Drive-By Santa Firetruck Appearances Planned In Hazlet

HAZLET, NJ - Three local volunteer fire companies will be towing Santa Claus around the Bayshore for special socially-distant appearances throughout December.

Between Dec. 19 and Christmas Eve, families in North Centerville, Hazlet and West Keansburg will be able to get a glimpse of Saint Nick, the Hazlet Township Police Department said in a statement. Here’s when to expect a visit from Santa:

• Saturday, Dec. 19: North Centerville Fire Company (Starts at dusk)
• Sunday, Dec. 20: Hazlet Fire Company (Starts at noon)
• Thursday, Dec. 24: West Keansburg Fire Company (Starts at dusk)

On Dec. 20, Hazlet residents can use the virtual Santa tracker tool at https://www.hazletpd.org/santa-tracker to track his journey around the township.

The Hazlet municipal site also offers an interactive map of holiday lights and decorations to visit throughout the region (see below). You can nominate a location to the locator map here.

“Our wonderful Volunteer Fire Departments may have two Santa’s out in order to visit as many streets [as] possible, so do not be alarmed if you see two Santa’s on the tracker. (Maybe tell the little ones that the other is Santa’s helper),” the Hazlet Township Police Department said.

“Please keep in mind if the FD is needed for an emergency, Santa’s route may deviate. Santa may stop for a short break a few times during the night to enjoy some of Mrs. Claus's cookies, but once he's done eating he'll be back on the road!”