MARLBORO-COLTS NECK, NJ — Visits and pictures with Santa are treasured traditions for many -Marlboro and Colts Neck families. For them, there’s nothing quite like seeing jolly old St. Nick live and in person.
In the Marlboro-Colts Neck area, kids can catch up with Santa at these events:
Marlboro
Dec. 10: Noon to 3 p.m. "Photos with Santa" event at Marlboro Fire Department. Free and festive event at 5 N. Main St. has food, music hot drinks and fire trucks - as well as Santa! If you'd like Santa to surprise your child with a gift, simply wrap it and label it with your child's name. Drop off the gift at 5 N. Main St., Marlboro, 07746 on Dec. 4 (8-9 p.m.), Dec. 9 (9-10 a.m.), Dec. 10: (9 a.m.-12 p.m.) If you have any further questions please do not hesitate sending us a FB message.
Colts Neck
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Dec. 2: The 2023 Annual Tree Lighting will be held on Saturday, December 2 at Town Hall. The program begins at 4:30 p.m., featuring a selection of holiday tunes by the Colts Neck Brass Ensemble. The festivities continue with a sing a long, dance performances, the lighting of the tree, along with candy canes for children and hot chocolate and doughnuts for all. The highlight of the program will feature a special appearance of Santa Claus, who will visit with each child.
Dec. 3: 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., Colts Neck Historical Preservation Committee presents a Country Christmas at the Montrose Schoolhouse. Seasonal refreshments, and holiday music by the Mike Wells Trio will fill the historic one-room schoolhouse, the corner of Montrose Road and Cedar Drive. Chairperson, Monmouth County Commissioner Lillian Burry will read "The Night Before Christmas" to the children and adults alike. Santa Claus will take time out from his busy schedule to pose for free photos. The Christmas tree inside the school will be festooned with decorations appropriate to the period.
Dec. 16 and 17: 9 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. seatings, Breakfast with Santa, Colts Neck Fire Company #2, 50 Conover Road. There will be a 50/50 raffle and second and third place prizes. Tickets on sale. Just click here.
Holmdel
Dec. 17, 18: Noon to 3 p.m. Come to Historic Longstreet Farm, 44 Longstreet Road, Holmdel, and enjoy an old-fashioned Victorian Christmas. Children can visit with Santa, then take a walk to the farmhouse and have a cup of cider. Be sure to bring your camera. Free event.
Wall
Dec. 2, 3 weekends through Dec. 16, 17: New Jersey Museum of Transportation presents the Christmas Express with Santa, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturdays and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sundays. Fare is $7 for all. is Located at Allaire State Park on Route 524, Wall. Click the museum's Facebook site for details.
Dec. 10, 17: Historic Allaire Village - Christmas at Allaire from 12 noon to 4 p.m. on Sundays, Dec. 10 and 17. See the Village transformed into an enchanting showcase of holiday cheer. Visit includes a surprise visit by Santa Claus. Tickets can be purchased in advance for just $8 per person (children 2 and under admitted for free) or at the door (if available) for $10 (children 2 and under admitted for free). Advanced purchase is highly recommended. See the Village event website for more details.
And you can find other chances to meet with Santa:
Freehold Raceway Mall, 3710 Route 9, Freehold Township offers "Experience the Magic of Santa." Children can visit Santa’s winter wonderland at the Lower Level, Zara Court. A visit with Santa is always free and photo packages are available for purchase.
Here's how to go about making an appointment: Pre-Booking your visit is recommended to help reduce wait time and it's easy.
There are also special holiday events:
Santa Cares: In partnership with Autism Speaks, the mall has reserved a time for special sensory-friendly Santa experiences. Sunday, Dec. 3 from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Pet Night: Bring your favorite pets to see Santa and support the Humane Society with any photo experience on Mondays from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., Dec. 4. Please enter and exit via the lower level entrance by Old Navy just prior to, and immediately after, your Santa visit.
Check the mall website for other shopping tips and to learn about partnership of the mall and the United Way of Monmouth & Ocean Counties for winter coat donations.
Monmouth Mall: Eatontown, Routes 35 and 36; Santa is now located in the common area opposite Macy's. You can make reservations here for this holiday tradition and see the full schedule. There is also an opportunity for photos for your pet. See the "Santa Paws" site to book a reservation.
Magic of Lights, PNC Bank Arts Center, Holmdel, through Dec. 30. Sundays to Thursday, 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Fridays to Saturdays, 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. Enjoy visits with Santa at Toyota Holiday Village.
Santa at American Dream: Here are the hours: https://www.americandream.com/photos-with-santa# They also offer pet photos with Santa Sundays: Dec. 3, 10 and 17 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.