‘Tis the Season…..
What:Santa Visits the Bergen County Zoo
Why: Santa Claus is coming to town and his first stop is Van Saun Zoo! Visit the zoo and take pictures with Old St. Nick, take a free train ride and watch the animals open their gifts.
When: Sunday, December 15th, 12pm to 3:00pm, free with admission!
Where: Van Saun Park Zoo, 216 Forest Avenue, Paramus
Want more? Check out other New Jersey Zoos
What: Shops at Nanuet: Light Up The Season!
Why: Five dedicated Holiday events- a Circus Act, Whimsical Family Fun with the Elf Clowns, the Harmony on the Hudson band, plus your kids fave holiday characters then finish off with a Tree Lighting!
When: Sunday, November 17th, Check website for times and details.
Where: 5101 Fashion Drive, Nanuet, NY
What: Pet Photos with Santa at The Shops at Riverside
Why: Has your pooch been naughty or nice? Bring them in for a pic with St. Nick.
When: Monday, November 18th, 9pm to 10pm
Where: Level 1 outside of Saks Fifth Avenue, The Shops at Riverside, Hackensack
What: Santa’s Rockin’ Holiday Kickoff
Why: Welcome Santa to Garden State Plaza and officially kickoff the holiday season. Enjoy holiday performances featuring The Rockettes and other special guests, and now no waiting with the new “Fast Pass” to Santa.
When: Tuesday, November 19th, 4pm
Where: Macy’s Court, Garden State Plaza, Paramus
What: Holiday Train Show at the NYBG
Why: Marvel at the charming model trains and New York landmark replicas, stroll the spectacular grounds, decorate (and eat!) gingersnaps, break for lunch and hot chocolate, and shop for everyone on your list.
When: Saturday, November 16th through Sunday, January 12th, check website for times.
Where: New York Botanical Gardens, Bronx NY
What: Dickens’s “A Christmas Carol” at the Old Dutch Church in Sleepy Hollow
Why: Nestle in to the cozy confines of the Old Dutch Church and let master storyteller Jonathan Kruk, complete with musical accompaniment, regale you with his adaptation of this Charles Dickens classic.
When: Friday, November 29th through Sunday, December 22nd, check website for times.
Where: 381 North Broadway, Sleepy Hollow, NY
What:Ridgewood Holiday Fun
Why: Have breakfast with Santa at The Office Bar and Grill and then take a stroll down to Columbia Bank where he comes bearing gifts, entertainment, movies and free trolley rides for the day.
When: Saturday, December 7th, 14th and 21st, Breakfast at 10am, Toys and Photo’s 10am to 2pm: Reservations required; Call 201-652-1070
Where: The Office Bar & Grill, 32 Chestnut St., Ridgewood
What: Home for the Holidays Parade and Tree Lighting
Why: A Winter Sport themed event filled with a holiday parade, entertainment and food. Oh! Don’t forget Santa’s Coming to Town!
When: Saturday, December 7th, 6:00pm to 9:00pm
Where: Westwood Ave. & Kinderkamack Rd., Westwood
What: Tice’s Corner Holiday Celebration
Why: Sip cocoa, watch the tree lighting, listen to choir songs and greet Santa as he arrives via fire truck- then hit the shops.
When: Thursday, December 5th, 6pm (rain/snow date Friday, December 6th, 6pm)
Where: Tice’s Corner, 441 Chestnut Ridge Rd, Woodcliff Lake
What: Holiday Gingerbread House Class for Kids
Why: Each 3-10 year old child receives a pre-baked and pre-assembled gingerbread house along with plenty of icing and decorations to make it their own. Plus they get to take it home and eat it for days.
When: Wednesday, December 4th through Friday, December 13th, $25 per child, register online.
Where: Chef Central, 240 Rte 17N, Paramus
What: Angelina Ballerina: The Very Merry Holiday Musical
Why: A Holiday Pageant in Mouseland will make your little one feel merry.
When: Sunday, December 15th, 1pm, tickets start at $29
Where: Bergen PAC, 30 North Van Brunt Street, Englewood
What: Christmas Light Spectacular
Why: The Zoo will be illuminated by lights and holiday displays throughout the park. Donations of non-perishable food items, unwrapped toys and new or gently used winter coats for the less fortunate are appreciated. Admission is FREE!
When: Friday, November 29th through Monday, December 9th, 5pm to 9pm
Where: Turtle Back Zoo, 560 Northfield Ave., West Orange
