FREEHOLD — Downtown Freehold, in association with Brock Farms Home Garden World, Freehold Township and Colts Neck, welcomes residents and visitors to enjoy a full slate of holiday events for the entire family.
The annual Downtown Freehold Tree Lighting ceremony will usher in the holiday season on Dec. 2 from 5-7 p.m. (rain date Dec. 3). The event, which takes place in the Monmouth County Hall of Records plaza, Main Street, will feature the holiday sounds of the Rock ’N Roll Chorus from 5-6 p.m., followed by the arrival of Santa Claus, who will meet and greet children and listen to their wishes for Christmas presents.
The Freehold Borough PBA Local 159 Santa Train will visit from noon to 2 p.m. Dec. 13 when Santa arrives by Conrail train at the bus (former train) station at West Main and Throckmorton streets. Santa will greet children and their families.
Hanukkah begins on Dec. 16 and the annual menorah-lighting ceremony will take place on Dec. 18 in the Hall of Records plaza beginning at 5 p.m.
Santa returns to meet his fans and enjoy breakfast with the little ones before his worldwide tour at Downtown Freehold’s annual Breakfast with Santa events at the following times and locations: Dec. 6, 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Cafe 360, East Main Street (call 732-294-4722 to reserve seats); Dec. 13, 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Sweet Lew’s Café, East Main Street (call 732-308-1887 to reserve seats); and Dec. 14, 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., American Hotel, East Main Street (call 732-431-3220 to reserve seats).
The sounds of the season will be in the air as carolers stroll the streets of Downtown Freehold on Dec. 18, 19 and 20 from 6-8 p.m.
A fun trolley ride through historic Downtown Freehold offers passengers an opportunity to view the holiday dressings and lights on Dec. 12 from 5-8 p.m. and Dec. 13 from 4-8 p.m. (snow date Dec. 14). Tickets are $5 (cash only). Guests will enjoy refreshments and holiday festivity. The trolley leaves from the Hall of Records plaza. For tickets, call 732-333-0094.
Restaurants and shops in Downtown Freehold will be festive with their own decor and holiday specials. Parking is free. Visit DowntownFreehold.com for more information.