We rounded up the best things to do in Bergen County and beyond on our weekend PLAYlist!
Sponsored Post: Xtreme Energy, the amazing new play space in Englewood, was opened by parents who needed a space that was not so big they constantly lost their kids and not so small that everything felt crowded. They also wanted to create a play space that could accommodate toddlers all the way up to pre-teens. Kids ages 2-10 will love the leveled playscape, the rock climbing wall, the ropes course, the ninja warrior course, the Trampoline Trak, the ball pit and the VR games. Parents will love the café operated in partnership with La Promenade that includes a coffee bar, pastries, salads and other yummies. Xtreme Energy is open seven days a week from 9:00am – 6:00pm. Buy one pass and get one free Monday-Thursday (offer good through Dec 15th!) (use code "bergenmamainsider") at booking. For more information, to purchase tickets or to learn more about birthday parties and upcoming activities, please visit the website. Xtreme Energy, 250 South Van Brunt, Englewood, 201.408.5555
Harlem Globetrotters Giveaway: The world famous basketball team brings their hilarious hijinks and basketball skills to Prudential Center (@PruCenter) in their all-new show “Pushing the Limits.” One lucky winner will win a family 4-pack to the action-packed show on Monday December 30, 2 pm. You won’t want to pass this up. Enter Instagram giveaway until Saturday December 14 @bergenmama
Events Not To Miss:
Why: Celebrate the holidays with hot chocolate, candy canes, FREE swag, caroling and Santa.
When: Thursday December 12, 5:30-7:30 pm
Where: Tice’s Corner Marketplace, 441 Chestnut Ridge Rd., Woodcliff Lake
What: A Poppin’ Christmas
Why: Young dancers and singers of all ages put on a special holiday show.
When: Thursday December 12-Saturday December 14, 7 pm, Sunday December 15, 2 pm
Where: Cavallini Middle School, 87 Hampshire Hill Rd., Upper Saddle River
Why: Design your own holiday sign while you wine.
When: Thursday December 12, 6 pm
Where: Abma’s Farm, 700 Lawlins Rd., Wyckoff
What: Tot Rock Shabbat
Why: Check out the open house offering a FREE music-filled experience, tour of the school and much more.
When: Friday December 13, 9:15 am
Where: Kaplen JCC on the Palisades Early Childhood Center, 411 E. Clinton Ave., Tenafly
Why: A beautiful performance of the classic holiday ballet.
When: Friday December 13, 7 pm, Saturday December 14, 2 pm and 7 pm, Sunday December 15, 3 pm, $15-$30
Where: Nunnbetter Dance Theatre, 161-B Woodbine Rd., Bergenfield
Why: Norma Wellington Designs hosts a dazzling jewelry show with hundreds of one-of-a-kind pieces for sale, with a portion of sales going to bergenPAC’s scholarship program.
When: Saturday December 14, 12-10 pm
Where: bergenPAC, 30 N Van Brunt St., Englewood
Why: Check out performances of carols and enjoy a colonial meal.
When: Saturday December 14-Sunday December 15, 6 pm and 7:45 pm, $34
Where: Bergen County Historical Society, 1201 Main St., River Edge
Why: Photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus on the farm.
When: Saturday December 14, 12:30-3 pm
Where: Abma’s Farm, 700 Lawlins Rd., Wyckoff
Why: Celebrate the holidays with a visit from Santa.
When: Saturdays December 14 and 21, 12 pm, Sunday December 22, 1:30 pm
Where: Books and Greetings, 271G Livingston St., Northvale
Why: Enjoy a holiday story and treats.
When: Saturday December 14, 9 am, 10 am, 11 am, $12
Where: Abma’s Farm, 700 Lawlins Rd., Wyckoff
Why: Take a hayride to roast s’mores by the fire and snap a shot with Santa.
When: Saturday December 14-Sunday December 15, 12-4 pm, photos 1-3 pm
Where: Secor Farms, 85 Airmont Ave., Mahwah
What: Breakfast With Santa
Why: Enjoy a farm-fresh meal with Santa, plus kids leave with crayons, a coloring book and toy.
When: Saturday December 14-Sunday December 15, 10-11 am, 12-1 pm, $25
Where: Fresh and Fancy Farms, 575 River Rd., New Milford
What: Holiday Craft Boutique
Why: Grab some last-minute gifts and shop local artists.
When: Saturday December 14-Sunday December 15, 10 am-4 pm
Where: Stokes Farm, 23 DeWolf Rd., Old Tappan
What: We McDonald
Why: The Voice contestant signs her new book, The Little Girl with the Big Voice.
When: Saturday December 14, 2 pm
Where: Bookends, 211 E. Ridgewood Ave., Ridgewood
What: Breakfast With Santa
Why: Chow down with Santa, plus photos games and more fun.
When: Saturday December 14, 9:30-11:30 am, kids under 12/$10, adults/$15
Where: Park Ridge Elks Lodge, 13 Sulak Ln., Park Ridge
What: Holiday Festivi-tea
Why: Cheers to the holiday season at this festive tea time.
When: Saturday December 14, 11 am-2 pm, Thursday December 19, 6-9 pm, $60
Where: Harmony Tea Room, 224 Fairview Ave., Westwood
Why: Meet Santa in his home, and be the first to arrive for a FREE gift.
When: Saturdays December 14-21, 12-3 pm
Where: Memorial Park at Van Neste Sq., Ridgewood
Why: Some of Eric Carl’s most popular stories comes to life.
When: Sunday December 15, 1 pm and 4 pm, $15-$29
Where: bergenPAC, 30 North Van Brunt St., Englewood
What: Holiday With the Animals
Why: Visit with costumed characters and the animals at the zoo.
When: Sunday December 15, 11 am-2 pm
Where: Bergen County Zoo, 216 Forest Ave., Paramus
What: Crafting and Campfire
Why: Grab some nature to design winter decorations, and roast s’mores by the fire.
When: Sunday December 15, 4-5:30 pm
Where: Tenafly Nature Center, 313 Hudson Ave., Tenafly
What: Book in the Classroom
Why: Tots listen to a book reading and enjoy hot cocoa and a visit with the animals.
When: Monday December 16, 9:30 am, 10 am, 10:30 am, $10
Where: Abma’s Farm, 700 Lawlins Rd., Wyckoff
What: Cookies and Crafts
Why: Ages 5-9 enjoy crafts on the farm, treats and a walk to the Barnyard petting zoo.
When: Tuesday December 17 and Thursday December 19, 3:45 pm, $15
Where: Abma’s Farm, 700 Lawlins Rd., Wyckoff
What: Winter Tea Party
Why: Pinkies up as you sip on some tea with your fave kid and make a craft.
When: Now through December 20, ages 3-5/10:30 am, ages 6-9/3:45 pm, kids/$12, adults/$6
Where: Abma’s Farm, 700 Lawlins Rd., Wyckoff
What: Orchard of Lights
Why: Hop on a hayride through a huge twinkling display of lights, meet Santa and make your own s’mores.
When: Now through Sunday December 29, 5-8 pm
Where: Demarest Farms, 244 Wierimus Rd., Hillsdale
What: Winter Wonderland
Why: Welcome winter with ice skating, Santa visits, ice carvings, face painting and more.
When: Now through Sunday January 5, check schedule for daily times, adult pre-sale/$13
Where: Van Saun Park, 216 Forest Ave., Paramus
Why: Shop and get a special holiday stocking gift, plus sing-along Saturdays, Santa and live performances.
When: Now through Saturday December 21, Fridays 2-7 pm, Saturdays 12-6 pm
Where: City Place at The Promenade, 225 River Rd., Edgewater
What: Photos With Santa
Why: Smile with Santa, and skip the wait by purchasing a FastPass. Plus bring your pet for a special photo sesh on select days.
When: Now through Tuesday December 24, 10 am-1 pm, 2-5 pm, 6-9 pm, Paws and Claus Tuesday November 19, 6-9 pm
Where: Bergen Town Center, Route 4 East & Forest Ave., Paramus
What: Photos With Santa
Why: Celebrate the season with holiday smiles from your little ones.
When: Now through Tuesday December 24, 11 am-8 pm, $39.99-$49.99
Where: Paramus Park Mall, 700 Paramus Park, Paramus
What: It’s Santa Photo Time
Why: Bring your kids’ best smiles for a holiday photo with Santa.
When: Now through Tuesday December 24, check schedule for times and reserve your FastPass, $29.99-$49.99
Where: The Shops at Riverside, 390 Hackensack Ave., Hackensack
What: Santa’s Coming to Town
Why: Santa arrives at the mall for pics and gift-talk.
When: Now through Tuesday December 24, 10 am-9:30 pm
Where: Westfield Garden State Plaza, One Garden State Plaza, Paramus
What: Holiday Market
Why: Your new holiday happy place decked with carolers, letters to Santa station, entertainment, holiday decorations and more.
When: Now through Saturday January 4, 12-9 pm
Where: Westfield Garden State Plaza, Macy’s court Level 2, One Garden State Plaza, Paramus
Why: Grab a bite and a special visit from Santa.
When: Sunday December 15, 11 am-2:30 pm
Where: Blue Moon Mexican Café Locations, Englewood and Wyckoff
If you’re heading out of Bergen:
Why: Join Mrs. Claus and an animal friend for a holiday story and snacks.
When: Friday December 13-Sunday December 22, Fridays 5:30 pm and 6:30 pm, Weekends 3:30 pm, 5 pm and 6 pm, $10
Where: Essex County Turtle Back Zoo, 560 Northfield Ave., West Orange
Why: Please your senses as you journey through this super sweet spot.
When: Opens Saturday December 14-Sunday March 1, 9:30 am-10 pm, $39
Where: Museum of Ice Cream, 558 Broadway, NYC
Why: Charles Dickens’s famous story is brought to life with music and master storytelling.
When: Saturday December 14-Sunday December 15, 3:30 pm, 4:45 pm, 6 pm, kids/$20, adults/$25
Where: Old Dutch Church, 430 Broadway, Sleepy Hollow
Why: Model trains, including everyone’s favorite Thomas, are rolling in
When: Saturday December 14-Sunday December 15, Saturday January 4-Sunday January 5, adults/$6
Where: Garden State Model Railway Club, 575 High Mountain Rd., North Haledon
What: Santa Comes for a Visit
Why: Take pics with Santa and enjoy the winter wonderland-filled showroom.
When: Saturday December 14-Sunday December 15, 2-6 pm
Where: Down to Earth Living, 1040 Rte. 45, Pomona
What: The Nutcracker
Why: The National Ballet Theatre of Odessa, Ukraine brings the magical holiday story to life.
When: Saturday December 14, 2 pm and 7 pm, $26-$79
Where: NJPAC, 1 Center St., Newark
What: Holiday Fair and Market
Why: Take pics with Santa, make a festive ornament and enjoy plenty of shopping.
When: Saturday December 14, 11 am-4 pm
Where: Fishkill Farms, 9 Fishkill Farm Rd., Hopewell JCT, NY
What: Annual Santa Rescue
Why: FDNY rescue Santa from the roof of the museum, then Santa stays for pics.
When: Sunday December 15, 11:30 am-12:30 pm
Where: New York City Fire Museum, 278 Spring St., NYC
What: Painting With Santa
Why: Make a keepsake cookie plate with Santa.
When: Tuesday December 17, 11 am-12 pm, $20
Where: Palisades Center, Color Me Mine, 1000 Palisades Center Dr., West Nyack
Why: Photos with Santa plus s’mores, music and a Christmas tree forest.
When: Now through Tuesday December 24, 11 am-4 pm
Where: Alstede Farms, 1 Alstede Farms Lane, Chester
What: Hello Kitty Pop-Up Shop
Why: Hello Kitty installations, exclusive merch and more.
When: Now through Tuesday December 24, 8 am-8 pm
Where: Cost Plus World Market, 18th Street and 6th Ave., NYC
What: Holiday Train Show
Why: Model trains are rolling at this popular holiday event.
When: Weekends through Sunday December 15, 10 am-4:30 pm, kids/$8, adults/$10
Where: Greenburgh Nature Center, 99 Dromore Rd., Scarsdale
What: Holiday Lights
Why: Meet Santa and take a stroll through the animal-themed lights.
When: Now through Tuesday December 31, 5-9 pm
Where: Essex County Turtle Back Zoo, 560 Northfield Ave., West Orange
What: Winterfest
Why: Give your child the gift of operating heavy machinery, plus family activities and more.
When: Now through Sunday December 29, 11 am-5 pm, $29.95-$38.95
Where: Diggerland, 100 Pinedge Dr., West Berlin
Why: Millions of sparkling lights to drive through plus a skating rink, games, s’mores and more.
When: Now through Monday December 30, check calendar for times, $20, village opens Friday November 29
Where: Skylands Stadium, 94 Championship Place, Augusta
Why: Climb aboard a train adventure filled with Santa and his elves, as you head to the North Pole.
When: Now through Monday December 30, check schedule for available times, $41-$80/ticket
Where: Whippany Station, Whippany
What: Magic of Lights
Why: Grab the hot cocoa and head into a maze of magical lights.
When: Now through Saturday January 4, 5-10 pm Sundays-Thursdays, 5-11 pm, Fridays-Saturdays, $25-$30/car
Where: PNC Bank Arts Center, 116 Garden State Pkwy., Holmdel
What: Holiday Lights
Why: Ride the holiday train, check out ice carvings and tour the lit-up lantern display.
When: Now through Sunday January 5, Sundays-Thursdays, 5-9 pm, Fridays-Saturdays, 5-10 pm
Where: Bronx Zoo, 2300 Southern Blvd., Bronx
What: Luminocity Festival
Why: Go on a dazzling light adventure through the arctic, jungle and tasty childhood treats.
When: Now through Sunday January 5, 4-11 pm
Where: Randall’s Island Park, 20 Randalls Island Park, NYC
What: Vernon Lights Festival
Why: Walk through a wonderland of lights, lanterns, music and entertainment.
When: Now through Sunday January 5, 5-10 pm
Where: 1733 Glenwood Rd., County Rd. 565, Vernon Township, Sussex
Why: Lantern lights abound along with live cultural shows and interactive exhibits.
When: Now through Sunday January 12, Wednesdays-Thursdays, 5-9:30 pm, Fridays-Sundays, 5-10:30 pm, kids/$15, adults/$23
Where: Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden, 1000 Richmond Terrace, Staten
What: Big Apple Circus
Why: Stunts, acrobatics, animal acts and more.
When: Now through Sunday February 2, check schedule for daily times
Where: Lincoln Center, 60 Lincoln Center Plaza, NYC
Why: Ice skating, shopping, activities and more!
When: Now through Sunday March 1, 8 am-11 pm
Where: Bryant Park, NYC
Upcoming:
Why: Join Ebenezer Scrooge as he travels to Christmas past, present and future, and come early for a visit with Santa.
When: Friday December 20, 8 pm, Saturday December 21, 1 pm and 4:30 pm, Sunday December 22, 1 pm, $15-$29
Where: bergenPAC, 30 North Van Brunt St., Englewood
