The Jersey Central Railway Historical Society's Central Chapter, in conjunction with Santa and Mrs. Claus, operates a Santa Claus Special that will run on Dec. 10. The train departs from Raritan at 8:30 AM and also from the eastbound platform (off South Avenue) of the Westfield Station in Westfield at 9 AM and 1 PM. (There is no afternoon departure from Raritan). The two-hour trip features Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus along with a few of Santa's helpers.There are sing-a-longs, candy canes and coloring books for the kids and a drawing for a train set. Santa pays a visit to each car and is more than happy to pose for pictures with the kids. Tickets are $13 for adults and $11 for children age 1 to 12. Children under 1 are FREE. You can purchase tickets on-line, or from participating retailers.

Liberty Hall Museum also will be host to the Whoville Feast and Breakfast with Santa. Families can sample Roastbeast on a Bun, Seuss Spuds and Cindy Lou Cider from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm on December 11. Admission is $20 per child and $25 per adult.

And children ages 7 to 12 can have Breakfast with Santa from 10 am to noon on December 18. Admission of $20 per child and $25 per adult includes a hot breakfast and a photo with Santa in his sleigh. Reservations are required for both events.

Celebrate the holidays in Red Bank each weekend including December 17 and 18, with horse and carriage rides, carolers and a Gingerbread Walk. Get a photo with Santa at the Galleria between noon and 4 pm the first three weekends in December.

There will be Photos with Santa at the Willowbrook Mall in Wayne until December 24. Santa's Hours at Bloomingdale's Exhibit Court will be: Monday - Saturday: 10 am to 9 pm, Sunday 11 am to 6 pm and Christmas Eve: Open all mall hours.

Santa is coming to Imagine That! Museum in Florham Park at 9:45 am on December 3, 4 and 18. Kids can bring their wish-list, sit with Santa, take photos, enjoy a breakfast snack and stay and play all day. Santa has a present for each paid child. Admission is $13.99 for children and $10.99 for adults (price includes breakfast). Reservations are required. To register, call (973) 966-8000.

The Christmas Express is running days and nights at Allaire State Park this December. Santa rides the Christmas Express and talks to all the children. The train leaves every half hour from 11 AM to 4PM on December 3, 4, 10, 11, 17 and 18.

On December 9, 10, 16 and 17, trains leave every half hour from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm. Each person planning to ride the train requires a paid ticket for this event and when you buy tickets, $6 per person, you are purchasing for a trip on a SET day and time. This event sells out every year so advance purchases are suggested. Tickets must be purchased in person at the station by cash or check only.

Don't miss New Brunswick's annual holiday celebration from 5 pm to 7 pm on December 2 at Monument Square Park, at the corner of Livingston Avenue and George Street. In addition to the Holiday Tree Lighting and a visit from Santa, there will be live entertainment, children's activities, exhibitors and the 4th Annual Chili Contest. Other holiday activities and events in New Brunswick include free horse-drawn carriage rides with a historian docent from 6 pm to 9 pm on Fridays (December 2, 9 and 16) and Saturdays (December 3, 10 and 17). Pick-up locations will be at the Hyatt Regency New Brunswick and The Heldrich Hotel.

In addition to all the holiday performances, New Brunswick also will host a Santa Breakfast on December 3. From 9:30 am to 11:30 am, the New Brunswick Elks will offer a light breakfast, coloring, singing, crafting and a special visit from Santa. The cost is $3 per person. Seating is limited so reservations are required. For reservations, call New Brunswick City Market at (732) 545-4849.

Enjoy Breakfast with Santa at East Brunswick Elks Lodge 2370 from 9:30 am to 11 am on Dec. 11. The cost is $7 per person over 10 and children 10 and under are free. Attendees are asked to bring a can of vegetables or a box of stuffing to donate to the lodge's Feed the Hungry Campaign. Call 732-821-9527 to reserve a spot.

Want a free photo with Santa? Then stop by Gold Coast Jewelry in New Brunswick between 10 am and 4 pm on December 4. Photos will be available for pick-up the following week.

The Middlesex County 4-H invites you to have Breakfast with Santa on Dec. 4 at the Middlesex County 4-H Center, 645 Cranbury Rd., East Brunswick. Parents and children are invited to enjoy a pancake breakfast, meet Santa and participate in other fun activities for children. There are two seatings for breakfast and activities: 8:30 AM and 11 AM. Admission prices are $7 for adults, $5 for children (ages 9 & under), and $7 (ages 10 and up) and includes breakfast, 1 picture per family with Santa, petting zoo, and more! Reserve your place by calling the 4-H Office at 732-398-5261. All proceeds will benefit the 4-H program. 

There are several holiday events in Cranford this year. Have a pancake breakfast with Santa at Trinity Episcopal Church in Cranford, from 8:30 am to noon on December 3. Have your picture taken with Santa, enjoy face painting, a gift basket raffle and more. The cost for the breakfast is $5 per person and a photo with Santa is $7. If you miss breakfast, Santa also can be found at the Cranford Community Center between 9 am and noon on December 3.

Kids have another chance for photos with Santa and free trolley rides with Santa on December 17. Santa Photos will be at Centennial Village from 10 am to noon. Santa will be at the Gazebo and there will be free trolley rides from 1 pm to 4 pm.

Holiday Lights on the Farm at Schaefer Farms in Flemington. Bring your family for a drive through light display. View thousands of colorful farm and holiday themed lights from the comfort of your own vehicle. Twinkling and glowing for your enjoyment from Thanksgiving through New Years. Holiday Lights on The Farm is open Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays 5:30 until 9:00pm and Fridays & Saturdays 5:30 until 10:00pm. The cost is $12.00 per carload, $17.00 per passenger van, and $27.00 per busload. Purchase a season pass for $45.00 per car load and enjoy the show again and again.
 
Santa Claus will be visiting the farm from 6:00 - 8:00PM Fridays and Sundays, and 6:00 - 9:00PM Saturdays the first three weekends in December, with an additional appearance on December 23rd. Photos with Santa available. Bring your family to visit him so he knows what they want under your tree.

Photos with Santa 11/10/2011 - 12/24/2011 at Woodbridge Center Mall

Free Hugs, Free Smiles, Free Wishes and of course Free HO HO HOs!

Santa has made his way from the North Pole and is ready to greet children of all ages. Holiday photo packages are also available.

After your visit with Santa, receive a login to manage your photos at myalbumpics.com.


Santa's Hours:

    Monday - Saturday: 10:00am - 9:00pm
    Sunday: 11:00am - 6:00pm

 LOCATION: Santa Set

Please note: Santa will be taking breaks throughout the day to feed the reindeer and check on toy production at the North Pole.