Raritan NJ
11-02-2026 7:30pm

Bridgewater Commons Announces the Holiday Magic for 2026

BRIDGEWATER TOWNSHIP, N.J. (November 2, 2026) — Holiday magic is returning to Bridgewater Commons with lights, music, memorable moments and the legendary Santa @ The Commons from November 14 through December 24, presented by Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset, an RWJBarnabas Health hospital.

Santa @ The Commons kicks off the holiday season with a spectacular birthday celebration for Santa on November 14 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.! Fifteen talented young violinists from the New Jersey Academy of Music will open the festivities with a live holiday carol medley under the direction of Bethany Hankins. Guests can also enjoy sweet treats and crafts provided by Girl Scouts Heart of New Jersey, while supplies last. Then, join Mrs. Claus in welcoming Santa to his surprise birthday party in Center Court on the shopping center’s Lower Level. The celebration continues with holiday music, dancing, balloon art, magic, and a festive birthday sing-along for the guest of honor.

“There’s a reason why Santa’s Birthday Celebration has become such an important tradition at Bridgewater Commons — it’s a way for families and communities to make memories that will last a lifetime, and we’re thrilled to partner with Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset once again,” said Tom Kovacic, Marketing Director and Business Development Manager at Bridgewater Commons. “That magic will continue throughout the season with special events and concerts that will create special moments for all our guests, even including the four-legged ones!”

“We’re proud to support this special tradition that brings together families throughout Central New Jersey,” said Deirdre Blaus, Chief Administrative Officer, RWJUH Somerset. “Our longstanding partnership with Bridgewater Commons also includes programs throughout the year that promote the health and wellness of our community, including the HealthHike mall walkers’ program, the HeartChecker blood pressure kiosk and Heart Month activities.”

Through December 24, guests can capture cherished holiday photos with Santa in his dazzling home, surrounded by 25 garland-topped light curtains sparkling with thousands of white lights and dramatic candy cane-inspired twists cascading from high above. Santa’s grand velvet chair anchors a newly enhanced setting featuring a majestic 30-foot Christmas tree crowned with a five-foot topper, additional 10-foot trees and festive scenic elements. “Elf Training” interactives invite children — and their parents —to join in the fun while they wait.

The holiday magic extends to the Main Level balcony overlooking Santa’s home, where guests can enjoy a free photo opportunity. A spectacular six-foot-high by 12-foot-wide frame showcasing the word “JOY” against a backdrop of glistening holiday lights creates a picture-perfect spot to capture the spirit of the season.

Santa Photos
Santa photo hours are as follows:

  • November 14
    • 1 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
  • November 15 - November 25
    • Monday - Friday 12 p.m. – 7 p.m.
    • Saturday 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.
    • Sunday 12 p.m. – 6 p.m.
  • November 26 (Thanksgiving)
    • Center is closed
  • November 27 - December 13 (exceptions below)
    • Monday - Thursday 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
    • Friday - Saturday 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
    • Sunday 12 p.m. – 6 p.m.
  • December 14 - 23
    • Daily 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
  • December 24
    • 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Throughout the season, several special holiday events will make even more holiday memories.

Pet Night with Santa
In one of the most-loved celebrations at Bridgewater Commons, guests can bring their furry, four-legged family members to meet Santa! Cats and dogs are welcome on a leash or in a carrier, accompanied by their pet parents.

  • Monday, November 23
  • Monday, November 30
  • Monday, December 7
    • 3 p.m. – 7 p.m.

Santa + Friends!
Santa’s royal friends Elsa and Anna from DISNEY’s FROZEN visit the center’s Lower Level for a magical meet and greet, photos and autographs! These special events are free, and purchases are not required.

  • Saturday, December 5
    • 1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Holiday Brass at the Commons
Celebrate the sounds of the season with The Salvation Amry’s brass ensemble, as Holiday Brass @ The Commons brings traditional Christmas Carols to Center Court — even request your favorite from the ensemble’s song book. Performances will be held intermittently, with breaks between sets, during the following hours:

  • Fridays and Saturdays November 27 – December 19
    • 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
  • Thursday, December 24 (Christmas Eve)
    • 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Salvation Army Angel Tree
November 14 – December 24
Main Level by L'Occitane

Because everyone deserves to experience the joy of Christmas morning, the Salvation Army Angel Tree program helps provide Christmas gifts for hundreds of thousands of children around the country and support to senior adults in need. The wish lists of registered children or senior adults are shared with donors in our community who purchase gifts of new clothing and toys for the Angels to enjoy with their families. Bridgewater Commons’ visitors can select an Angel off our tree and return the unwrapped gift with the Angel tag to the red bin located next to the Angel Tree. The Salvation Army will distribute the gifts to participating families in time for Christmas.

Salvation Army Kick Kettle Event
The Salvation Army New Jersey Division, in partnership with Bridgewater Commons, will host the annual Kettle Kick-Off Event, the ceremonial launch of its iconic “Red Kettle Campaign”, which supports essential programs and services for individuals and families across New Jersey. Families can enjoy live performances by The Salvation Army Brass Band, arts & crafts, photos with mascot Shieldy, and other festive fun surprises.

  • Saturday, November 21
    • 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
      Center Court

For more information and to make a reservation for Santa photos, visit www.bridgewatercommons.com.

Located along Interstate 287 at the intersections of Route 22 and Route 202/206, Bridgewater Commons is Somerset County’s largest shopping, dining and entertainment destination.

About Bridgewater Commons

Bridgewater Commons is one of Central New Jersey’s premier shopping destinations, located in a vibrant suburb in proximity to New York City. The 1.15 million-square-foot shopping center features a mix of premier retailers and restaurants with wide consumer appeal. Over 130 brands call Bridgewater Commons home, from well-known national retailers and restaurants such as Anthropologie, Alo Yoga, Apple, Kendra Scott, lululemon athletica, Popmart, Williams-Sonoma, Seasons 52 and Fogo de Chão, alongside popular local shops like Athletifreak and Zuted Vintage. In 2023, Bridgewater Commons celebrated its 35th anniversary and is owned by Pacific Retail Capital Partners, one of the nation’s premier owners and operators of retail real estate. For more information on the property, please visit bridgewatercommons.com or follow on social media: Facebook @BridgewaterCommons and Instagram:

shopbridgewatercommons.

About Pacific Retail Capital Partners
Pacific Retail Capital Partners (PRCP) is one of the nation’s premier retail operating groups of large open- air and enclosed shopping centers, with more than $3.0 billion in assets under management across the United States. Based in Southern California, the company’s portfolio totals 24 properties encompassing over 20 million square feet. With a highly experienced team that has a proven track record of generating value its stakeholders, PRCP is dedicated to evolving real estate for the next generation by working with the communities it serves to design master plans that transform its assets into high-performing mixed-use destinations. The vertically-integrated company provides end-to-end sourcing, assessment, underwriting, valuing, developing, marketing, design and asset management services. To learn more visit pacificretail.com or follow on social media at: Facebook: @PacificRetailCapitalPartners and Instagram: @PacificRetail.

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