Harlingen Church Invites Community to Third Annual “Breakfast with Santa”

Nicholas Mistretta

BELLE MEAD, N.J. — For the third year in a row, the fellowship hall at Harlingen Church will be transformed into a cozy holiday gathering place as the congregation welcomes neighbors to its free “Breakfast with Santa” on Saturday, December 6, 2025, from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m.

Families are invited to enjoy a warm pancake-and-egg breakfast, visit with Santa Claus, and snap their own photos — all at no cost.

“Breakfast with Santa has become one of our favorite community traditions,” said Elder Dale Weingart, Congregational Care and Fellowship Committee Chair at Harlingen Church. “It’s our way of sharing the joy and love of Christmas with neighbors, friends, and families across the area.

What started as a simple idea to offer local families a low-stress, low-cost way to celebrate the season has grown over the past three years into a much-anticipated event. Church members arrive early to flip pancakes, scramble eggs, brew coffee, and decorate tables with festive touches. Children line up, sometimes a little shy at first, for their turn to sit with Santa, share a wish, and pose for a picture.

Families are encouraged to bring their own cameras or smartphones for photos with Santa; there is no professional photographer on site.

The atmosphere is intentionally relaxed and welcoming: no tickets, no entry fee, and no pressure to belong to the church. All ages are invited, from toddlers meeting Santa for the very first time to grandparents happy to watch the excitement unfold over a hot breakfast.

In addition to food and photos, the morning offers something a little less tangible but just as important — a sense of connection.

“At a time of year that can be busy and expensive, we want this to be a place where people can simply come, sit down together, and enjoy being part of a community,” Weingart noted.

The event will be held at Harlingen Church, 2141 US Highway 206, Belle Mead, NJ 08502. There is plenty of free parking available in the church lot, and registration is not required; guests are welcome to drop in anytime between 8:30 and 11:30 a.m.

For more information about “Breakfast with Santa” and other seasonal events, visit the church’s website at www.harlingenchurch.org

Photo Credit: Nicholas Mistretta/headlinenewsmontgomery.com