We rounded up the best things to do in Bergen County and beyond on our weekend PLAYlist!
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What: GIVEAWAY! Historic Hudson Valley Dickens’s Christmas Carol
Why: Led by a master storyteller and complete with musical accompaniment, this rendition of the classic play is a must-do this holiday season.
When: Saturdays & Sundays now thru December 20, (check website for showtimes), Adults/$25, Under 18/$20, Suggested for ages 10+, Advance tickets required, Bergen Mama readers click here for a chance to win a FREE Family 4-pack of tickets for the Saturday, December 20, 7:15pm show!
Where: Christ Episcopal Church, 43 South Broadway, Tarrytown, NY
Events Not to Miss:
What: Meet and Greet with Pocoyo
Why: Bring your own camera and sit for a pic with Pocoyo.
When: Friday, December 11, 4-8pm, FREE
Where: The Outlets at Bergen Town Center, Center Court, Paramus
What: Bars of Beauty Girls’ Night Out Holiday Gift Mart
Why: Shop selected vendors, sip complimentary champs, snag a goody bag, and enjoy discounted beauty services.
When: Friday, December 11, 4-8pm
Where: 1 Kinderkamack Rd., Oradell
What: Ridgewood Santa in the Park
Why: Meet Santa at his house in the Park, or join him for breakfast at The Office (reservations required).
When: Saturday, December 12, 12-3pm, FREE
Where: Memorial Park at Van Neste Square, Ridgewood
What: American Girl Holiday Party at The Big Playhouse
Why: Dress in holiday attire to meet American Girl Samantha, and enjoy a surprise goody bag, music, open play, dinner and more.
When: Saturday, December 12, 4:30-6:30pm, $35 per child, Pre-Registration required
Where: 316 Kinderkamack Rd., Westwood
What: Family Photos with Santa
Why: Skip the mall, grab the fam, and take a photo with Santa.
When: Saturday, December 12, 11am-3pm, FREE
Where: Hillsdale United Methodist Church, 349 Hillsdale Ave., Hillsdale
What: Seasonal Scavenger Hunt at Tenafly Nature Center
Why: Because families that stick together…
When: Saturday, December 12, 2-3pm, $5
Where: 313 Hudson Ave., Tenafly
What: Pet Photos with Santa
Why: Because unlike your kids, they have a permanent spot on the Nice List.
When: Saturday, December 12, 2-4pm, $15 donation to Hallway Hounds
Where: Park Ridge Animal Hospital, 94 Berthoud St., Park Ridge
What: Crafting and Campfire at Tenafly Nature Center
Why: Crafts, hot cocoa, s’mores, and a campfire.
When: Saturday, December 12, 4:30-6:30pm, $10
Where: 313 Hudson Ave., Tenafly
What: Santa at Fresh & Fancy Farms
Why: Pictures, hot chocolate, and S’mores with Santa.
When: Saturday, December 12 & Sunday, December 13 & Saturday, December 19 & Sunday, December 20, 12-3pm
Where: 575 River Rd., New Milford
What: Wyckoff YMCA Breakfast with Santa & Mary Poppins
Why: Join Santa and Mary Poppins for a yummy morning breakfast.
When: Saturday, December 12, 9:30-10:45am, Children/$15, Adults/$10, Registration required
Where: 691 Wyckoff Ave., Wyckoff
What: Santa at Abma’s Farm
Why: Bring your kids to meet Santa at the farm- don’t forget your cam.
When: Saturday, December 12, 11am-3pm
Where: 700 Lawlins Rd., Wyckoff
What: Kaplan JCC on the Palisades Battle of the Bands
Why: Support The Water Project at this fun event.
When: Saturday, December 12, 7-11pm, $20
Where: 411 East Clinton Ave., Tenafly
What: Santa at Little Skye Children’s Boutique
Why: Do a little holiday shopping at this adorable boutique while the kids snag a pic with Santa.
When: Saturday, December 12, 1:30-3:30pm, FREE
Where: 171 E. Ridgewood Ave., Ridgewood
What: Santa at Books & Greetings
Why: Santa and books? Win win.
When: Saturday, December 12 (11:30am-1:30pm) & Sunday, December 20 (1-3pm)
Where: 271G Livingston St., Northvale
What: World Class Sports Academy Holiday Party
Why: Hot chocolate, light snacks, crafts, bounce house, and open play.
When: Saturday, December 12, 10am-12pm, FREE
Where: 701 Broadway, Westwood
What: Tutus and Bowties Holiday Party
Why: Wear your party clothes and head over for fun and music with Kurt Gallagher.
When: Sunday, December 13, 10am-12pm, 1-6 years old, $28 (One parent free with each child)
Where: 316 Kinderkamack Rd., Westwood
What: Yeladudes Theater Presents a Magical Journey for Chanukah
Why: Kids will enjoy this magical tale of two children who meet amazing historical characters during their visit in Israel.
When: Sunday, December 13, 2-3pm, $12 in advance, $17 day of show
Where: Kaplen JCC on the Palisades, 411 E. Clinton Ave., Tenafly
What: Gingerbread House for Humanity
Why: Gingerbread house building, ornament decorating, face painting, treats, holiday tattoos, and live music.
When: Sunday, December 13, 12-4pm, $20 for a house kit, Pre-registration required
Where: YMCA of Greater Bergen County, 360 Main St., Hackensack
What: Bergen County Zoo Holidays with the Animals
Why: Costumes characters, live music, Santa, and a FREE train ride.
When: Sunday, December 13, 12-3:30pm, Animals receive their presents at 2pm
Where: 216 Forest Ave., Paramus
What: Pottery Barn Kids Storytime: The Polar Express
Why: All aboard! Wear pajamas and come to storytime at PBKids.
When: Tuesday, December 15, 11am, FREE
Where: The Shops at Riverside, Hackensack
If you’re heading out of Bergen…
What: The Polar Express: An IMAX Experience
Why: You’ve seen it on your couch, now go see it at the IMAX Dome.
When: Select dates now thru January 3, Kids/$8.50, Adults/$11.25
Where: Liberty Science Center, Jersey City
What: Hudson House of Play Winter Wonderland Tea Party
Why: Wear your princess best for a formal tea party with baked treats, a holiday crafting station, sing along, and much more.
When: Saturday, December 12, 2pm, Ages 2.5 and up, $50 (includes one adult), Pre-Registration required (Will be Sold Out!)
Where: 40 Riverwalk Place, West New York
What: Community Weekend at Mohonk Mountain House
Why: Complimentary entry this weekend to the Mountain House so enjoy an outdoor ice-skating rink, take a hike, visit the Victorian castle decorated for Christmas and more.
When: Saturday, December 12 & Sunday, December 13
Where: 1000 Mountain Rest Road, New Paltz, NY
What: Skylands Stadium Christmas Light Show
Why: Drive through a 1-mile course of breathtaking displays (over 2 million lights!) set to joyous holiday music and a FREE Christmas Village.
When: Now thru January 3, Check website for dates and times, $17 per carload in advance, $20 (cash only) at the gate
Where: 94 Championship Place, Augusta
What: Gingerbread Wonderland and Craft Show
Why: Hundreds of edible structures on display and a handmade craft show on the weekends.
When: Now thru Sunday, December 13, (10am-4:30pm & 10am-7:30pm on Fridays), Ages 2+/$2
Where: The Frelinghuysen Arboretum, 353 East Hanover Ave., Morris Township
What: Boscobel Sparkle
Why: This historical house is decked out for the season with beautiful lights and entertainment to match.
When: Fridays & Saturdays in December thru the 19th, 5-9pm, Ages 3-11/$10, Adult/$15
Where: 1601 Route 9D, Garrison, NY
What: Sukey Molloy & Friends! Winter Holiday Concert
Why: A fun concert for tiny music lovers.
When: Friday, December 11, 11am, FREE, Call the library to register (845-358-3370)
Where: Nyack Public Library, S. Broadway, Nyack, NY
What: The Vienna Boys Choir Christmas in Vienna
Why: The famous Austrian ensemble performs their crowd-pleasing repertoire.
When: Saturday, December 12, 8pm, Tickets starts at $36
Where: Walt Whitman Theatre, 2900 Campus Rd., Brooklyn, NY
What: Pancake Breakfast
Why: Meet Santa and enjoy everyone’s favorite breakfast.
When: Saturday, December 12, 9am-1pm, $10 per family
Where: Street School Community Center, Zukor Rd., New City, NY
What: Wreath Decorating & Kid’s Craft Workshop at Fishkill Farms
Why: Make a beautiful wreath with foraged natural materials.
When: Saturday, December 12, 1pm & 3pm, Kids/$10, Adults/$28, Pre-Registration available
Where: 9 Fishkill Rd., Hopewell Junction, NY
What: Turtle Back Zoo Holiday Lights Spectacular
Why: Enjoy winter and animal characters illuminated throughout the Zoo along with Santa, and other holiday fun.
When: Weekends now thru January 3, 5-9pm
Where: 560 Northfield Ave., West Orange
What: Wayne Valley Holiday Craft Show
Why: Shop locally at this craft show with over 100+ vendors.
When: Sunday, December 13, 10am-5pm, $3
Where: Wayne Valley High School, 551 Valley Rd., Wayne
Upcoming:
What: Kaplen JCC on the Palisades Chopped for Kids
Why: Cook some great food and learn from kid chef Eitan Bernath who was featured on Food Network’s Chopped! Perfect for kids in grades 3-5. Must register by December 14th.
When: Saturday, December 19, 7:30pm-9:30pm
Where: 411 E. Clinton Ave., Tenafly
What: Stokes Farm Holiday Craft Boutique
Why: A winter wonderland of gifts…
When: Saturday, December 19 & Sunday, December 20, 9am-3pm
Where: 23 Dewolf Rd., Old Tappan
What: Ridgewood Sweet & Sassy Christmas Party
Why: Holiday arts and crafts, winter wonderland makeovers, pizza, cupcakes, and more.
When: Saturday, December 19, 6:45-8:45pm, $40, Pre-Registration required
Where: 216 E. Ridgewood Ave., Ridgewood
What: Dance Theatre of NJ The Nutcracker
Why: Because it’s not the Holiday season without this ballet.
When: Sunday, December 20, 1pm & 5pm, Tickets starts at $15
Where: Bergen Academies, 200 Hackensack Ave., Hackensack
