Illustration of a santa visit scene (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.

What to Expect

Festive holiday commuter ferry ride around the Statue of Liberty with Santa.

Event Details

Ages

All ages

Timed Entry

Yes

Organizer

Middletown Parks & Recreation

Local Insight & Ratings

Family Friendly

🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 (5/5)

Best For

Families with young children

Vibe

Festive and scenic

Energy Level

Low

Budget

$$

Photo Friendly

High

Weather Sensitivity

Moderate

Location

Belford Ferry Terminal
10 Harbor Way, Belford, NJ 07718
Belford, NJ
07718

Know Before You Go

  • 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.

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.

Quick Actions

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.

Tags

family friendlySanta visitstrain ridescommunity celebrationholiday traditionseasonal activitiesfestive funholiday cheer

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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

Last Updated: Oct 20, 2026
Original Submitter: Sep 17, 2025 The Christmas Events Near Me editorial team