Christmas on the Farm at Howell Living Historical Farm (Lambertville)
Santa will be arriving on his sleigh at noon on Saturday at this historic village, and passing out cookies (or coal) to the children until 3pm.  Get there early (10:15am) to take a horse-drawn wagon ride into the woods to help saw down the Christmas tree. Afterwards, kids can help decorate the tree the old-fashioned way, with ear corn, pinecones and other natural ornaments.  Helpers will be treated to hot apple cider and cookies. You can purchase a farmhouse kitchen lunch, as well as homemade crafts and gifts, and kids can participate in a craft program on a walk-in basis.  Admission and parking is free, but there is a $3 materials fee for the craft workshop.

Santa Express at Black River Railroad (Flemington)
These holiday train rides will get you in the holiday spirit!  The Santa Express is a 75-minute ride with Santa during which Santa and his elves visit each passenger and give them their own tasty treat. Photo opportunities are available as time permits..  Rides are offered both Saturday and Sunday at 11:30, 1pm and 2:30pm.  Tickets are $14 for adults (age 13 and up) and $7 for kids ages 3 to 12.  Tickets are sold first come, first serve starting at 11am.

Ride the Christmas Express at the NJ Museum of Transportation & Pine Creek Railroad (Allaire State Park)
Catch the train with Santa and talk to him in person!  The train departs every half hour from 11am to 4pm and tickets are just $5 per person.  Call before you go to check availability – advance tickets are sold but must be purchased in person.

Santa Claus Special at the Whippany Railroad (Whippany)
Not only will Santa be there to talk to all the kids, but his elves will be giving out small gifts and Choo-Choo Charlie will do magic tricks, tell jokes, and tell stories.  Trains depart Sunday December 6.  Tickets must be purchased in advance online.  There are limited tickets available for December 6 (or you may want to book now for the next two weekends.)  $12. per adult (13 and up), $8. per child.  The Museum will be open from noon to 4pm each day of operation. Admission (separate from train ride fare) is $1.00 per adult and 50 cents per child .  Gift shop and refreshments available.

Santa Arrives by Helicopter at the Teterboro Aviation Hall of Fame (Teterboro)
Santa is coming to town, via the skies, but without his reindeer!  Saturday at 11am.  Kids can have their photo taken with Santa and will each receive a small gift.  Admission to the museum is $7 for adults, $5 for kids.

Holiday Lights Celebration at Trailside Nature Center (Watchung)
Celebrate Santa coming to town, see the tree and menorah light up, and enjoy caroling and a nature craft show.  Kids can visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus from noon-3pm, have their faces painted, listen to holiday singers, vote for their favorite Xmas tree and enjoy refreshments.  This FREE event takes place Sunday from 11am to 5pm.  Admission is a charitable donation of dry or canned food or a new unwrapped toy.

Secaucus Annual Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony (Secaucus)
Saturday from 6pm-9pm, the town of Secaucus goes all out for its Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony, with Santa and Mrs. Claus, live reindeer, ice sculpting, food, face painting, tree ornament decorating, and ice skating following the tree lighting.  This FREE event takes place at the Plaza Center Parking lot.

Fun on a String at the Hoboken Public Library (Hoboken)
Enjoy a FREE puppet and marionette show at the Hoboken Public Library on Saturday at 2pm.  The show lasts approximately one hour.

And don't forget about ongoing holiday shows  and cut-your-own Christmas tree farms!