched atop Garden State Plaza near Nordstrom every time you drive by? No? Just us? 

And the interiors of our shopping centers are just as festive, decked out in garland, brightly lit trees and poinsettias at every turn. And it’s not for naught, as Santa has come to town for photo ops and more festive family fun. Here’s a rundown of when and where to get your pics with Santa in Bergen, plus pet nights, pajama parties and more to put on your busy December calendars.

American Dream, 1 American Dream Way, East Rutherford.
Santa’s in town and at AD’s Garden Court on level 1 now through Dec. 23. The big guy will be available for photos from noon to 7 p.m. every day—online reservations are encouraged. Families who want to enjoy more time with Santa can have Brunch with Santa at Carpaccio on Dec. 10 and 11, or go ice skating with him at the Skate with Santa Ugly Sweater Party from 5 to 9 p.m. on Dec. 2, 3, 9 and 10.

Bergen Town Center, One Bergen Town Center, Paramus.
Take photos with Santa every day from now until Saturday, Dec. 24 at BTC, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. If you book your time slot online, you’ll also get a free call from Santa. Other festivities include pajama parties (all day on Tuesdays), Ugly Sweater Days (all day on Thursdays) and two upcoming Pet Nights—Monday, Dec. 5 and Monday, Dec. 12 from 5 to 7 p.m. During Pet Nights, BTC and all the other participating malls will be collecting donations on behalf of The Humane Society of the United States.

Paramus Park, 700 Paramus Park, Paramus.
Take photos with Santa every day from now until Saturday, Dec. 24 at South Court in Paramus Park, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. If you book your time slot online, you’ll also get a free call from Santa. Pet Night at Paramus Park is on Monday, Dec. 5 from 4 to 7 p.m., and reservations are highly encouraged.

Westfield Garden State Plaza, One Garden State Plaza, Paramus.
The big jolly guy will also be at GSP from now until Saturday, Dec. 24, taking photos from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily (crazy how he can be in so many places at once!). Online reservations are highly encouraged. Santa’s set-up is right outside Macy’s on the first floor. Garden State Plaza also has some other fun holiday events planned, including Santa Paws Pet Nights (Mondays from 4 to 7 p.m.), pajama parties (all day on Tuesdays) and Ugly Sweater Days (all day on Thursdays). 

The Shops at Riverside, 390 Hackensack Ave., Hackensack.
Saint Nick will also make stops at The Shops at Riverside for photo opportunities between the hours of 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Saturday until Christmas Eve. Enter near the AMC Theaters.

Where will you be taking pics with Santa? Tell us on Instagram @bergenmagnj, and if you took your 2022 holiday photos already, tag us in them too!