We rounded up the best things to do in Bergen County and beyond on our weekend PLAYlist!
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What: GIVEAWAY! Harlem Globetrotters at Prudential Center
Why: Celebrating their 90th anniversary world tour, these guys will have you on the edge of your seat witnessing their ball handling wizardry, basketball artistry and one-of-a-kind family entertainment that thrills fans of all ages.
When: Bergen Mama readers click here to win a family 4 pack of tickets! Friday, January 1, 3pm, Use code PLAY for $5 off tickets! Tickets start at $24.50
Where: 25 Lafayette St., Newark
Events Not to Miss:
What: Englewood Hospital Winter Wellness Event
Why: Sample massages, acupuncture, aromatherapy, meditation, Reiki, healthy skin product demos, and tips and recipes to boost immunity this winter season.
When: Friday, December 18, 2:30-3:30pm, FREE
Where: 350 Engle St., Englewood
What: Santa at The Mahwah Museum
Why: The holiday train display gets a special visitor.
When: Friday, December 18, 7pm, $5
Where: Donald Cooper Model Railroad, Mahwah Museum, 201 Franklin Turnpike, Mahwah
What: Kaplen JCC on the Palisades Chopped for Kids
Why: Cook some great food and learn from kid chef Eitan Bernath who was featured on Food Network’s Chopped! Perfect for kids in grades 3-5. Must register by December 14th.
When: Saturday, December 19, 7:30pm-9:30pm
Where: 411 E. Clinton Ave., Tenafly
What: Ridgewood Santa in the Park
Why: Meet Santa at his house in the Park, or join him for breakfast at The Office (reservations required).
When: Saturday, December 19, 12-3pm, FREE, Breakfast at 8:30am
Where: Memorial Park at Van Neste Square, Ridgewood
What: Holiday Movie and Visit with Santa
Why: Hosted by the Emerson Fire Department, a Disney holiday movie, light refreshments, and Santa.
When: Saturday, December 19, 10am-1pm, FREE
Where: Emerson Jr/Sr High School, 131 Main St., Emerson
What: Stokes Farm Holiday Craft Boutique
Why: A winter wonderland of gifts…
When: Saturday, December 19 & Sunday, December 20, 9am-3pm
Where: 23 Dewolf Rd., Old Tappan
What: Ridgewood Sweet & Sassy Christmas Party
Why: Holiday arts and crafts, winter wonderland makeovers, pizza, cupcakes, and more.
When: Saturday, December 19, 6:45-8:45pm, $40, Pre-Registration required
Where: 216 E. Ridgewood Ave., Ridgewood
What: Santa at Fresh & Fancy Farms
Why: Pictures and S’mores with Santa.
When: Saturday, December 12 & Sunday, December 13 & Saturday, December 19 & Sunday, December 20, 12-3pm
Where: 575 River Rd., New Milford
What: Christmas Bird Count at Flat Rock Brook Nature Association
Why: Join local birders and staff as you count all the birds at the park.
When: Saturday, December 19, 9am-1pm, FREE
Where: 443 Van Nostrand Ave., Englewood
What: Nature Story Time at Tenafly Nature Center
Why: Kids ages 3-7 will enjoy a nature-themed story and a visit from an Animal Ambassador.
When: Saturday, December 19, 11:30am-12:15pm, $5
Where: 313 Hudson Ave., Tenafly
What: Santa at Secor Farms
Why: Santa, a fire pit, s’mores and yummy treats at the farm.
When: Saturday, December 19 & Sunday, December 20, 1-4pm
Where: 85 Airmont Ave., Mahwah
What: Santa at Books & Greetings
Why: Santa and books? Win win.
When: Sunday, December 20,1-3pm, FREE
Where: 271G Livingston St., Northvale
What: Dance Theatre of NJ The Nutcracker
Why: Because it’s not the Holiday season without this ballet.
When: Sunday, December 20, 1pm & 5pm, Tickets starts at $15
Where: Bergen Academies, 200 Hackensack Ave., Hackensack
What: World of Wings Holiday Celebration
Why: A Frozen themed party with arts and crafts, holiday games, treats, music, Santa, and more.
When: Sunday, December 20, 11:30am-3pm, FREE with general admission
Where: 1775 Windsor Rd., Teaneck
What: Winter Solstice Walk at Flat Rock Brook Nature Association
Why: Folklore and hiking on the longest night of the year.
When: Sunday, December 20, 2-3:30pm, $8, Pre-Registration required
Where: 443 Van Nostrand Ave., Englewood
What: Santa at Lupardi’s Nursery
Why: Check out all the holiday cheer and meet with Santa.
When: Sunday, December 20, 12-3, FREE
Where: 75 Blanch Ave., Closter
What: Sogno Coffee Holiday Party
Why: Santa and Mrs. Claud visit our fav coffee house for pictures and hot chocolate.
When: Sunday, December 20, 12-3pm, FREE
Where: 425 Broadway, Westwood
What: Santa’s Workshop at The Hermitage Museum
Why: Crafts, photo-ops, a museum tour, and Santa doing his thing in his workshop.
When: Sunday, December 20, 1-3pm, Ages 6-12/$4, Adults/$6
Where: 335 North Franklin Turnpike, Hooks
What: Kids Decorating Class! Gingerbread Houses
Why: This popular decorating class is back again this year. Decorate and take home your own pre-baked and pre-built Gingerbread House.
When: Monday, December 21-Wednesay, December 23, Ages 3-10, $30
Where: Chef Central, 240 Rt. 17 N., Paramus
If you’re heading out of Bergen…
What: 12 Days of Science at Liberty Science Center
Why: A blizzard of special events and seasonal fun enjoying activities like building snowflakes, meeting a live penguin, tasting ice cream made with liquid nitrogen, and more.
When: Tuesday, December 22 thru Sunday, January 3 (Closed on Christmas)
Where: 222 Jersey City Blvd., Jersey City
What: Historic Hudson Valley Dickens’s Christmas Carol
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 19 & Sunday, December 20 (check website for showtimes), Adults/$25, Under 18/$20, Suggested for ages 10+, Advance tickets required
Where: Christ Episcopal Church, 43 South Broadway, Tarrytown, NY
What: The Polar Express: An IMAX Experience
Why: You’ve seen it on your couch, now go see it at the IMAX Dome.
When: Select dates now thru January 3, Kids/$8.50, Adults/$11.25
Where: Liberty Science Center, Jersey City
What: Sea of Lights at Jenkinson’s Boardwalk
Why: Holiday lights, crafts, treats, games, Santa and more.
When: Friday, December 18 thru Monday, December 28 (select dates), 6-9pm, $6
Where: Aquarium at Jenkinsons, Point Pleasant Beach
What: Skylands Stadium Christmas Light Show
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 3, Check website for dates and times, $17 per carload in advance, $20 (cash only) at the gate
Where: 94 Championship Place, Augusta
What: Boscobel Sparkle
Why: This historical house is decked out for the season with beautiful lights and entertainment to match.
When: Fridays & Saturdays in December thru the 19th, 5-9pm, Ages 3-11/$10, Adult/$15
Where: 1601 Route 9D, Garrison, NY
What: Turtle Back Zoo Holiday Lights Spectacular
Why: Enjoy winter and animal characters illuminated throughout the Zoo along with Santa, and other holiday fun.
When: Every evening now thru January 3, 5-9pm (Closed Christmas Eve & Christmas) Storytime with Mrs. Claus now thru December 23 at 5:30pm
Where: 560 Northfield Ave., West Orange
What: Tots on Tour! Grounds for Sculpture
Why: Listen to a story, become GFS Park Explorers, and make art in hands-on workshops designed for 3-5 year olds.
When: Saturday, December 19, 11am, Included with park admission
Where: 80 Sculptors Way, Hamilton
What: Beary Merry Holiday
Why: Make tasty snacks for the black bears in their den.
When: Saturday, December 19, 10:30-11:30am
Where: Bear Mountain State Park, 55 Hessian Drive, Highlands Falls, NY
Upcoming:
What: Mish Mash with Ventriloquist Jonathan Geffner at the Kaplen JCC on the Palisades
Why: Fantastic fun awaits as Jonathan Geffner and his wacky, whimsical wooden sidekicks perform this hilarious show
When: Friday, December 25, 11am-12pm
Where: 411 E. Clinton Ave., Tenafly
What: Dora & Diego at Liberty Science Center
Why: Dora is dropping by to meet her fans!
When: Saturday, December 26 thru Wednesday, December 29, 11am-1pm
Where: 222 Jersey City Blvd., Jersey City
What: Discover the Dinosaurs
Why: Explore the mystery of our pre-historic past with fun exhibits, inflatables, a dino den and more.
When: Friday, January 1 thru Sunday, January 3, Ages 2-12/$28, Ages 13+/$24
Where: Meadowlands Exhibition Center, 355 Plaza Dr., Secaucus
