We rounded up the best things to do in Bergen County and beyond on our weekend PLAYlist!
Sponsored Post: To make sure you're taking care of you (not always easy, we know), Massage Envy offers memberships so that you can get regular massages or facials at a special member rate and use them at any Massage Envy anywhere you go. Like most locations, the Closter Plaza Massage Envy is open until 10pm most nights, which means you can squeeze in a session whenever it is convenient for you (like when the kids are fast asleep). And, if you're thinking, "Um, this sounds amazing," there's probably someone on your holiday gift list who's thinking exactly the same thing, which also means you should check them off the list right now by getting them a gift card and treating yourself to a little something at the same time. Now through December 24, if you buy $150 in gift cards, Massage Envy will give you a $50 promotional card that you can use towards a massage, facial or any product offered at the Closter Plaza location. Yep, your holiday just got a little happier. (201-784-3333, 51 Vervalen Street, Closter Massage Envy, Closter Plaza, Closter)
Events Not to Miss:
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 December 16 at 7pm!
When: Friday, December 16, 6-9 pm, $5, Kids are FREE
Where: Donald Cooper Model Railroad, 201 Franklin Turnpike, Mahwah
What: Les Tout Petits Holiday Pop Up Sale
Why: Celeb-worthy clothes for your little fashionistas at amazing sale prices up to 70% off.
When: Friday, December 16 (10am-5pm), Saturday, December 17 (10am-2pm)
Where: 600 Grand Ave., Ridgefield
Why: Celeb-worthy clothes for your little fashionistas at amazing sale prices up to 70% off.
When: Friday, December 16 (10am-5pm), Saturday, December 17 (10am-2pm)
Where: 600 Grand Ave., Ridgefield
Why: Stories and songs for babies up to 2 years old.
When: Fridays from 10:30-11:30am, No registration required
Where: 49 Park Ave., Westwood
Why: Weekend hayrides with Santa, a daily petting zoo, and of course yummy food!
When: Daily in December, 8am-6pm and 8am-8pm on weekends
Where: Weirmus Rd., Hillsdale
Why: Sip hot chocolate, bring your list, and meet Santa in the park.
When: Saturday, December 17, 12-3pm
Where: Memorial Park at Van Neste Square, E. Ridgewood Ave and Oak St.
Why: A dreamy winter wonderland for you and your family's holiday fun, including Santa's North Pole, waffles and a beer garden- yasssss.
When: Select dates now thru January 15, 5-8pm, Ages 6+/$15, Skate rental included in price of admission, (Tip- Buy your tickets online to avoid the line to get in.)
Where: 216 Forest Ave., Paramus
Why: The famous duo stop by Abma’s for pics.
When: Saturday, December 17, 11am-3pm
Where: 700 Lawlins Rd., Wyckoff
What: Breakfast with Santa at Maggiano's Little Italy
Why: Enjoy a yummy Italian breakfast with Santa.
When: Saturday, December 17, 8-11am, Kids/$13, Adults/$25
Where: 70 Riverside Square, Hackensack
What: Santa at the Maywood Train Station
Why: Santa comes to this historical trian station for a visit.
When: Saturday, December 17, 10am-12pm, FREE
Where: 269 Maywood Ave., Maywood
Why: Join local birders and staff as you count all the birds at the park.
When: Saturday, December 17, 9am-1pm, Adults and Teens, FREE
Where: 443 Van Nostrand Ave., Englewood
Why: Pick up some books on your list while the kids meet with Santa.
When: Saturday, December 17, 1-3pm
Where: 271G Livingston St., Northvale
Why: Scavenger hunts for the kids, manor self-guided tours, beautiful holiday decorations and more.
When: Saturday, December 17 & Sunday, December 18, 11am-5pm, Ages 6-12/$3, Adults/$8
Where: 1304 Sloatsburg Rd., Ringwood
Where: 1304 Sloatsburg Rd., Ringwood
Why: Take a hayride up to the fire pit to roast s’mores!
When: Saturday, December 17 & Sunday, December 18, 1-4pm
Where: 85 Airmont Ave., Mahwah
What: Stokes Farm Holiday Craft Boutique
Why: A winter wonderland of gifts…
When: Saturday, December 17 & Sunday, December 18, 9am-3pm
Where: 23 Dewolf Rd., Old Tappan
Why: A winter wonderland of gifts…
When: Saturday, December 17 & Sunday, December 18, 9am-3pm
Where: 23 Dewolf Rd., Old Tappan
Why: Grammy nominated ‘The Pop Ups!” bring songs, a puppet show, and a build-your-own puppet show to this imaginative show.
When: Sunday, December 18, 10am-12pm, $10
Where: 411 E. Clinton Ave., Tenafly
What: Santa at Paramus Park
Why: Play it cool this holiday season and book your spot with Santa ahead of time.
When: Now thru December 24
Where: South Court, Paramus
Why: Because your kids and your pets both want a moment on Santa’s lap.
When: Daily now thru Christmas Eve, Santa Paws on Monday, December 19), 6-9pm
Where: Macy’s Court, Paramus
Why: A makeover, fashion show, arts and crafts, pizza and cupcakes and more!
When: Saturday, December 17, 6:45-8:45pm, $40, Call 201-670-0123
Where: 216 E. Ridgewood Ave., Ridgewood
What: Santa at Abma’s Farm
Why: Bring a camera and get cozy on Santa’s lap.
When: Saturday, December 17, 11am-3pm
Where: 700 Lawlins Rd., Wyckoff
What: Santa at Rohsler’s Allendale Nursery & Florist
Why: Meet with Santa and get a coloring book and candy cane to take home.
When: Saturday, December 17 & Sunday, December 18, 10am-4pm, FREE
Where: 100 Franklin Tpk, Allendale
What: S'mores and Holiday Cheer at Fresh and Fancy Farms
Why: Hot Chocolate and s'mores with Santa on the farm.
When: Saturday, December 17 & Sunday, December 18, 12-3pm. FREE
Where: 575 River Rd., New Milford
Why: Hot Chocolate and s'mores with Santa on the farm.
When: Saturday, December 17 & Sunday, December 18, 12-3pm. FREE
Where: 575 River Rd., New Milford
Why: Enjoy a great show and interact with many fairytale characters, breakfast, and professional pictures with Santa.
When: Saturday, December 17, 10am-12pm, $65/adult, $55/child
Where: Rockleigh Country Club
What: Chanukah Gingerbread Baking House at Grandma's Kitchen
Why: Make and take home a gingerbread house with cookie lollipops!
When: Saturday, December 17 & Sunday, Decebmer 18 (2:30-4:30pm), Ages 5-10, $28, Pre-Registration required
Where: 125 Paris Ave., Northvale
What: Lights on Evergreen
Why: Pack up the kids, put on 98.1FM, and take a drive to see this house extraordinarily lit for the holidays with over 100,000 lights.
When: Sundays-Thursdays (4:30-11pm), Fridays & Saturdays (4:30-11:30pm), Donations appreciated
Where: 38 Evergreen Place, Demarest
Why: Because it’s not the Holiday season without this ballet.
When: Sunday, December 18, 1pm & 5pm, $15-$25
Where: Bergen Academies, 200 Hackensack Ave., Hackensack
Why: Go to the yummiest coffee shop around and meet with Santa Claus.
When: Sunday, December 18, 2-4pm
Where: 425 Broadway, Westwood
What: Santa Breakfast at Ramsey Fire Department
Why: A continential breakfast and face-painting with Santa Claus.
When: Sunday, December 18, 9am-12pm
Where: Island Rd., Ramsey
Why: Arts and crafts and photos with Santa as he preps for his big night.
When: Sunday, December 18, 1-3pm, Adults/$6, Ages 3-12/$5
Where: 335 North Frankling Tpke., Hohokus
Why: See this spectacular train show in its last year.
When: Sunday, December 18, 1-4pm, $1
Where: 620 Cliff St., Hohokus
If you’re heading out of Bergen:
Why: A magical and captivating tale of family, friendship and hope set to timeless holiday hits.
When: Saturday, December 17, 2pm, Adults/$15, Kids/$12
Where: William Paterson University, Shea Center for Performing Arts, Wayne
Why: Ice skate at the iconic skating rink, do some holiday shopping, and eat tasty delights at this open air market.
When: Now thru March 5, 8am-10pm
Where: Between 5th & 6th Ave and 40th St. & 42nd Ave., NYC
What: Boscobel Sparkle
Why: This historical house is decked out for the season with beautiful lights and entertainment to match.
When: Weekends in December until Sunday, December 17, 4:30-9pm
Where: 1601 Route 9D, Garrison, NY
Why: Holiday lights, crafts, treats, games, Santa and more.
When: Friday, December 16 thru December 28, (select dates) 6-9pm, $7
Where: Point Pleasant Beach
Why: Make tasty holiday snacks for the black bears.
When: Saturday, December 17, 10:30am, Rain Date: Sunday, December 18
Where: Bear Den at Trailside Museum & Zoo, Bear Mountain, NY
Why: Your little monkey get curious like George as they explore key concepts in science, math, and engineering.
When: Now thru January 8, Curious George appearances are December 28th & 29th.
Where: Liberty Science Center, 222 Jersey City Blvd, Jersey City
Why: Not for kids, persay, but bring them along to check out this vibrantly colored kaleidoscopic exhibit and watch them be memsmorized.
When: Now until January, 15, 2017
Where: The New Museum, 235 Bowery, NYC
What: Christmas Ice Caverns
Why: NJ’s largest walk-through animated Christmas display.
When: Now thru December 24, (Mondays thru Saturday, 11am-8pm & Sundays 12-5pm)
Where: 437 US Highway 46, Fairfield
Why: Listen to a story, explore the grounds, and hands-on workshops for little ones.
When: Saturday, December 17, 11am & 1pm, Ages 3-5, FREE with Park Admission
Where: 80 Sculptors Way, Hamilton
Why: You’ve seen it on your couch, now go see it at the IMAX Dome.
When: Saturday, December 17, 5:15pm & 7:45pm, Ages 2-12/$12.50, Adults/$14.50
Where: Liberty Science Center , Jersey City
Why: Storytime with Mrs. Claus and her animal friends.
When: Friday, December 16 thru Friday, December 23, 5:30pm & 7:30pm (5:30 only Mon thru Thurs), Ages 3+ /$10
Where: 560 Northfield Ave., West Orange
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 17 & Sunday, December 18, Performances at 4pm, 5:15pm & 6:30pm, Adults/$25, Kids/$20
Where: Reformed Church of Tarrytown, 42 N. Broadway, Tarrytown, NY
Why: A very fancy (but yummy!) lunch is on the menu, followed by cupcakes and pink hot choloate, and a visit to the North Pole to meet Santa.
When: Sunday, December 18, 2:30-3:30pm, $125 per child, $75 per adult
Where: The Plaza, Fifth Ave. at Central Park South, NYC
Why: Take a winter stroll under the sparkling lights of over 50 winter and animal characters.
When: Now thru January 2 (on select dates), 5-9pm, FREE
Where: 560 Northfield Ave., West Orange
Why: A winter wonderland across 250 acres with an expansive model train show, kids activitites, live music and more. Check out their Bar Car nights for even more live entertainment and of course, yummy hot beverages!
When: Now thru January 16, Ages 2-12/$18, Adults/$30
Where: Bronx, NY
Why: Drive through a 1-mile course of breathtaking displays (over 2 million lights!) set to joyous holiday music and a FREE Christmas Village.
When: Now thru January 1, Check website for dates and times, $17 per carload in advance, $20 (cash only) at the gate
Where: 94 Championship Place, Augusta
Why: Kids enjoy scavenger hunts at this gilded-age elegant home.
When: Saturday, December 10 & Sunday, December 11, Saturday, December 17 & Sunday, December 18, 11am-5pm, Adults/$8, Ages 6-12/$3
Where: 1304 Sloatsburg Rd., Ringwood
Upcoming:
Why: A makeover, fashion show, arts and crafts, pizza and cupcakes and more!
When: Saturday, December 31, 4-6pm, $35, Call 201-670-0123 before it’s all sold out!
Where: 216 E. Ridgewood Ave., Ridgewood
Why: Gaga, fun games for all ages, holiday art project, bagels, goodies, and more.
When: Sunday, December 25, 10:30am-12pm, $40 per family or $20 per child 3+, Pre-Registration required
When: Sunday, December 25, 10:30am-12pm, $40 per family or $20 per child 3+, Pre-Registration required
Where: 140 Franklin Turnpike, Waldwick
