We rounded up the best things to do in Bergen County and beyond on our weekend PLAYlist!
Sponsored Post: We’ve told you about how much we love the Manchester Designer Outlets before. With more than 40 retailers, we can find everything from apparel to accessories from high-end labels -- think Armani, Theory, and Kate Spade -- along with more casual brands like New Balance and J. Crew with a dash of art and home accessories thrown in. It’s our go-to spot for holiday shopping and a lifesaver this time of year since we can find everything we need in one place for up to 70 percent off every day (and really that’s all we ever wanted from Santa.) And here’s the other great thing about Manchester: It’s the perfect New England destination for a quick getaway, just three and a half hours from Bergen County. Plan your visit by clicking the link here. Outlets open 7 days a week.
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 RitaKhorozian@kw.com 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
