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:
What: Bergen Eats & Alex Guaraschelli book signing
Why: A pop up food market + Chopped star appearance has got us HANGRY
When: Saturday, December 14th-16th and December 21st-23rd
Where: Westfield Garden State Plaza, Paramus, in former Pirch space lower level by valet
What: Mad Science Holiday Show
Why: A high energy dynamic holiday magic show starring Santa.
When: Saturday, December 16 (10 – 11 a.m.), FREE ($10 VIP tickets available)
Where: Westfield Garden State Plaza, Paramus
Why: Santa comes to this historical train station for a visit.
When: Saturday, December 16, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m., FREE
Where: 269 Maywood Ave., Maywood
What: Do You Want to Build a Snowman (Cookie)?
Why: Yummy cookie making with a fun theme.
When: Saturday, December 16, 1pm or 3pm, $15, Pre-Registration required
Where: Happy Hello Shop, 33 Sylvan Ave, Englewood Cliffs
Why: Join local birders and staff as you count all the birds at the park.
When: Saturday, December 16, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m., Adults and Teens, FREE
Where: 443 Van Nostrand Ave., Englewood
Why: Sip hot chocolate, bring your list, and meet Santa in the park.
When: Saturdays in December, 12 - 3 p.m.
Where: Memorial Park at Van Neste Square, E. Ridgewood Ave and Oak St.
Why: Back again this year but this time with additional food trucks, children’s games, a larger ice skating rink, and expanded weekend hours.
When: Open Fridays (4 - 10 p.m.) through Sunday (10 a.m. - 10 p.m. on weekends) through Sunday, December 31, Ages 3+/$16
Where: Van Saun Park, 216 Forest Ave., Paramus
Why: Bring your iPhone and get ready for some great holiday shots.
When: Saturday, December 16,12:30 - 2:30 p.m., FREE
Where: 271G Livingston Street, Northvale
What: Lu Lu Belle of Closter Holiday Pics
Why: Visit with Olaf, get a mini makeover, and snag a free photo.
When: Saturday, December 16,12: - 3 p.m., FREE
Where: Closter Plaza
Where: Closter Plaza
Why: A winter wonderland of gifts…
When: Saturday, December 16 & Sunday, December 17, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Where: 23 Dewolf Rd., Old Tappan
Why: Meet with Santa and enjoy a free hayride.
When: Saturdays & Sundays in December, 12 p.m. - 3 p.m. and 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. on weekends
Where: Weirmus Rd., Hillsdale
Why: For your choo choo lovers, a model train all dressed up for the holidays. Be sure to be there when Santa Claus visits on Friday, December 22 at 7 p.m.!
When: Fridays (6 - 8:30 pm) and Saturdays/ Sundays from 1 - 4 p.m. now through December 22,, $5, Kids are FREE
Where: Donald Cooper Model Railroad, 201 Franklin Turnpike, Mahwah
Why: Santa and his Bae stop by the greenhouse for pics.
When: Saturday, December 16, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Where: 700 Lawlins Rd., Wyckoff
What: Star Wars movie "The Last Jedi"
Why: A special viewing of the classic, brought to you by the Junior League of Bergen County.
When: Saturday, December 16, 9:15 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., $15/ticket, soda & soda
Where: Westwood Pascack Cinemas
Why: Meet with Santa and get a coloring book and candy cane to take home.
When: Saturday, December 16 & Sunday, December 17, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., FREE
Where: 100 Franklin Tpk, Allendale
Why: Liberty Science Center’s scientists come to the J with mind-blowing science experiments.
When: Sunday, December 17, 11 a.m.- 12 p.m., Grades 2-6, $12, Pre-Registration required
Where: 411 East Clinton Ave, Tenafly
What: Hanukkah Magic Show
Why: A traditional Hanukkah dinner and Illusion Show. Hanukkah goodie bags for all kids!!
When: Sunday, December 17, 5 - 7 p.m., $54/Family of 4, $20 additional
Where: Temple Emanu-El of Closter, 180 Piermont Rd., Closter
Why: It’s a good time for Mexican because Santa is dropping by.
When: Sunday, December 17, 11a.m. - 2:30 p.m., Reservations required
Where: Woodcliff Lake & Englewood
Why: Santa Claus is here for photos! Pet photos available every Monday from 6 - 9 p.m.
When: Now through December 23rd, 10 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Where: Rt. 4 E & Forest Ave., Paramus
Why: Face painting and breakfast with the big guy.
When: Sunday, December 17, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m., FREE
Where: 25 South Island Ave. Headquarters, Ramsey
Why: Free Santa pics, a winter hayride, and a fire pit with s’mores to seal the deal.
When: Saturdays & Sundays until Sunday, December 17, 12 - 4 p.m., Hayrides/$4, S’mores Kit/$6
Where: 85 Airmont Ave., Mahwah
What: Santa at Paramus Park
Why: Play it cool this holiday season and book your spot with Santa ahead of time.
When: Now through December 23
Where: South Court, Paramus
Why: Santa comes to GSP with a Fast Pass option to book in advance.
When: Daily now through December 23, 10 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Where: Macy’s Court, Paramus
Why: Vintage toys, arts and crafts, refreshments, and photos with Santa as he preps for his big night.
When: Sunday, December 17, 1 - 3 p.m., Adults/$6, Ages 6-12/$5
Where: 335 North Franklin Tpke., Hohokus
What: Fall Mom & Tot Program
Why: 1 through 2.5 years old enjoy bonding time with Mommy.
When: Thursdays until December 21, 9:30 a.m., FREE
Where: 585 Russell Ave., Wyckoff
Why: Stories and songs for babies up to 2 years old.
When: Fridays from 10:30 - 11 a.m., No registration required
Where: 49 Park Ave., Westwood
If you’re heading out of Bergen:
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: Saturday, December 16 & Sunday, December 17, Performances at 3:30 p.m., 4:45 p.m., 6 p.m., Adults/$25, Kids/$20
Where: Old Dutch Church, 381 N. Broadway, Sleepy Hollow, NY
Why: Take a winter stroll under the sparkling lights of over 50 winter and animal characters.
When: Now through January 2 on select dates, 5 - 9 p.m., FREE
Where: 560 Northfield Ave., West Orange
What: Laser Wonderland at LSC
Why: A frosty laser show set to infectious holiday music.
When: Tuesdays through Sundays, 40 minutes, 11:15 a.m. daily with additional 2:15 p.m. & 5:15 p.m. shows on the weekends
Where: Liberty Science Center, Jersey City
Why: A winter wonderland across 250 acres with an expansive model train show, kids activities, live music and more. Check out their Bar Car nights for even more live entertainment and of course, yummy hot beverages!
When: Now through Monday, January 15, Ages 2-12/$18, Adults/$30
Where: Bronx, NY
Why: Trekkies, step into the shoes of a newly minted cadet in the 26th century at this interactive exhibition.
When: Now through May 28, 2018
Where: Liberty Science Center, Jersey City
Why: Make tasty holiday snacks for the black bears.
When: Saturday, December 16, 10:30 a.m.
Where: Bear Den at Trailside Museum & Zoo, Bear Mountain, NY
Why: 2 million lights ready to dazzle you and the kids.
When: Now through Saturday, December 30
Where: Augusta
What: Palisades Center Santa
Why: Check out this authentic looking Santa, and look out for Pet Nights, Breakfast mornings, and more.
When: Now until Christmas Eve, 10 a.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Where: 1000 Palisades Center Dr., West Nyack, NY
What: Boscobel Sparkle
Why: This historical house is decked out for the season with beautiful lights and entertainment to match.
When: Daytime Holiday Tours are offered now through December 31., Tours from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Where: 1601 Route 9D, Garrison, NY
Why: For the choo choo obsessed.
When: Now through January 7, Black Friday and weekend hours/1 - 5 p.m., Adults/$6, Kids are FREE
Where: 575 High Mountain Rd., North Haledon
What: Christmas Ice Caverns
Why: Head over to this beloved Christmas stop, an indoor walk-through display with lights, moving characters, music and more.
When: Open daily until Friday, December 22, 11 a.m. - 8 p.m., $3.99
Where: Jody's Silk Florist and Patio Center, 437 US Highway 46, Fairfield
Why: Ice skate at the iconic skating rink, do some holiday shopping, and eat tasty delights at this open air market.
When: Now through March 4
Where: Between Fifth and Sixth Avenues, 40th and 42nd Streets, NYC
Why: A magical wonderland featuring hundreds of toy trains, figurines, and miniature models.
When: Now through February 25, Ages 5-13/$6, Teens/$ 13, Adults/$21
Where: New-York Historical Society, 170 Central Park West, NYC
Why: The Island of Sodor comes to Jerz.
When: Now through May 2018
Where: Liberty Science Center
Upcoming:
Why: Join award winning author Karen Rostoker-Gruber and her puppet Maria for a playful reading of Maddie the Mitzvah Clown.
When: Monday, December 25, 11 a.m.- 12 p.m., $10 (members) $12 (non-members)
Where: 411 East Clinton Ave, Tenafly
