Illustration of a child whispering a wish to Santa in an armchair by the fireplace while an elf holds a list (Santa Ferry Ride)
Other Christmas Activities

Santa Ferry Ride

Guests embark on a scenic round-trip commuter ferry cruise out on the bay offering views of the Statue of Liberty, complete with top deck outdoor viewing. The journey features rotating entertainment, festive characters, and a visit from Santa himself. Every child and infant passenger receives a special holiday present.

Sat, Dec 5, 2026 All ages

Plan Your Visit

Tickets

Resident: $30 per adult (18+), $25 per child (3–18), and $5 per infant (2 and under). Non-resident: $36 per adult (18+), $30 per child (3–18), and $6 per infant (2 and under). Every passenger, including children 2 and under, needs a ticket. A 3% credit-card processing fee applies.

Hours

9am-10:30am, 11:30am-1:00pm, 1:30pm-3:00pm.

Parking

There is no fee to park at the Belford Ferry Terminal.

Accessibility

Strollers aren't allowed on the ferry, but car seats are.

Location

Belford Ferry Terminal · 10 Harbor Way, Belford, NJ 07718 Get Directions

Local Insight & Ratings

Family Friendly

🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 (5/5)

Best For

Families with young children

Vibe

Festive and scenic

Energy Level

Low

Photo Friendly

High

Weather Sensitivity

Moderate

Tips & Advice

  • Fill out the registration form and add every household member to a RecDesk account before you go, so in-person registration at Poricy Park goes faster.
  • If you're paying by check, bring a blank one and leave the amount empty, because staff fill it in at registration.
  • Check that your tickets are stamped correctly and that child and infant tickets are marked on the back before you leave registration.
  • Keep your tickets somewhere safe, because lost tickets aren't reissued and no one can board without one.
  • Dress warmly if you want to stand on the top deck, since outdoor viewing is available on the ferry, which sails rain or shine.

Special Events & Promotions

  • Resident-only presale on Monday, October 26, at Poricy Park Nature Center. Bring proof of residency; limit 10 tickets per person.
  • Resident and non-resident sales resume Wednesday, October 28, then continue weekdays while tickets last.

Links & Contact

Run by Middletown Parks & Recreation

Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide, not the organizer of this event. For tickets, entries, vendor spots or questions, contact the organizer directly through their contact page.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens on the ride?

It's a round trip on a commuter ferry past the Statue of Liberty. Entertainment and characters rotate on the way out and back, and Santa visits. Every child and infant gets a holiday present, and there's outdoor viewing on the top deck.

How do we get tickets?

You have to register in person at the Poricy Park Nature Center in Red Bank. Fill out the registration form ahead of time and create a RecDesk account with everyone in your household to speed things up. Cash, check and credit cards are accepted.

Do babies need a ticket?

Yes, every passenger needs a ticket, including children 2 and under. Infant tickets can't be used for a child, and child tickets can't be used for an adult.

Can we bring a stroller or snacks?

No. Strollers aren't allowed, though car seats are, and outside food isn't permitted on the ferry.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The ride goes rain or shine on commuter ferries that run in all kinds of weather. The ferry company can cancel a ride if it decides conditions are unsafe.

Browse Christmas in Middletown

Always check the official website for the most current information.

We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.

Contributors & Updates

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