HOWELL-FARMINGDALE, NJ — Visits and pictures with Santa are treasured traditions for many Howell and Farmingdale families. For them, there’s nothing quite like seeing jolly old St. Nick live and in person.
In Howell and Farmingdale , kids can catch up with Santa at these events:
Dec. 2: The Howell Heritage & Historical Society invites the public to celebrate the holiday with photos taken in a festive setting - the Old Ardena Schoohouse. Visitors can meet Santa and view the schoolhouse's updated interior on Saturday, Dec. 2, according to its Facebook site.Visitors can have photos taken at no cost, but must bring their own cameras. And while free, donations to the upkeep of the site are always welcome, the organization says.Here is the schedule:
The Old Ardena School house is at the corner of Old Tavern and Preventorium Roads.
Dec. 3: Farmingdale is now included on the Operation Toy Train route for the first time and, as an added attraction, Santa will be along for the ride. The "Santa Train" will be making its first stop in Farmingdale on Sunday, Dec. 3, at 10 a.m. until 10:45 a.m. before it moves up the line to Freehold and Manalapan. Operation Toy Train will be in Farmingdale at the Main Street Grade Crossing at 87 Main St.
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Dec. 10: The township Christmas Tree and Menorah Lighting Ceremony will be Sunday, Dec. 10 at Alfred C. Sauer Park at Echo Lake. The free event takes place from 4:30 pm to 7 p.m. and includes lots of activities, including a visit with Santa, Mrs. Claus and Elf. There are hot drinks and cookies, games, a petting zoo and more. Shuttle bus from parking at the Howell Commons Shopping Plaza (Old Navy/The Salon Professional Academy) for transfer to the 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.