We rounded up the best things to do in Bergen County and beyond on our weekend PLAYlist!
Sponsored Post: We’re all for a big holiday family dinner at home around the Christmas tree ... but then we remember the menu planning, cooking, cleanup, and the rest of the exhausting parts that come along with it and think maybe it’s time to make reservations. Luckily, one of our favorite Bergen County restaurants – Englewood’s upscale Italian steakhouse Sofia – is open for both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. The restaurant will be serving its regular menu both nights along with some specials and doing a Christmas Day brunch, as well. And if you’re ready to make your New Year’s Eve plans, Sofia has you covered there, too, with two seatings, a live DJ, and a champagne toast at midnight. Reservations can be made on OpenTable ... and we’re kind of tempted to book all three. (Sofia, 36 Engle Street, Englewood, (201) 541-8530)
Save the Date/ Reserve Now:
Why: Snag your tickets now to meet the Dance Moms star as she signs her new book Girl on Pointe.
When: Tuesday, January 23, 4:30pm
Where: Ridgewood YMCA
Events Not to Miss:
What: Bergen Eats
Why: A pop up food market has got us HANGRY
When: Thursday, December 21 through Saturday, December 23
Where: Westfield Garden State Plaza, Paramus, in former Pirch space lower level by valet
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: Daily (4:30 -11 p.m.), Donations appreciated
Where: 38 Evergreen Place, Demarest
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: 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 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
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
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
What: Holiday Weekend Bounce
Why: Bouncing for joy before Christmas.
When: Saturday, December 23, Check website for available times, $14.95, Pre-Registration required
Where: 70 Eisenhower Drive, Paramus
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
Why: Winter-themed activities are on the menu with fun on the trails, crafts, s’mores around the campfire and more.
When: Tuesday, December 26 thru Friday, December 29, 9 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., Pre-K - 5th grade, Pre-Registration required, Daily $75, 4 days/$260 (Other enrollment options available)
Where: 313 Hudson Terrace, Tenafly
Why: Action-packed camp with extensive hands-on cooking of healthy recipes, high-energy fitness activities & yoga, creative natural arts and crafts and more!
When: Tuesday, December 26 thru Friday, December 30, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Ages 5-12, $495 for 5 days, $330 for 3 days, $230 for 2 days, $120/1 day, Pre-Registration required
Where: 1057 Hillcrest Rd., Ridgewood
If you’re heading out of Bergen:
Why: Enjoy the opening of the world-class Jennifer Chalsty Planetarium and other space-themed experiences on every floor.
When: Extended hours through January 1
Where: Liberty Science Center, Jersey City
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
Why: Tons of kids fun with live theater, arts and crafts, and music workshops.
When: Wednesday, December 27, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m., Adults/$10, Kids/$7
Where: 6 Normandy Heights Rd., Morristown
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
What: Storytime with Mrs. Claus at Turtle Back Zoo
Why: Meet with the animals and sit down for a holiday story.
When: Now through Saturday, December 23, Check website for times
Where: 560 Northfield Ave., West Orange
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: 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: Book lovers come together to read, enjoy snacks and fun activities.
When: Starts Monday, January 8 or Tuesday, January 9, $80/4 week program, Pre-Registration required
Where: 700 Lawlins Rd., Wyckoff
