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.
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.
When: November 24 at 11 a.m.
When: November 25 from 2:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.
When: Saturday, December 1 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
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.
When: Saturday, December 1 from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. and Saturday, December 15 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.