Elizabeth's holiday season runs from a pet photo night just before Thanksgiving to a police-escorted Santa tour three days before Christmas. The city, the Elizabeth Avenue Partnership and The Mills at Jersey Gardens have posted their dates, and here they are in order.

Pet Photos with Santa, Sunday, November 22

The Mills at Jersey Gardens, 651 Kapkowski Road, hosts a pet photo session with Santa from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Spots are reserved through the mall's Santa photo page on the Simon website.

Elizabeth Avenue Partnership Tree Lighting, Tuesday, December 1

The downtown special improvement district lights its tree at Union Square Plaza from 5 to 7 p.m. Union Square is in the Elizabeth Avenue shopping district, a short walk from Elizabeth station on NJ Transit's Northeast Corridor and North Jersey Coast lines.

Santa on the Square, Saturdays, December 5, 12 and 19

Santa returns to Union Square Plaza from noon to 3 p.m. on three December Saturdays, hosted by the Elizabeth Avenue Partnership.

Caring Santa, Sunday, December 6

The Mills at Jersey Gardens holds Caring Santa from 9 to 10:30 a.m. The program is a sensory-friendly visit for children with special needs and their families, with appointments booked ahead through the Simon website's Caring Santa page.

A Miracle on Winfield Scott, Tuesday, December 8

The city's own celebration, which Elizabeth bills as a holiday National Night Out, runs from 5 to 8 p.m. at City Hall, 50 Winfield Scott Plaza. Mayor J. Christian Bollwage, the Department of Recreation and the City Council host an evening with the annual city tree lighting, visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus, food trucks, music, giveaways and winter activities.

Santa's ride through the city, Tuesday, December 22

The Elizabeth Police Department escorts Santa around the city from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., with motorcycle escorts and traffic control. The department says the route will be released once it is final, and it posts updates on its Facebook page and the city website, so check closer to the date to see when Santa passes your street.

Planning notes

Union Square Plaza and City Hall are both within walking distance of Elizabeth station. Jersey Gardens is off Exit 13A of the New Jersey Turnpike, and NJ Transit buses run there from the city. For city events, call the City of Elizabeth at 908-820-4000 or the public information line at 908-820-4124.

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