Santa Returns To Mendham Borough For Annual 'Holly Trail'

MENDHAM, NJ — It’s time to mark the calendars for a Santa stop before Christmas comes, with Santa planning to visit Mendham Borough on Dec. 2.

Mendham Borough recently announced Santa’s comeback, saying all are welcome to attend when he returns to the borough’s historic Phoenix House during the "Holly Trail" celebration.

When Santa stops by the Phoenix House, he’s planning to stay from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. that day to snack on some complimentary cookies and be there for photo ops.

Reservations are required and can be completed here. According to officials, all slots between 11 and 11:30 a.m. are already filled.

Questions about Santa’s visit? Call the Borough of Mendham at 973-543-7152.

The Phoenix House, built in 1800, has traditional Federal-style characteristics such as a gambrel roof, paired chimneys, and a fanlight doorway centered in a five-bay facade.

The house began as a school for young ladies, but shortly after the completion of the Washington Turnpike in 1806, William Phoenix transformed it into an inn and tavern.

In the 1850s, his daughters took over the operation, and the Phoenix home became a fashionable boarding home, though rumor has it that Miss Phoenix continued to sell booze via a side door in the kitchen, borough officials said.

Today, the Phoenix House serves as the Municipal Hall and is open to the public.