We rounded up the best things to do in Bergen County and beyond on our weekend PLAYlist!
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Events Not To Miss:
Why: Indulge in holiday-themed local eats and treats.
When: Friday December 14-Saturday December 15, Friday December 21-Saturday December 22, 12 pm
Where: Paramus Park Mall, 700 Paramus Park, Paramus
Why: Build a sweeeet gingerbread house.
When: Friday December 14, 4 pm and Saturday December 15, 9:30 am, $25
Where: Ridgewood Culinary Studio, 223 Chestnut St., Ridgewood
What: Free Pictures With Santa
Why: Free coloring books and candy canes, plus pics with St. Nick.
When: Through Sunday December 16, 10 am-4 pm
Where: Rohsler’s Allendale Nursery, 100 Franklin Tpke., Allendale
What: New Moms Circle
Why: Meet fellow new moms and get postpartum tips and advice.
When: Fridays through December 21, 9:30-10:30 am, member/$60, public/$80
Where: Kaplen JCC on the Palisades, 411 East Clinton Ave., Tenafly
Why: Four layers of model railroads filled with subways stops, rocky cliffs and mines.
When: Fridays through December 21, 6-8:30 pm, weekends 1-4 pm, $5 non-members, kids free
Where: Mahwah Museum, 201 Frankin Turnpike, Mahwah
Why: Drop your little ninja off at the JCC for a night of rock climbing and conquering the course.
When: Saturday December 15, 6-9 pm, member/$50, non-member/$55
Where: Kaplen JCC on the Palisades, 411 East Clinton Ave., Tenafly
What: Breakfast With Santa
Why: Delish breakfast, Santa and arts & crafts.
When: Saturday December 15, 9-11 am, kids under 12/$10, adults/$15 tickets in advance
Where: Park Ridge Elks Lodge, 13 Sulak Lane, Park Ridge
Why: Start your Christmas celebrations with free pics with Santa, hot chocolate and a holiday movie.
When: Saturday December 15, 10:30 am and 12:30 pm
Where: Bethany Community Center, 605 Pascack Rd., Washington Township
Why: Follow Ebenzer Scrooge as he takes a journey in this spirited production.
When: Saturday December 15, 3 pm and 8 pm, Sunday December 16, 1 pm and 4:30 pm, $15-$29
Where: Bergen PAC, 30 North Van Brunt Street, Englewood
Why: Santa stops by this historical landmark for a visit.
When: Saturday December 15, 10 am-12 pm
Where: 269 Maywood Ave., Maywood
What: Rockette Dance Workshop
Why: Kids kick their moves up a notch and train like the Rockettes for the day with former Radio City Rockettes.
When: Saturday December 15, 11:30 am-1 pm, ages 6-9, $50/dancer
Where: Jane DO Edgewater, 890 River Rd., Edgewater
What: Breakfast With Santa
Why: Farm fresh foods and a visit with Santa.
When: Saturday December 15, 10 am and 12 pm, $20
Where: Fresh & Fancy Farms, 575 River Road, New Milford
Why: Welcome winter and build a snowman with the kids.
When: Saturday December 15, 11 am, 1 pm and 3 pm, $15
Where: Happy Hello Shop, 33 Sylvan Ave., Englewood Cliffs
Why: Snap a shot with Santa.
When: Saturday December 15-Sunday December 16, 12-1 pm
Where: Books and Greetings, 271G Livingston St., Northvale
Why: Visit Santa at his house in the park and sip on hot cocoa.
When: Saturdays through December 22, 12-3 pm
Where: Memorial Park at Van Neste Square, E. Ridgewood Ave. and Oak St., Ridgewood
What: Winter Hayrides & Santa
Why: A wonderland of fun from FREE photos with Santa to a fire pit with s’mores.
When: Weekends through Sunday December 16, hayrides 12-4 pm, Santa 1-3 pm
Where: Secor Farms, 85 Airmont Ave., Mahwah
Why: The fave first-grader hits the stage in this musical adaptation of the best-selling series.
When: Weekends through Sunday December 16, 11 am, kids under 12/$12, students/$18, adults/$20
Where: Black Box Performing Arts Center, 200 Walraven Dr., Teaneck
Why: Visit Santa’s workshop or hop on a holiday wagon through the winter wonderland.
When: Open weekends, 10 am-4:30 Saturday, 10 am-3 Sunday
Where: Lupardi’s Nursery, 75 Blanch Ave., Closter
What: Holiday Festivi-tea!
Why: Tea time includes small bites, holiday tunes and raffle.
When: Sunday December 16, 3-6 pm, $45, rsvp by December 9
Where: Harmony Tea Room, 224 Fairview Ave., Westwood
What: Brunch With Santa
Why: Take a pic with Santa, drop off a wish list in the North Pole mailbox and feast on a yummy meal.
When: Sunday December 16, 11 am-2:30 pm
Where: Blue Moon Mexican Café, Woodcliff Lake, Englewood, Wyckoff
What: Santa’s Workshop
Why: Santa and his elves hang with the kids, plus toys, trains, music and crafts to enjoy.
When: Sunday December 16, 1-3 pm, kids ages 6-12/$4, adults/$6
Where: The Hermitage, 335 North Franklin Turnpike, Ho-Ho-Kus
Why: Bring your furry friend for a pawesome pic with Santa.
When: Mondays through December 17, 6-9 pm, pets must be leashed
Where: Westfield Garden State Plaza, Level 2 Entrance, One Garden State Plaza, Paramus
What: Lights on Evergreen
Why: An awe-inspiring display of lights set to music, for the final time.
When: Sundays-Thursday, 4:45-11 pm, Fridays-Saturdays, 4:30-11:30 pm, donations welcome for American Heart Association
Where: 38 Evergreen Place, Demarest
Why: Visit the animals on the farm.
When: Now through Monday December 24, 8 am-6:30 pm
Where: Demarest Farms, 244 Wierimus Rd., Hillsdale
Why: Ice skating, Santa’s North Pole, kids activities and more fun.
When: Now through Tuesday January 1, 4-7 pm, $15
Where: Van Saun County Park, 216 Forest Ave., Paramus
What: Jack & The Beanstalk
Why: Go on an adventure with Jack, the Giant and more in this classic tale brought to life.
When: Now through Sunday December 16, 1 pm and 3:30 pm plus select Fridays, $14
Where: Bergen County Players, 298 Kinderkamack Rd., Oradell
Why: Get ready for the ho-ho-holidays with a pic with Santa.
When: Now through Monday December 24, 10 am-9 pm
Where: Westfield Garden State Plaza, One Garden State Plaza, Paramus
What: It’s Santa Photo Time
Why: Put the kids in their holiday best for pics with Santa.
When: Open daily except Sundays through Monday December 24, 10 am-8 pm Fridays and Saturdays, 11 am-8 pm weekdays, packages/$27.99-$52.99
Where: The Shops at Riverside, 390 Hackensack Ave., Hackensack
Why: Create lasting holiday memories, and don’t forget to make reservations to skip the line.
When: Open daily except Sundays through Monday December 24, 11 am-8 pm, packages/$39.99-$49.99
Where: Paramus Park, 700 Paramus Park, Paramus
What: Photos With Santa
Why: Start the holidays with a jolly pic.
When: Now through Monday December 24, 10 am-1 pm, 2-5 pm, 6-9 pm
Where: The Outlets at Bergen Town Center, Route 4 East & Forest Ave., Paramus
If you’re heading out of Bergen:
Why: Holiday festivities meet science with cocktails, exhibits and ice hockey for adults.
When: Thursday December 20, 6-10 pm, $20
Where: Liberty Science Center, Liberty State Park, 222 Jersey City Blvd., Jersey City
What: Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas
Why: Bring some holiday spirit into your life with this classic musical.
When: Thursday December 13-Sunday December 30, check schedule for times, tickets start at $39
Where: Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden, 4 Pennsylvania Plaza, NYC
Why: Bring some holiday spirit into your life with this classic musical.
When: Thursday December 13-Sunday December 30, check schedule for times, tickets start at $39
Where: Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden, 4 Pennsylvania Plaza, NYC
Why: Bring the whole fam to watch this must-see magical holiday performance.
When: Friday December 14, 7:30 pm, Saturday December 15-Sunday December 16, 1 pm and 6 pm, $29-$69
Where: Mayo Performing Arts Center, 100 South Street, Morristown
Why: Enjoy a special holiday story and treats.
When: Friday December 14-Sunday December 23, Fridays 6 pm and 7 pm, Weekends 3:30 pm, 6 pm and 7 pm, Weekdays 6 pm
Where: Essex County Turtle Back Zoo, 560 Northfield Ave., West Orange
Why: Come in costume for Tim Burton’s film as you’ve never seen it, plus plenty of surprises.
When: Saturday December 15, 2 pm and 7:30 pm
Where: NJ PAC, 1 Center St., Newark
Why: Take your choo-choo fans on a festive train ride with Santa.
When: Weekends through December 16, 11 am-4 pm, train leaves every 30 minutes, $6
Where: The New Jersey Museum Transportation Inc., Allaire State Park, 4265 Atlantic Ave., Wall Township
What: Dickens’s Christmas Carol
Why: A new take on the classic tale of Ebenezer Scrooge.
When: Weekends through Sunday December 16, 3:30 pm, 4:45 pm and 6 pm
Where: Old Dutch Church, 381 N Broadway, Sleepy Hollow
Why: A new take on the classic tale of Ebenezer Scrooge.
When: Weekends through Sunday December 16, 3:30 pm, 4:45 pm and 6 pm
Where: Old Dutch Church, 381 N Broadway, Sleepy Hollow
What: Breakfast With Santa at Bear Mountain
Why: Enjoy a yummy breakfast with Santa, plus gingerbread cookie decorating.
When: Weekends through Sunday December 23, 8 am and 11 am
Where: Bear Mountain Inn, 3020 Seven Lakes Dr., Tomkins Cove
Why: Enjoy a yummy breakfast with Santa, plus gingerbread cookie decorating.
When: Weekends through Sunday December 23, 8 am and 11 am
Where: Bear Mountain Inn, 3020 Seven Lakes Dr., Tomkins Cove
What: Toyland Holiday Show
Why: Check out historical toys and visit with Santa.
When: Sundays through December 23, 1-4 pm
Where: Sayler House, 213 Blue Hill Rd., Pearl River
Why: Check out historical toys and visit with Santa.
When: Sundays through December 23, 1-4 pm
Where: Sayler House, 213 Blue Hill Rd., Pearl River
What: Santaland
Why: Get ready for the ho-ho-holidays with a pic with Santa.
When: Now through December 24, 10 am-9:30 pm Monday-Saturday, 11 am-7 pm Sunday
Where: Palisades Center, East Court Level 1, 1000 Palisades Center Dr., West Nyack
Why: Get ready for the ho-ho-holidays with a pic with Santa.
When: Now through December 24, 10 am-9:30 pm Monday-Saturday, 11 am-7 pm Sunday
Where: Palisades Center, East Court Level 1, 1000 Palisades Center Dr., West Nyack
Why: Over 50 sparkling winter and animal character lights, plus weekend Santa visits and more fun.
When: Now through Tuesday January 1, 5-9 pm, free with donation
Where: Essex County Turtle Back Zoo, 560 Northfield Ave., West Orange
Why: A dazzling display of model trains that travel from NYC to the North Pole.
When: Now through Sunday February 3, Monday-Friday 8 am-8 pm, Saturday-Sunday, 10 am-6 pm
Where: New York Transit Museum Gallery & Store, 89 East 42nd St., NYC
Why: Spend the holiday season on the farm roasting marshmallows, hanging with Santa and enjoying music.
When: Weekends through Sunday December 23, 11 am-4 pm
Where: Alstede Farms, 1 Alstede Farms Lane, Chester
What: Christmas Light Show
Why: More than 2 million lights on this mile-long drive-thru, pus new light displays.
When: Now through Sunday December 30, check schedule for dailly times, $20 per car
Where: Skylands Stadium, 94 Championship Pl., Augusta
Why: A dazzling drive-through holiday lights show.
When: Now through Sunday December 30, Dusk-10 pm (11 pm weekends), $20-$30
Where: PNC Bank Arts Center, 116 Garden State Pkwy., Holmdel
Why: Climb aboard this magic train ride filled with entertainment, Santa and holiday fun.
When: Now through Sunday December 30, select times available, $50-$70
Where: Whippany Station, 1 Railroad Plaza, Whippany, Hanover
What: Winterfest
Why: Ornament decorating, holiday parade and hay ride, plus all you can ride on heavy machinery.
When: Now through Sunday December 30, 11 am-5 pm, $29.95-$34.95
Where: Diggerland USA, 100 Pinedge Dr., West Berlin
What: Christmas Ice Caverns
Why: An enchanted shop filled with animated displays, Disney characters, toys and family fun.
When: Now through Monday December 31, Mondays-Saturdays 10 am-8 pm, Sundays 10 am-5 pm, $3.99
Where: 437 US Highway 46, Fairfield
What: Holiday Train Show
Why: Model trains make their way through Lower Manhattan, from the Brooklyn Bridge to Rockefeller Center in this huge display.
When: Now through Monday January 21, 10 am-6 pm Tuesdays-Sundays, weekends: kids/$18, adults/$30, weekdays: kids/$10, adults/$23
Where: New York Botanical Garden, 2900 Southern Boulevard, Bronx
Why: Model trains make their way through Lower Manhattan, from the Brooklyn Bridge to Rockefeller Center in this huge display.
When: Now through Monday January 21, 10 am-6 pm Tuesdays-Sundays, weekends: kids/$18, adults/$30, weekdays: kids/$10, adults/$23
Where: New York Botanical Garden, 2900 Southern Boulevard, Bronx
Why: Show some love to the original Disney icon with over 16,000 square feet of Mickey paraphernalia, art and history.
When: Open Tuesdays-Sundays through February 10, 10 am-8 pm, $38
Where: 60 10th Ave., NYC
Why: Chinese lights, a holiday zone, light tunnel, live entertainment and so much more to dazzle the eye.
When: Now through Sunday January 6, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays, 5-10 pm, Fridays and Saturdays, 5-8 pm and 8-11 pm, kids/$15, adults/$23
Where: Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden, 1000 Richmond Terrace, Staten Island
What: Candytopia
Why: Visit this sweeeeeet wonderland of tasty delights, brought to life through art installations.
When: Now through Sunday January 6, 10 am-8:30 pm, kids/$26, adults/$34
Where: Candytopia @ Penn Plaza, 145 W 32nd Street, NYC
Why: The Doc is in! Kids step into the doctor’s role as they perform check-ups and groom toy pets.
When: Now through Sunday January 27, free with admission
Where: Liberty Science Center, Liberty State Park, 222 Jersey City Blvd., Jersey City
What: Bear Mountain Ice Rink Opening
Why: Lace up the skates for a cool family day on the rink.
When: Now through March 3, check website for session times, $5
Where: Bear Mountain Ice Rink, Route 9W N, Bear Mountain
Why: Lace up the skates for a cool family day on the rink.
When: Now through March 3, check website for session times, $5
Where: Bear Mountain Ice Rink, Route 9W N, Bear Mountain
Why: A winter wonderland filled with ice skating, holiday shopping, and tasty treats.
When: Now through Sunday March 3, 8 am-10 pm
Where: Between 40th and 42nd Street and Fifth and Sixth Aves., NYC
Why: Play detective for the day and solve a murder mystery.
When: Now through Monday May 27, available with combination or premium pass
Where: Liberty Science Center, Liberty State Park, 222 Jersey City Blvd., Jersey City
Why: Dancing, singing and plenty of hug time with Poppy and friends.
When: Now through Sunday May 12, 10 am-9 pm weekdays, 9 am-8 pm weekends, $25
Where: 218 West 57th Street, NYC
Upcoming:
What: Dinosuars Dynamite!
Why: Travel back in time in this educational show filled with baby dinos, a mighty T-Rex, songs and plenty of big surprises along the way.
When: Thursday December 27, 1 pm, Friday December 28-Sunday December 30, 11 am and 1 pm, Tickets on sale starting Friday December 14
Where: Forum Theatre, 314 Main St., Metuchen
What: Yoga On the Hudson
Why: Destress this holiday season with Vinyasa to benefit The Max Cure Foundation.
When: Saturday December 22, 12-1 pm, $20 donation suggested, RSVP to [email protected] by Tuesday December 18
Where: NINE on the Hudson, 9 Ave at Port Imperial, West New York
Why: Take an night hike and celebrate the darkest day of the year.
When: Friday December 21, 6-7:30 pm, member/$5, non-member/$10
Where: Tenafly Nature Center, 313 Hudson Ave., Tenafly
Why: Dress up, meet the princesses, get pampered and dine like royalty.
When: Saturday December 22, 3:30-6:30 pm, kids/$59.99, adults/$29.99
Where: The Big Playhouse, 312 Kinderkamack Rd., Westwood
