Santa Arrives By 1907 Steam Engine In Mercer County Saturday

HOPEWELL TOWNSHIP, N.J. — Santa Claus will arrive in Mercer County on a 1907 case steam engine this weekend. He, Mrs. Claus and all the elves in Mercer County will arrive at Howell Living History Farm on Saturday, Dec. 2.

Santa, Mrs. Claus and the elves will check out Christmas lists, and give out cookies (or coal, as the case may be) from 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the farmhouse. Afterwards, attendees will take free rides on the train that comes complete with bells, whistles and billowing smoke as white as Santa's beard.

The farm's annual “Christmas on the Farm” celebration begins at 10:15 a.m. when children can climb aboard a work wagon for a ride to the woods to cut down a Christmas tree. After helping farmers do the cutting with a two-man saw, children can help decorate the tree with ear corn, pine cones and other natural ornaments.
Popcorn made over an open fire, music by the Jugtown Mountain String Band, and visits to the farmhouse kitchen and the blacksmith's forge are among the many free activities.

In the Visitor Center gift shop, Christmas shoppers will find items made from the farm's wool as well as the farm's award-winning maple syrup and honey. Straps of sleigh bells crafted by the farm's harness maker, fresh wreaths and roping will be for sale.

There will be a children’s craft program, “Natural Pine Door Hanging,” in the wagon house from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. for $3. Throughout the day, visitors can also enjoy refreshments and lunch fare in the Visitor Center classroom.

Howell Farm is owned by Mercer County and operated by the Mercer County Park Commission. It is located on Valley Road, just off Route 29, in Hopewell Township. The GPS address is 70 Woodens Lane, Hopewell Township, N.J. For more information about the farm, call 609-737-3299 or visit www.mercercountyparks.org or www.howellfarm.com.

The attached image was provided by Mercer County officials: Howell Farm welcomes Santa and Mrs. Claus riding in a 1907 Case steamer along with the elves of Mercer County.