The holiday spirit is set to soar this December as Santa Claus trades in his sleigh for a small aircraft, landing at the Central Jersey Airport in Hillsborough for one of the region’s most heartwarming family traditions. On Sunday, December 14, 2025, from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m., families from across Central Jersey will gather for the annual Santa Fly-In, a community celebration filled with festive fun, laughter, and the true spirit of giving.
The event, hosted by the Somerville/Bridgewater Rotary Club, has become a beloved local tradition where children don’t just get to meet Santa — they get to watch him fly in. This unique twist makes the holiday experience unforgettable for kids and parents alike. Admission is just $5 per person, making it one of the most affordable and meaningful family holiday events in New Jersey.
Inside the large heated hangar at TriState Aviation (1034 Millstone River Road, Hillsborough, NJ 08844), the afternoon will be packed with family-friendly entertainment. There will be a delicious lunch, arts and crafts for the kids, face painting, a magician, a balloon twister, and holiday music filling the space. The hangar transforms into a winter wonderland where children can enjoy hours of fun while parents soak in the warmth of a true small-town holiday celebration.
One of the most special aspects of the Santa Fly-In is its personal touch. Parents are asked to provide a few details about their child ahead of time — favorite toys, recent achievements, or even something funny from home — allowing Santa to greet each child by name and mention details that only he could know. Parents are encouraged to bring one small wrapped gift for their child, with a letter attached that includes this information. When Santa arrives, he’ll call each child up personally and hand them their gift, creating a magical, personalized experience that feels straight out of a Christmas storybook.
In addition to the personal gifts, families are also invited to bring one small unwrapped present for local children in need. Every donation collected will go toward helping families across Somerset County have a brighter holiday season, a core part of the Rotary Club’s mission to support the community.
Photos with Santa are welcome, and a photo booth will be set up for families to take their own festive pictures together — a perfect holiday keepsake. The hangar’s cozy, decorated space makes it an ideal setting for family portraits and those all-important “Santa moments.”
The Santa Fly-In is designed for children between the ages of 2 and 8, though everyone is welcome to attend and enjoy the festivities. The event is completely non-profit, with 100% of proceeds benefiting local charitable causes. Whether you come for the crafts, the balloon art, the magic show, or to see the look on your child’s face when Santa calls their name, this event embodies what the holidays are all about — community, joy, and giving back.
Seats for the Santa Fly-In are limited, and early registration is strongly encouraged as the event often reaches capacity. The Rotary Club’s dedication to creating a fun, family-friendly environment ensures that every year’s event runs smoothly, safely, and with a touch of genuine Christmas magic.
For families across Central Jersey, this is more than just a visit from Santa — it’s a cherished holiday memory in the making. From Santa’s grand arrival to the smiles of children clutching their new gifts, the Santa Fly-In captures everything that makes the season special.
Learn more about festive happenings across the Garden State and the latest community events on the Explore New Jersey Devils page, where local traditions, sports, and family fun meet all season long.
