Sponsored Post: It's not too late to get your professional, picture perfect, family squad Santa shot done for the holiday, at Palisades Center in West Nyack. Book your slot and pick your photo package today, PLUS follow @palisadescntr for their 12 Days of Giveaways!We rounded up the best things to do in Bergen County and beyond on our weekend PLAYlist!
Events Not to Miss:
What: Shop, Spin, & Win
Why: Have at the wheel to win instant prizes like iPhones, gift cards, TVs, and so much more.
When: Thursday December 14-Friday December 15, 5-7 pm, Saturday December 16, 1-3 pm
Where: American Dream, One American Dream Way, East Rutherford
Why: Enjoy holiday treats by the fire.
When: Thursdays and Fridays through December 15, 4-7 pm
Where: Fresh & Fancy Farms, 575 River Rd., New Milford
What: Sounds of the Season
Why: This night of music brings singing, instruments, and more.
When: Friday December 15, 7pm
Where: Academy of the Holy Angels, 315 Hillside Ave., Demarest
Why: S'mores by the fire helps ring in the new season.
When: Saturday December 16, 5-7 pm
Where: Tenafly Nature Center, 313 Hudson Ave., Tenafly
What: A Christmas Carol
Why: The classic holiday tale comes to live on stage.
When: Saturday December 16, 7 pm, Sunday December 17, 3 pm
Where: The Hermitage, 335 Franklin Tpke., Ho-Ho-Kus
Why: Build a deliciously sweet house and shop at the holiday craft show.
When: Saturday December 16-Sunday December 17, 10 am, 12 pm, 2 pm, Craft Show 10 am-4 pm
Where: Stokes Farm, 23 Dewolf Rd., Old Tappan
Why: Meet the GTL OG, Jersey Shore star, and author of Reality Check.
When: Sunday December 17, 1 pm
Where: Bookends, 211 East Ridgewood Ave., Ridgewood
What: David Duchoveny
Why: The actor signs his new book, The Reservoir.
When: Tuesday December 19, 6 pm
Where: Bookends, 211 E Ridgewood Ave., Ridgewood
What: Orchard of Lights
Why: The drive-thru holiday experience is back with 32 acres of twinkling displays, plus Santa and hot cocoa at the end.
When: Now through Friday December 29, 5-9 pm
Where: Demarest Farms, 244 Wierimus Rd., Hillsdale
Why: Snow much fun with ice bumper cars, skating, and more.
When: Now through Monday January 1, 11 am-9 pm
Where: Van Saun County Park, 216 Forest Ave., Paramus
What: Mrs. Claus' Kitchen
Why: Help Mrs. Claus bake and enjoy holiday activities in the kitchen.
When: Now through Sunday December 24, 11 am-8 pm
Where: Westfield Garden State Plaza, One Garden State Plaza, Paramus
What: Santa Photos
Why: Smile with Santa or book an extended visit with a Signature Santa experience.
When: Now through Saturday December 23, 11 am-6:45 pm
Where: The Shops at Riverside, 390 Hackensack Ave., Hackensack
What: Photos With Santa
Why: The big guy is back for meet and greets and special smiles.
When: Now through Sunday December 24, 11 am-7 pm
Where: Westfield Garden State Plaza, One Garden State Plaza, Paramus
What: Winter Lantern Festival
Why: Thousands of Chinese lanterns light up American Dream in these dazzling displays.
When: Now through Sunday December 31, 1-8:30 pm
Where: American Dream, One American Dream Way, East Rutherford
Why: Stroll through the zoo filled with animal-inspired lanterns.
When: Now through Sunday January 14, 4-8 pm Sundays-Thursdays, 4-9 pm Fridays-Saturdays
Where: Bergen County Zoo, 216 Forest Ave., Paramus
What: Pictures With Santa
Why: Santa Claus came to town and is ready for pics with your little ones.
When: Now through Sunday December 24, 11:15 am-7:45 pm
Where: Paramus Park, 700 Paramus Park, Paramus
What: Nick the Halls
Why: American Dream's Nickelodeon Universe may be open daily, but visit on the weekends this month for a Merry, Merry Dance Party, performances on the Slime Stage, a Holiday Parade, and Elf Workshop.
When: Fridays-Sundays, throughout the day
Where: American Dream, One American Dream Way, East Rutherford
Click here for more holiday lights events.
If You're Heading Out of Bergen:
Why: The classic Christmas tale is performed with the help of New Jersey Symphony.
When: Friday December 15, 7:30 pm, Saturday December 16-Sunday December 17, 1 pm and 6 pm
Where: Mayo Performing Arts Center, 100 South St., Morristown
What: Winter Wonderland
Why: The farm is filled with winter holiday fun like Santa, music, horse-drawn carriage rides, and more.
When: Saturday December 16-Sunday December 17, 10 am-4 pm
Where: Ort Farms, 25 Bartley Rd., Long Valley
What: Brunch With Santa
Why: Kick off December by enjoying a delicious farm-fresh feast with Santa.
When: Saturdays and Sundays through December 16, 10 am and 12 pm
Where: Alstede Farms, One Alstede Farms Lane, Chester
Why: The classic holiday tale, set to music, is ready to take the stage but hurry, tickets are limited.
When: Saturdays and Sundays through December 17, select times available
Where: Old Dutch Church, Sleepy Hollow
What: Holiday Lights
Why: The holiday fest brings new animal lanterns, animated shows, train rides, ice sculpture, and so much more.
When: Now through Sunday January 7, 3-7 pm
Where: Bronx Zoo, 2300 Southern Blvd., Bronx
Why: Hop in your car and take a drive through digital animations, twinkling lights, and holiday fun.
When: Now through Saturday December 30
Where: PNC Bank Arts Center, 116 Garden State Pkwy., Holmdel
Why: Stroll through the totally lit zoo with winter and animal-themed displays, plus special events throughout the season.
When: Now through Sunday December 31, 5-9 pm
Where: Turtle Back Zoo, 560 Northfield Ave., West Orange
Why: Visit the New York Botanical Gardens for its annual holiday train display tradition and dazzling lights display.
When: Now through Saturday January 13, 5-10 pm for Glow, 10 am-6 pm for Train Show
Where: New York Botanical Garden, 2900 Southern Blvd., Bronx
Why: The annual light show is here with a drive-thru light fest, plus photos with Santa, music, and s'mores.
When: Now through Saturday December 30, 5-8:30 pm
Where: Skylands Stadium, 94 Championship Pl., Augusta
What: Photos With Santa
Why: Spread holiday happiness throughout your home and your loved ones' with a mini photo shoot with Santa. Plus, every Sunday you can bring your pet for Santa Paws pics.
When: Now through Sunday December 24, 11 am-7 pm, Santa Paws Sundays, December 3-December 17, 4-7 pm
Where: American Dream, One American Dream Way, East Rutherford
Why: Act like a kid in a candy store at this sweet experience that brings everyone's love of sugar to a magical place where you can eat off the walls.
When: Now through January 3, select times
Where: 610 5th Ave., Rockefeller Center, NYC
