Santa Claus is coming to town! Here’s a list of Hunterdon County spots where you can catch St. Nicholas this holiday season.
The North Pole Express LIMITED
When: Saturday and Sunday, November 16 and November 17
Where: Ringoes Station, 108 John Ringo Road, Ringoes
New this year! This is a slightly more low-key version of Black River Railroad’s popular North Pole Express. It includes all the features you love, but without the elves. It’s all about Santa! These train rides will depart from the Ringoes station, instead of Flemington. a For more information click here or call (908) 782-6622.
The North Pole Express
When: Saturdays and Sundays from November 23 to December 28
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, enjoy hot cocoa and cookies, and get your face painted at North Pole Station. All trains depart Flemington Station. The two-hour ride includes a gift from Santa’s sleigh and a free photo strip print (additional 4 x 6 photos available for purchase). For more information click here or call (908) 782-6622.
Breakfast with Santa at the Flemington Elks Lodge
When: Sunday, November 24 from 8 a.m. to noon
Where: 165 State Route 31, Flemington
Santa is coming to the Flemington Elks Sunday breakfast! Breakfast is served 8am to noon and Santa will be arriving at 10 am. He is making his lists and will be there to talk with all the good boys and girls. Enjoy a delicious all-you-can-eat breakfast. Adults are $8, children under 12 free.
Photos with Santa at Chirp Workshop
When: Saturday, November 30 and Sunday, December 1 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: 32 Fulper Road, Flemington
Join Stardust Photography and Budding Roses Photography for their annual photos with Santa! For $35, you will get a 5-minute visit with Santa and 1 digital image. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Flemington’s Safe Harbor Child Access Center. Chirp will have an optional (paid) fun holiday craft going on during the sessions as well. Book your session here.
Centenary Christmas Festival
When: Saturday, November 30 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Centenary United Methodist Church, 108 N. Union Street, Lambertville
Shop the food bazaar, listen to live music, peruse the silent auction and enjoy free breakfast! Santa will be posing for photos with kids until 3 p.m. Pets (leashed) can get their photos with Mrs. Claus.
Santa House in Milford
When: Arrives Saturday, November 30 at 11 a.m.; will be there every Friday from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. through Sunday, December 22. Also Monday, December 23 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.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 Small Business Saturday, Nov. 30 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.
Christmas on the Farm
When: Sunday, December 1 from noon to 4 p.m.
Where: Holcombe Jimison Farmstead Museum, 1605 Daniel Bray Highway, Lambertville
Celebrate the beginning of the holiday season by visiting the Farmstead! The 1711 House will be decorated for Christmas, and Santa will be visiting for photos. The Museum will be open for tours, and there will be blacksmith demonstrations, craft vendors, holiday music, kid crafts and refreshments. Admission is a $5 donation, children 5 and under are free.
The Prallsville Mill’s Annual Holiday Party
When: Sunday, December 1 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 December 1 for fun activities including:
2:30-3 p.m. – Story Time with Mill Docent 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 to this free event.
Lebanon Township Annual Tree Lighting and Visit with Santa
When: Sunday, December 1 from 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Where: 530 West Hill Road, Glen Gardner
Come celebrate this tradition with friends and neighbors at the annual tree lighting! Bring your camera for pictures with Santa, enjoy a cup of hot chocolate and cookies, listen to caroling and welcome in this festive season. The tree is lit at 4:30 p.m. at the Municipal Building, followed by caroling courtesy of Woodglen students. Santa and Mrs. Claus will arrive by Lebanon Township Volunteer Fire Department escort. This free family fun is a must!
Christmas on the Farm at Howell Living History Farm
When: Saturday, December 7 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.
Cookies and Cocoa with Santa at Glen Gardner Fire Station
When: Saturday, December 7 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Where: 2168 State Route 31, Glen Gardner
Santa will be arriving to enjoy cookies and hot cocoa! There will be crafts, music and more.
Brunch With Santa at Alstede Farms
When: Sunday, December 1, with seatings at 10 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m.
Where: 1 Alstede Farms Lane, Chester, NJ
Head to Alstede Farms for a hearty brunch and a visit with Santa Claus. All ages will delight in the home cooked brunch and opportunity to take a photo with Santa himself, while experiencing a magical time on the farm. Brunch consists of a delicious assortment of home cooked items along with beverages and dessert, and includes a scenic hay wagon ride with blankets to the heated Harvest Hall. 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. Click here for details and tickets.
Schaefer Farms
When: Saturday, December 7 from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. and Sunday, December 15 from 12 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. Shop for a wreath, holiday crafts, decorations and more.
High Bridge Fire Department Santa Gift Delivery
Drop Off Date #1: Friday, December 6 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Delivery Date #1: Saturday, December 7, starting at 4 p.m.
Drop Off Date #2: Friday, December 13 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Delivery Date #2: Saturday, December 14 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. Email hbfdsantavisit@gmail.com with any questions. This experience costs $25 per household.
Pancake Breakfast with Santa at Clinton Fire Station
When: Sunday, December 15 from 8 a.m. to noon
Where: 1 New Street, Clinton
Join in the holiday fun and help support Clinton’s Boy Scout Troop 121, and don’t forget to bring your camera for a Santa photo opportunity! Breakfast will include all-you-can-eat pancakes, eggs, sausage, coffee, tea and OJ! Tickets can be bought in advance from any Troop Member or at the door: Adults $8, children 12 and under $4.