Sponsored Post: Winter has arrived, and so have holiday break camps to keep your littles warm and busy while school is out of session! Check out the gourmet options HealthBarn has cooked up, and SIGN UP before that oven timer goes off!We rounded up the best things to do in Bergen County and beyond on our weekend PLAYlist!
Events Not to Miss:
Why: Enjoy fun at the museum plus a holiday painting and DIY ornaments.
When: Sunday December 23, 2-4 pm
Where: TiLT Museum, American Dream, One American Dream Way, East Rutherford
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 this holiday season.
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: Celebrate the holiday with live dance performances, arts & crafts, face painting, and more cultural can't-miss events.
When: Saturday December 23, 9 am-9 pm
Where: NJPAC, 1 Center St., Newark
Why: Winter just got a lot cooler thanks to LSC's winter train ride, sock skating rink, penguin presentation, and Mariah Carey laser show.
When: Tuesday December 26-Monday January 1
Where: Liberty Science Center, 222 Jersey City Blvd., Jersey City
What: Jurassic Quest
Why: The dinos are roaring in at this prehistoric adventure with lifelike herds.
When: Thursday December 28-Monday January 1, times vary per day
Where: New Jersey Convention and Expo Center, 97 Sunfield Ave., Edison
Why: The pups are ready for rescue in this live action performance.
When: Friday December 29-Saturday December 30, select times available
Where: NJPAC, 1 Center St., Newark
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
