FREEHOLD — Downtown Freehold, in association with Brock Farms and Ocean- First Bank, has announced a full slate of festive holiday events for the entire family.
Welcoming the holiday season begins with the annual tree lighting on Dec. 1 from 5-7 p.m. (rain date, Dec. 2) at the Monmouth County Hall of Records plaza, Main Street.
This event 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, according to a press release.
Santa will greet children and their families at the PBA Santa Train, Dec. 12, from noon to 2 p.m. The event, which is presented by the Freehold Borough PBA and Conrail, takes place at the Freehold bus station (corner of Main and Throckmorton streets).
The annual Hanukkah Menorah Lighting will take place at 5 p.m. Dec. 10 at the Monmouth County Hall of Records rotunda, Main Street. A new 12-foot-tall electric menorah has been donated by OceanFirst Bank.
Santa returns to meet his fans before embarking on his worldwide tour at the annual Breakfast with Santa at the following times and locations: Sweet Lew’s Café, East Main Street, Dec. 5, 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. (call 732-308-1887 to reserve a place); and the American Hotel, East Main Street, Dec. 13 and Dec. 20, 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. (call 732-431-3220 to reserve a place).
The sounds of the season will be in the air as carolers stroll the streets of Downtown Freehold on Dec. 10 and Dec. 17 from 6-8 p.m.
A “Jolly Trolley” ride through historic Downtown Freehold will delight passengers on Dec. 11 (5-8 p.m.) and Dec. 12 (4-8 p.m.), with a snow date on Dec. 13. Tickets are $5 (cash only). Tickets are limited and visitors are encouraged to purchase tickets early by calling 732-333-0094.
Parking is free. Visit DowntownFreehold.com for more information.