FREEHOLD — ‘Tis the season to indulge in the joy, warmth and good cheer of a traditional holiday in a historic New Jersey town. Santa Claus, wreaths, a constellation of lights and more symbols of Christmas and Hanukkah will be abundant throughout downtown Freehold, along with some special events to bring families and friends to explore this Norman Rockwellian streetscape and create fond memories that are designed to last a lifetime.
“We have a full calendar of events that children will particularly relish,” said Richard Gatto, executive director/CEO of the Freehold Center Partnership, which oversees activities and events downtown. “Equally important is the seasonal décor throughout our downtown for everyone to enjoy and which acts as an invitation to those passing through to stop and stay awhile.”
On Nov. 24, Freehold’s holiday season began with the 17th annual tree lighting at the Monmouth County Hall of Records plaza.
On Dec. 6, Sweet Lew’s restaurant will host Breakfast with Santa between 9 a.m. and noon. This year, the café will be devoted solely to those who make reservations to enjoy their repasts with Santa. Parents can have photos of their tots with Santa for $3. Reserve a spot now by calling Sweet Lew’s at 732-308-1887.
For the second year in a row, the Arcadian Chorale led by artistic director Marina Alexander will appear at the First Baptist Church on West Main Street on Dec. 12 at 8 p.m. Performing accompaniment will be the Freehold Borough and Freehold Township brass ensembles.
The Santa Train will return for its 12th straight year and Santa Claus will arrive in the borough on a freight train. The Freehold Borough Police Department has coordinated this event, which is spearheaded by Officer Chris Colaner. There will be photos, music and special treats for children who will be excited to greet Santa when he arrives at the Victorian-era Freehold Center bus station between noon and 2 p.m. Dec. 13.
A unique addition to the Freehold Center Partnership’s traditional holiday calendar will be the Jolly Trolley Ride from 5-9 p.m. Dec. 13 at the Hall of Records. Bernice Garfield-Szita and her talented ensemble of actors of Center Players, who perform acclaimed works at the Center Playhouse, have combined theater with a trolley tour.
Unlike any other event in the region, the Jolly Trolley Ride is geared for children and parents, as it slowly tours the borough’s historic streets and visits holiday displays of proud homeowners. Throughout the trolley ride, a cast of characters will develop a storyline based on Freehold’s historically significant ancestors and how they may have celebrated Christmas in Freehold Borough through the decades.
Special treats will be provided by Freehold Borough’s own candy factory, Old Monmouth Candies.
Hanukkah will be celebrated with the annual menorah lighting ceremony, also in front of the Hall of Records, on Dec. 22 at 5 p.m. The menorah lighting will be presided over by Rabbi Kenneth Greene of the Freehold Jewish Center. Children from the Hebrew school will perform Hanukkah songs. The Chabad House in Marlboro has supplied a giant menorah.
“We are very grateful for the volunteerism of all involved in our 2008 holiday program schedule,” Gatto said. “We realize that this year in particular, due to the concerns imposed by a volatile economy, the ability to give people hope and joy through special events and welcoming décor goes a long way to ensure that their holidays are indeed bright.”