Applegate Farm Hosts First Tree Lighting Event

Festive and free family-friendly Christmas fun on Dec. 1 features treats, tunes and the start of the ‘Photos with Santa’ Series at Applegate Farm.

Santa warms up December at Applegate Farm!

applegate farm
Photo by Eve Mahaney for The Montclair Dispatch.

As wonderful as the holidays are, let’s face it: they can be expensive. If you’re searching for something fun, holiday-themed and free to do this winter, look no further than Montclair’s own Grove Street. Applegate Farms, the picturesque local farm known for its homemade ice cream, keeps up with the turn of the weather as it prepares to host its first annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony on Dec. 1 at 7 p.m. This event is free to attend in the hopes of spreading holiday cheer (and sweets) to the Montclair community.

The event’s entertainment will include a live DJ, Christmas carolers, a live reindeer, an ice carving and the tree lighting. The festivities will also be accompanied with delicious drinks and desserts from Applegate Farm! Applegate Farm will provide samples as well as sell their famous apple cider donuts, homemade ice cream, hot cocoa and apple cider during the celebration. And, when it comes time to light the Christmas tree, a jolly old man with a long white beard will ride in on a tractor to see all of his “nice-list” friends. What more could you want out of an event?

Santa will be around Applegate Farm even after the tree lighting. Guests can pose for photos with Santa Claus inside the store at the event, or on any weekend from Dec. 3 through Dec. 18. The package for photos can be purchased ahead of time online at applegatefarm.com/photos-with-santa, or in store. The package includes a visit with Santa, two 4×6 pictures or one 8×10 picture and a $5 gift card to Applegate Farm. Walk ups are also welcome to participate. The photo opportunity was made possible only by Applegate Farm promising Santa a cup of his favorite ice cream flavor: peanut butter fudge brownie.

“The tree lighting event is going to be the perfect kick-off to photos with Santa,” said Jason Street, owner of Applegate Farm Ice Cream. “It is going to be fun for the whole family. And having Santa and a live reindeer will definitely get everyone in the Christmas spirit.”

The Applegate Farm website, applegatefarm.com, provides a list of ice cream flavors and a brief history of the farm that has served northern Jersey since 1848. The original farmhouse that assisted many slaves to freedom during the Civil War still stands. The farm itself survived The Great Depression and two World Wars, and to this day it still offers comfort and quality to the community. People continue to travel from all over to enjoy the charm and treats Applegate Farm has to offer. And now, even Santa Claus will be there (munching on donuts and cider), too!

You must be logged in to post a comment Login