When and where can you get pictures with Santa Claus at malls in Monmouth, Ocean counties?

Santa Claus is coming back to the Jersey Shore.

Jolly old St. Nick will be appearing at malls across Monmouth and Ocean counties this holiday season, with COVID-19 safety protocols in place, to take photos with kids, the young at heart and the family pets.

Here's where, when and how you can meet Santa Claus. Merry Christmas! 

Monmouth Mall, Eatontown

The Monmouth Mall, 180 Route 35 South in Eatontown, has photo opportunities with Santa Claus in the J.C. Penney court through Friday, Dec. 24, except for Thanksgiving Day, with packages available from $39.99 to $49.99.

The mall is also offering pet photos with Santa Nov. 29, and Dec. 6 and 13.

Reservations are strongly encouraged. Health and safety measures are in place, including contact-free advance payment options online, disinfecting and sanitation stations, costume fabric treatment, guest volume monitoring, and the ability for guests to sit with Santa or have a socially-distanced photo.

For more information, including a full schedule, and to book your appointment visit monmouthmallnj.com.

Freehold Raceway Mall, Freehold

The Freehold Raceway Mall, 3710 Route 9, welcomes Santa Claus to the lower level Zara Court for meet-and-greet and photo opportunities through Friday, Dec. 24, with the exception of Thanksgiving Day.

Photo packages are $39.99 to $49.99, and advance recommendations are recommended. Pet photos with Santa will be available Nov. 29, and Dec. 6 and 13.

Families can opt for contact-free photos or with kids on Santa's lap, with masks on or off. Hand sanitizer will be available, and the set will be deep-cleaned.

For more information, to make reservations and to find out about other holiday season offerings, visit freeholdracewaymall.com/holiday.

Ocean County Mall, Toms River

The Santa Claus photo experience is back at the Ocean County Mall, 1201 Hooper Ave., Toms River, through Friday, Dec. 24, except for Thursday, Nov. 25. Photo packages are $39.99 to $49.99, and reservations are encouraged.

Health and safety measures include disinfecting and sanitation stations, contact-free booking in advance, and the option for socially-distanced photos.

For more information, and to make your reservation, visit simon.com/mall/ocean-county-mall.