Nothing says Christmas like spotting Santa—whether it’s during a magical photo op, a cozy breakfast, or a surprise visit at a local event—and watching twinkling lights bring our town trees to life. The holiday season can get busy fast, so we’ve gathered all the can’t-miss Santa sightings, tree lightings, and festive family happenings in one easy list. From quick weeknight outings to full weekend adventures, this guide makes it simple to create memory-making moments all season long. Let the holiday fun begin! 🎄✨
The Santa Sightings and Tree Lightings Guide is sponsored by I9 Sports. I9 believes team sports are a dress rehearsal for life. In fact, there is no better tool to teach kids the skills necessary to succeed in life than sports. Yet, something has gone terribly wrong. Youth sports have been hijacked by adults, and kids are literally losing out. Learn more about our youth sports leagues and the i9 Sports difference.
When your child is an I9 player they will see sports differently guided by the I9 principals: Fun first, inclusivity, safety, developmental instruction, good sportsmanship healthy competition, league culture and most importantly celebration! I9 is conveniently located in Morristown and offer coed programs for flag football (ages 3-13), soccer (ages 3-13), baseball (ages 4-13) and basketball (ages 3-14). Start your child today, the I9 way by clicking here! Mention code HOLIDAYS by 12/31/25 for a $10 discount.
For more information on sponsorships and advertising, see details here
| TREE LIGHTINGS |
November 28, 5-6:45pm
Madison Parade and Tree Lighting
November 29, 5-8pm
Morristown Green
Seasonal entertainment plus hot chocolate, hot apple cider & cookies
Santa Photos for a fee
November 29, 5-9pm
Cedar Knolls Firehouse (82 Ridgedale Ave)
November 29, 6pm
Santa Land, Denville
Plus Santa's arrival
November 30, 6pm
Wharton Borough
December 1, 6pm
Dover, Crescent Field to JFK Park
Parade, Carriage Rides, Trackless Train, Live Nativity, Tree Lighting and The Grinch
December 1, 6:30pm
Montville Municipal Building
Sing along with the local girl scouts while you wait for Santa's arrival and light refreshments to follow
December 4, 6-8pm
Rockaway Twp, Parks Lake Gazebo
Santa's arrival
December 6, 5pm
Parsippany Town Hall
Santa photos, hot chocolate and cookies inside
December 6, 6:30pm, 7pm Santa arrival
Butler Park
Plus parade
December 7, 6pm
Morris Plains Merchant Block
Meet Santa and Mrs. Claus
| SANTA SIGHTINGS |
November 29, 8-11am
Pancake Breakfast with Santa
Mine Hill Fire Dept
November 29, 11am-2pm
The Shoppes at Union Hill, Denville
November 29, 1pm
Boonton Fire Department Christmas Parade
Main Street
November 29 - December 23
Santa House, Madison
$5 Photos, appt required. Click here
November 30, 3-8pm
Santa House, Morristown Green
$15 Photos
December 5, 3-8pm
Santa House, Morristown Green
$15 Photos
December 5, 6-7:30pm
Winterfest
N. Beverwyck Rd, Gazebo - Lake Hiawatha
Santa, Hot Chocolate, Cookies, Music & Face Painting
(Free)
December 6, 3-8pm
Santa House, Morristown Green
$15 Photos
December 7, 3-8pm
Santa House, Morristown Green
$15 Photos
December 12, 3-8pm
Santa House, Morristown Green
$15 Photos
December 12, 5-8pm (7:30-8 Sensory Time)
Santa Meet & Greet along with the Brundage Park Carolers
Randolph Community Center
December 13, 8am-1pm
Pancake breakfast with Santa and The Grinch
Parsippany District 5 Firehouse
$15 an adult, $10 ages 5-12, free under 5
No reservations necessary
December 13, 10am-1pm
Winter Fun Fest - Santa, face painting, balloon artists and a free book for every child!
Morris County School of Technology (sponsored by Morris County Council of Education Associations)
FREE but please bring a donation for the Interfaith Food Pantry- No reservations necessary
December 13, 12-3pm
Santa Meets and Photos
Habitat Restore, Randolph
FREE
December 13, 12-7pm
Santa House, Morristown Green
$15 Photos
December 13, 4:45-9pm
Santa & Sparky Voyage around Whippany
See route on website
December 14, 8am-12pm
Breakfast with Santa
Whippany Firehouse (10 Troy Hills Rd)
$12 a person, under 3 free - purchase tickets here
December 14, 9:30am - 1pm
Breakfast with Santa
The Windless, Lake Hopatcong
$34 an adult, $12 ages 5-12; free ages 4 and under (plus tip and tax)
December 14, 12-7pm
Santa House, Morristown Green
$15 Photos
December 15, 8am-1pm
Breakfast with Santa
Morris Plains Rotary, at Morris Plains Community Center
December 19, 3-8pm
Santa House, Morristown Green
$15 Photos
December 20 & 21, 12-7pm
Santa House, Morristown Green
$15 Photos
December 20 & 21, 10am - 4pm
Brunch with Santa
Alice's, Lake Hopatcong
$45 an adult, $20 a child (plus tip and tax)
December 20, 11:30am-1pm
Skate with Grinch
Mennen Arena
$11 Admission plus skates if needed
| OTHER CHRISTMAS FUN |
November 29, December 6, 13 & 20, 12-2pm
Morris Knolls Carolers
Downtown Boonton & Denville
(Donations encouraged as this is a fundraiser for the choir)
December 2, 7pm
Holiday Cocktail Class
Dismal Harmony Morristown, $80 per person
December 6, 1-7pm
Morristown Green Activities Tent
(1-3pm Card Making, 2-6pm Miniature Train, 4-7pm Move & Groove with Miss Jolie)
December 7, 1-7pm
Morristown Green Activities Tent
(1-3pm Ornament Activity, 2-6pm Miniature Train, 2-4pm Ice Sculpting Demo, 4-7pm tba)
December 12, 13 & 19 at 7pm and December 14, 20 & 21 at 3pm
Miracle on 34th Street
Randolph, Brundage Playhouse
Do you know an event we need to add to the calendar? You can help us by adding it here or email sandyn@macaronikid.com
 |  |  |
