Fun Pet Photos with Santa in East Brunswick December 7th

Santa Claus is coming to town. One of the fun things we do during the Christmas holiday season is when to grab our cute little furry family members for a fun and festive photo shoot with the jolly, white-bearded guy in the red suit.

Every year this adorable trend is always good for laughs and smiles for pet parents everywhere. I have a Harley Davidson riding neighbor who has the build, beard, and mustache just like Santa Claus. All the kids on the street call him “Motorcycle Santa.” He also dresses up and plays Santa at a couple of the local stores for kids, pets, and adults, and he loves it.

He told me his favorite photos are with the dogs, cats, and other pets their owners bring by to have their pics taken with Santa.

Related: Kitty Corner

He said it’s because they’re the most fun and, believe it or not, the easiest subjects to grab a quick and quality shot with. He says, “Most are well-behaved. However, even the animals that aren’t on their best behavior, it’s still easier than young children because they don’t need to smile.”

He’s gotten his picture taken with just about every kind of pet you can imagine. He shared, “I’ve had dogs and cats of course, but also rabbits, lizards, birds, turtles, hamsters, a chinchilla, a ferret, and even snakes.

If you’re planning on getting your little (or big) family pet’s photo taken with Santa this year, you can get them to pose for that perfect shot at the Raritan Valley YMCA on Tices Lane in East Brunswick, New Jersey.

You can throw some antlers on your pit bull, or put your tabby in an elf suit (if they cooperate), and take them to not only get a cute keepsake but help other local animals.

I spoke with New Beginnings Animal Rescue President Karen Scott to chat about the rescue and the event. Karen shared, "We're always looking for volunteers, always looking for people that will foster cats for us. When you foster, we provide all food, litter, and medical. Volunteers, we're there 24/7 so the cats need to be fed, cleaned, and played with. So, we have various shifts that you can pick up .. we only ask that they're 18 and over for insurance." Go to NewBeginningsAnimalRescueNJ.org for details, and check out our conversation here...

All proceeds from the “Pet Photos with Santa and Holiday Market” will go toward care of and benefit the cats at New Beginnings Animal Rescue. New Beginnings Animal Rescue (NBAR) is a non-profit, no-kill cat rescue.

Make plans to be at the Raritan Valley YMCA this Saturday, December 7^th from 2 to 5 pm.

It's only mid-November, but if you're anything like me, you're already starting to get into the holiday spirit. And even if you're not, Thanksgiving is quickly approaching, so it can't be put off too much longer. Soon it will be time to bake cookies and hang the stockings with care. But if you're looking for festive events that'll get you out of the house and spending time with your family sometime soon, look no further than local Christmas tree lightings. They're wonderful events that signal the start of the holiday season.

Here in Ocean County, there are a bunch of towns that are having tree lighting this year, so you won't have to go far. I've done the hard work of researching for you, so all you have to do is scroll down and find the one closest to you! Plus, there's a couple on the list where you might just spot our, or our sister station WJRZ's, promo team. If you decide to stop by any of the tree lighting on the list, take pictures and tag us on social media! We'd love to see you getting into the Christmas spirit!

Downtown Toms River will be having their tree lighting on December 6th from 5-7pm in the courtyard of Town Hall. Santa will be there and hot cocoa and cookies will be for sale!

The Ocean County Board of Commissioners will be holding a tree lighting on December 4th at 4:45pm on the West Lawn of the County Administration Building on Hooper Ave. Music will be provided by the Pine Beach Elementary School Chorus and there will be cookies and juice after the tree is lit.

Pine Beach will be having their annual tree lighting on December 1st at the Pine Beach Borough Hall. If you'd like to be apart of the wreath making activity, you need to make reservations ahead of time and it begins at 2pm. Otherwise, the festivities start at 3:45 with face painting, craft making, and hot cocoa & snacks. The tree will be lit at 4:30pm and Santa might just be there

Ship Bottom will be having their tree lighting this year on November 30th from 5-7pm at the 10th & Shore Ave Municipal Boat Ramp. There will also be hot chocolate and s'mores by the fire!

Point Pleasant Beach will be having a tree lighting on November 29th from 5:30 to 8pm at 601 Arnold Ave. There will be a DJ, horse & carriage rides, refreshments, and children's activities. Plus, you can get your photo taken with Santa!

Barnegat Township will be holding it's 4th Annual Holiday Farmer's and Pop-Up Craft Market on December 7th from 12-6pm at Fred Watts Gazebo Park. There will be holiday crafters, carolers, Santa, and the event will culminate with the town's tree lighting at 6pm.

The New Egypt Flea Market will be holding a tree lighting and shopping event on December 6th from 5-9pm. There will be tons of vendors and food trucks. Plus, it's pet friendly! The tree lighting will begin at 7:30pm sharp.