Traditionally, Santa arrives by sleigh each Christmas Eve to deliver toys to good girls and boys. But Hunterdon County has its own Santa Claus tradition, with the red-suited man traveling through local towns via fire engines, trains and boats. Below is a partial list of where you can catch St. Nicholas this holiday season.

(Photo from Black River & Western Railroad Facebook.)

The North Pole Express

When: Saturdays and Sundays from November 17 to December 29

Where: Flemington Station, 80 Stangl Road, Flemington, NJ

BR&W’s North Pole Express is the perfect way to get the entire family into the Christmas spirit! Ride the train with Santa’s elves, meet Santa Claus, and enjoy hot cocoa and cookies. All trains depart Flemington Station. The two-hour ride includes a gift from Santa’s sleigh and a family photo. For more information visit www.blackriverrailroad.com/northpoleexpress or call  (908) 782-6622.

Small Business Saturday in Milford

When: November 24 at 11 a.m.

Where: Santa House, Walnut Street at the Riverwalk, Downtown Milford

Santa will arrive with sirens blasting atop a fire truck and escorted by the police on Shop Small Saturday, Nov. 24 at 11 a.m. He’ll also be in town on Friday evenings from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. and on Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. until the weekend before Christmas. All children age 12 or younger will receive a free picture with Santa, a candy cane, a stocking filled with candy and a chance to win a weekly drawing for a Downtown Milford gift certificate. For more information visit downtownmilford.org/events/santa-claus-house/

The Prallsville Mill’s Annual Holiday Party

When: November 25 from 2:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: 33 Risler St, Stockton, NJ

This unique, 10-building historic complex includes an 1877 grist mill, a 1790 linseed oil mill, an 1850 saw mill and a 1900 grain silo. Swing by on November 25th for fun activities including:
2:30-3 p.m. – Story Time with Anna P. Wyman
3-4:30 p.m. – Horse and carriage rides
5 p.m. – Santa arrives
5:30 p.m. – Tree lighting ceremony
All are welcome!

Christmas on the Farm at Howell Living History Farm

When: Saturday, December 1  from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Howell Living History Farm, 70 Woodens Lane, Lambertville, NJ
Listen to the jingle bells ring when the horses are hitched up for the morning trip to the woodlot, where visitors can help find the perfect tree for Howell Farm’s Christmas celebration. Stick around to greet St. Nick when he arrives to listen to the children’s Christmas wishes! In addition, families can participate in farmhouse tours, live music, wagon rides, and a children’s craft program. Pop by the Visitor Center for lunch, a gift shop, and a 2-seater sleigh perfect for taking family portraits. Parking & admission are free.

Frenchtown’s Sunbeam Lenape Park

When: Saturday, December 1 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Where: Sunbeam Lenape Park, Bridge Street, Frenchtown

Santa will paddle his way by boat for a visit to Frenchtown’s Sunbeam Lenape Park on Saturday, December 1. Take your own photos with Santa. Vendors will offer crafts, hot chocolate and snacks during the annual tree lighting event which takes place at 5 p.m. For more information visit www.lovefrenchtown.org/TreeLighting.

Santa at Schaefer Farms (photo used with permission)

Schaefer Farms

When: Saturday, December 1 from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. and Saturday, December 15 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Where: Schaefer Farms, 1051 County Route 523, Flemington

Visit with Santa while shopping for your tree at Schaefer Farms. Bring your camera to take your own photos with The Big Guy. While you’re there, you can also enjoy a free art show with vendors. Shop for a wreath, holiday crafts, decorations and more. For more information visit www.schaeferfarms.com/winter.php  or call (908) 782-2705.

Brunch With Santa at Alstede Farms

When: December 2, 10 a.m. seating
Where: 1 Alstede Farms Lane, Chester, NJ

Head to Alstede Farms for a hearty brunch and a visit with Santa Claus. Brunch consists of a delicious assortment of home cooked items along with beverages and dessert, after brunch, enjoy a scenic hay wagon ride wrapped in cozy blankets. Brunch is offered at the following reserved seating times: 10 a.m., 11:30 a.m., and 1 p.m. Advance ticket purchase is required as space is limited.

Santa House Calls in Clinton Town

When: Monday, December 10 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Santa will make house calls in Clinton Town delivering presents via a fire truck. Check with the fire house to be sure your child is on Santa’s list.  A donation of $35 is encouraged. The firehouse is located at 1 New Street, Clinton. For more information, call 908-735-8613.

Pet Valu

When: Saturday, December 15

Where: Flemington Circle Shopping Center, Route 202 in Flemington

Santa isn’t only partial to children. He’s also beloved by family pets. Pet Valu will host Santa for pictures with pets. For more information call (908) 824-7096.

High Bridge Fire Department Santa Gift Delivery

Drop Off Date #1: December 7 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Delivery Date #1: December 8, starting at 4 p.m.

Drop Off Date #2: December 14 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Delivery Date #2: December 15 starting at 4 p.m.

Where: 7 Maryland Avenue, High Bridge, NJ

Santa will deliver gifts right to your house riding on a fire truck! Bring a wrapped gift (1 per child) to High Bridge Fire Department, and Santa will bring it to your home the following day. Click here for the form and more information or call (909) 638-6383. This experience costs $25 per household.

 

 

 

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