Illustration of a santa visit scene (Santa Ferry Ride)
Other Christmas Activities

Santa Ferry Ride

Embark on a magical Christmas journey aboard the Santa Ferry Ride! This beloved annual tradition offers a festive round-trip ferry excursion around the Statue of Liberty, complete with rotating entertainment, special characters, and a visit from Santa Claus himself. Each child and infant receives a holiday present, making it a memorable experience for the whole family.

What to Expect

Festive ferry ride with Santa around the Statue of Liberty

Event Details

Duration

1.5 hours per ride

Ages

All ages

Timed Entry

Yes

Organizer

Middletown Parks & Recreation

Food & Drink

NO OUTSIDE FOOD IS PERMITTED ON THE FERRY.

Get Tickets

Local Insight & Ratings

Family Friendly

🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 (5/5)

Best For

Families

Vibe

Festive

Energy Level

Low

Budget

$$

Photo Friendly

📷 📷 📷 📷 📷 (4/5)

Weather Sensitivity

Low

Location

Belford Ferry Terminal
10 Harbor Way
Belford, NJ
07718

Know Before You Go

  • Tickets: $$ – Get tickets
  • Parking: There is NO fee to park at the Belford Ferry Terminal.
  • Pets: Car seats permitted, no strollers allowed

Tips & Advice

  • Register in person at Poricy Park Nature Center, and create a RecDesk account beforehand to speed up the process. Bring a blank check if paying by check.
  • Proof of residency is required for the resident presale, so have your driver's license or a utility bill ready.
  • Be aware that strollers are not allowed on the ferry, but car seats are permitted. Plan accordingly for infants.
  • Tickets are non-refundable and non-exchangeable, and will not be reissued if lost. Keep your purchased ticket safe!
  • The ferry company reserves the right to cancel rides for safety reasons, though these are commuter ferries designed for various weather conditions.

Special Events & Promotions

  • Resident-only presale available
  • Holiday present for children and infants with ticket

Quick Actions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the registration process?

Registration is in-person ONLY at Poricy Park Nature Center. Completing a registration form and creating a RecDesk account beforehand is highly recommended to expedite the process. Cash, check, or credit cards are accepted.

What are the ticket prices?

Resident fees are $30/Adult, $25/Child (3-18), and $5/Infant (2 and Under). Non-resident fees are $36/Adult, $30/Child, and $6/Infant. A 3% credit card processing fee applies.

Can I buy tickets online?

No, registration is in-person only. Be wary of online scams; only original issued tickets from the Recreation Department will be honored.

What is the policy on strollers and car seats?

Strollers are not allowed on the ferry. Car seats are permitted. All passengers, including infants, require a ticket.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The event is rain or shine. While the ferry company can cancel rides if conditions are deemed unsafe, these are commuter ferries that operate in various weather.

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.

Contributors & Updates

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