Santa Makes Madison His Headquarters! Free!

Deep in the heart of Madison, NJ, amidst the hubbub of New York commuters, sits the most unlikely of sites. One might mistake it for a scene out of a Norman Rockwell painting with its 1950’s holiday displays and the clicking and clacking of incoming trains. There is also an empty sleigh with reindeers waiting for their Captain to return. Where is the Captain of the sleigh one may ask?

The glow from a little hut may provide a clue for the curious eye because there, the jolliest of men, sits waiting for children to visit him with their wishes. His hair is grey, his nose is indeed like a cherry, his cheeks red like roses, with a warmth that could belong to none other than Santa himself. Yes, you heard that right, Santa has made the train station of Madison, NJ one of his headquarters and has done so for the past 9 years.

I slowly made my way to the door of the hut. As I opened the door, Santa welcomed me and the few questions I had to ask him. “Santa,” I asked, “why did you choose Madison, NJ for your headquarters?” Santa replied, “Madison is special! There is the center part of town that during the Christmas season is a beautiful place to be! And I'm thankful that every year has been bigger and better than the year before!” He continued, “Do you know what my favorite part of Christmas is? Seeing a child's eyes light up when they see me! Christmas to me is family! When the family unit are able to reunite at Christmas, no matter how far away we live from each other! I also understand that they may mean celebrating Christmas on another day.”

I knew that my time visiting Santa was limited but I took my one chance to ask the question that is on everyone’s mind. “Santa, what is your message for everyone this year?” With a heart of gold he replied, “My message this year…to all the children and parents is to show some patience with each other and some people that you do not know. It's important that we all just get along! Smile at each other, say hello, open the door for someone other than yourself, be kind and show a little bit of love!”

You will find Madison Santa at his Kings Road train station hut on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 1-5:30 p.m. On Saturday and Sunday he can be visited from 12:30-5 p.m. Visiting Santa is FREE because as he stated, “My favorite gift is the gift of giving!” but, you must bring a camera if you want to capture the moments. Don’t be shy, Santa will take selfies with adults too and will not deny the gift of cookies. There is also a donation jar on the fireplace mantle.

Santa has also modernized! Apparently his elves made him a Facebook page that can be found by typing “Madison Santa.” “Like” his page to be updated daily on his travels throughout the year and any changes that may take place. If you can’t make it, he has left his mailbox outside of the hut for you to mail your Christmas list. I gave him a hug goodbye and as I drove out of site, he shouted “Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night.”

Photo used with Madison Santa’s permission. Article by L Trainer