We rounded up the best things to do in Bergen County and beyond on our weekend PLAYlist!
Sponsored Post: Start the holiday season off right with The Nunnbetter Dance Theatre’s production of The Nutcracker. You and your family will be enthralled by the lavish sets, elaborate costumes and most especially, the beloved story of a girl, her mysterious uncle’s Christmas gift and the magical world she visits after she kills the Mouse King with her slipper. Performances are Friday, December 13th at 7:00pm, Saturday, December 14th at 2:00pm and 7:00pm, and Sunday, December 15th at 3:00pm at Bergen County Academies. Tickets are available online. Nunnbetter Dance Theatre is one of Bergen County, New Jersey’s premier dance schools. Classes are offered for children ages 3 and up. For more information, or to arrange for a free trial class, call 201.385.9636. Nunnbetter Dance Theatre, 161-B Woodbine Road, Bergenfield
Save the Date:
Why: Norma Wellington Designs hosts a dazzling jewelry show with hundreds of one-of-a-kind pieces, with a portion of sales going to bergenPAC’s scholarship program.
When: Saturday December 14, 12-10 pm
Where: bergenPAC, 30 N Van Brunt St., Englewood
Events Not To Miss:
What: Winter Tea Party
Why: Pinkies up as you sip on some tea with your fave kid and make a craft.
When: Fridays December 6-December 20, ages 3-5/10:30 am, ages 6-9/3:45 pm, kids/$12, adults/$6
Where: Abma’s Farm, 700 Lawlins Rd., Wyckoff
Why: Because why should kids have all the holiday fun? (wine included!)
When: Friday December 6, 7-9 pm, $45
Where: Stokes Farms, 23 DeWolf Rd., Old Tappan
Why: Watch as the tree is lit and stay for the live entertainment, s’mores and more.
When: Friday December 6, 5:30-9 pm
Where: E. Ridgewood Ave., Ridgewood
Why: Come early for the characters, train rides, music and more, and stay for the parade
When: Saturday December 7, 6 pm
Where: Parade starts at Kinderkamack and Westwood Ave., Westwood
What: Jinglefest
Why: Shop for the whole fam, plus food and free photos with Santa.
When: Saturday December 7, 10 am-3 pm
Where: Rutherford United Methodist Church, 56 West Passaic Ave., Rutherford
Why: Snowflake cookies and marbled cookie dough are on the menu.
When: Saturday December 7, 9:30-11 am, $35
Where: The Crafty Kitchen, 51 Prospect Pl., Hillsdale
Why: Get creative with your crew as you design a take-home gingerbread house.
When: Saturday December 7-Sunday December 8, 10 am-4 pm, $40
Where: Stokes Farms, 23 DeWolf Rd., Old Tappan
Why: Photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus on the farm.
When: Saturdays December 7 and December 14, 12:30-3 pm
Where: Abma’s Farm, 700 Lawlins Rd., Wyckoff
Why: Bring holiday magic into your child’s day with the classic holiday ballet.
When: Saturday December 7-Sunday December 8, 1:30 pm and 4:30 pm
Where: bergenPAC, 30 North Van Brunt St., Englewood
Why: Enjoy a holiday story and treats.
When: Saturdays December 7 and December 14, 9 am, 10 am, 11 am, $12
Where: Abma’s Farm, 700 Lawlins Rd., Wyckoff
What: Breakfast With Santa
Why: Enjoy a farm-fresh meal with Santa, plus kids snag crayons, a coloring book and toy.
When: Saturday December 7, 10-11 am, $25
Where: Fresh and Fancy Farms, 575 River Rd., New Milford
Why: Take a hayride to roast s’mores by the fire and snap a shot with Santa.
When: Weekends December 7-December 15, 12-4 pm, photos 1-3 pm
Where: Secor Farms, 85 Airmont Ave., Mahwah
Why: Visit with Santa, visit the Christmas village and take a wagon ride.
When: Weekends in December, 8 am-7 pm
Where: Lupardi’s Nursery, 75 Blanch Ave., Closter
Why: Meet Santa in his home, and be the first to arrive for a FREE gift.
When: Saturdays December 7-21, 12-3 pm
Where: Memorial Park at Van Neste Sq., Ridgewood
What: Sinterklaas Day
Why: Photos with Santa, 18th century cooking and crafts for kids.
When: Sunday December 8, 1-4 pm
Where: Historic New Bridge Landing, 1201 Main St., River Edge
Why: Decorate cookies and ornaments, plus visits with Santa and treats
When: Sunday December 8, 1-5 pm, $10
Where: 401 S. Van Brunt St., Englewood
What: Book in the Classroom
Why: Tots listen to a book reading and enjoy hot cocoa and a visit with the animals.
When: Mondays December 9 and 16, 9:30 am, 10 am, 10:30 am, $10
Where: Abma’s Farm, 700 Lawlins Rd., Wyckoff
What: Cookies and Crafts
Why: Ages 5-9 enjoy crafts on the farm, treats and a walk to the Barnyard petting zoo.
When: Tuesdays and Thursdays December 10-December 19, 3:45 pm, $15
Where: Abma’s Farm, 700 Lawlins Rd., Wyckoff
What: Santa Paws
Why: Bring your furry friend for photos with Santa.
When: Monday December 9, 6-9 pm
Where: Westfield Garden State Plaza, One Garden State Plaza, Paramus
What: Stew’s Treetacular
Why: Get in some grocery shopping while you visit with WOW the Cow, Santa’s Helpers and take in the tree lighting.
When: Wednesday December 11, 4 pm
Where: Stew Leonard’s, 700 Paramus Park, Paramus
What: Orchard of Lights
Why: Hop on a hayride through a huge twinkling display of lights, meet Santa and make your own s’mores.
When: Now through Sunday December 29, 5-8 pm
Where: Demarest Farms, 244 Wierimus Rd., Hillsdale
What: Winter Wonderland
Why: Welcome winter with ice skating, Santa visits, ice carvings, face painting and more.
When: Now through Sunday January 5, check schedule for daily times, adult pre-sale/$13
Where: Van Saun Park, 216 Forest Ave., Paramus
Why: Shop and get a special holiday stocking gift, plus sing-along Saturdays, Santa and live performances.
When: Now through Saturday December 21, Fridays 2-7 pm, Saturdays 12-6 pm
Where: City Place at The Promenade, 225 River Rd., Edgewater
What: Photos With Santa
Why: Smile with Santa, and skip the wait by purchasing a FastPass. Plus bring your pet for a special photo sesh on select days.
When: Now through Tuesday December 24, 10 am-1 pm, 2-5 pm, 6-9 pm, Paws and Claus Tuesday November 19, 6-9 pm
Where: Bergen Town Center, Route 4 East & Forest Ave., Paramus
What: Photos With Santa
Why: Celebrate the season with holiday smiles from your little ones.
When: Now through Tuesday December 24, 11 am-8 pm, $39.99-$49.99
Where: Paramus Park Mall, 700 Paramus Park, Paramus
What: It’s Santa Photo Time
Why: Bring your kids’ best smiles for a holiday photo with Santa.
When: Now through Tuesday December 24, check schedule for times and reserve your FastPass, $29.99-$49.99
Where: The Shops at Riverside, 390 Hackensack Ave., Hackensack
What: Santa’s Coming to Town
Why: Santa arrives at the mall for pics and gift-talk.
When: Now through Tuesday December 24, 10 am-9:30 pm
Where: Westfield Garden State Plaza, One Garden State Plaza, Paramus
What: Holiday Market
Why: Your new holiday happy place decked with carolers, letters to Santa station, entertainment, holiday decorations and more.
When: Now through Saturday January 4, 12-9 pm
Where: Westfield Garden State Plaza, Macy’s court Level 2, One Garden State Plaza, Paramus
If you’re heading out of Bergen:
Why: Charles Dickens’s famous story is brought to life with music and master storytelling.
When: Saturday December 7-Sunday December 8, Saturday December 14-Sunday December 15, 3:30 pm, 4:45 pm, 6 pm, kids/$20, adults/$25
Where: Old Dutch Church, 430 Broadway, Sleepy Hollow
Why: Make your own gingerbread house and see if your creation wins.
When: Saturday December 7, 3-5 pm
Where: Essex County Turtle Back Zoo, 560 Northfield Ave., West Orange
Why: Two legendary comedians on one stage.
When: Saturday December 7, 8 pm, $79.50-$250
Where: NJPAC, 1 Center St., Newark
What: Holiday Lights of Nyack
Why: Welcome the holidays with music and a visit from Santa on the firetruck.
When: Saturday December 7, 4-6 pm
Where: Veterans Memorial Park, 15 Cedar St., Nyack
Why: Get into the holiday spirit with character visits and Santa for them, plus a winter beer garden for you.
When: Saturday December 7-Sunday December 8, 2-10 pm, $8
Where: Rockland GAA, 160 Old Orangeburg Rd., Orangeburg
Why: Model trains, including everyone’s favorite Thomas, are rolling in
When: Saturday December 7-Sunday December 8, Saturday December 14-Sunday December 15, Saturday January 4-Sunday January 5, adults/$6
Where: Garden State Model Railway Club, 575 High Mountain Rd., North Haledon
Why: Spend the day in the city, and stop by for FREE crafts, games, photos and snacks.
When: Saturday December 7, 10 am-2 pm
Where: 827 Broadway, NYC
Why: Catch the tree lighting and menorah lighting, and take in carolers and more special guests.
When: Sunday December 8, 4-5:15 pm
Where: New York Botanical Gardens, 2900 Southern Blvd., Bronx
Why: Spend the night with the actress and activist, as she shares career stories and answers questions.
When: Sunday December 8, 7 pm, $49-$250
Where: Mayo Performing Arts Center, 100 South St., Morristown
What: Santa Comes for a Visit
Why: Take pics with Santa and enjoy the winter wonderland-filled showroom.
When: Weekends through Sunday December 15, 2-6 pm
Where: Down to Earth Living, 1040 Rte. 45, Pomona
What: Storytime With Santa
Why: Bring your kids for a special holiday story with Santa.
When: Tuesday December 10, 10-11 am
Where: Palisades Center, 1000 Palisades Center Dr., West Nyack
Why: Photos with Santa plus s’mores, music and a Christmas tree forest.
When: Now through Tuesday December 24, 11 am-4 pm
Where: Alstede Farms, 1 Alstede Farms Lane, Chester
What: Hello Kitty Pop-Up Shop
Why: Hello Kitty installations, exclusive merch and more.
When: Now through Tuesday December 24, 8 am-8 pm
Where: Cost Plus World Market, 18th Street and 6th Ave., NYC
What: Holiday Train Show
Why: Model trains are rolling at this popular holiday event.
When: Weekends through Sunday December 15, 10 am-4:30 pm, kids/$8, adults/$10
Where: Greenburgh Nature Center, 99 Dromore Rd., Scarsdale
What: Holiday Lights
Why: Meet Santa and take a stroll through the animal-themed lights.
When: Now through Tuesday December 31, 5-9 pm
Where: Essex County Turtle Back Zoo, 560 Northfield Ave., West Orange
What: Winterfest
Why: Give your child the gift of operating heavy machinery, plus family activities and more.
When: Now through Sunday December 29, 11 am-5 pm, $29.95-$38.95
Where: Diggerland, 100 Pinedge Dr., West Berlin
Why: Millions of sparkling lights to drive through plus a skating rink, games, s’mores and more.
When: Now through Monday December 30, check calendar for times, $20, village opens Friday November 29
Where: Skylands Stadium, 94 Championship Place, Augusta
Why: Climb aboard a train adventure filled with Santa and his elves, as you head to the North Pole.
When: Now through Monday December 30, check schedule for available times, $41-$80/ticket
Where: Whippany Station, Whippany
What: Magic of Lights
Why: Grab the hot cocoa and head into a maze of magical lights.
When: Now through Saturday January 4, 5-10 pm Sundays-Thursdays, 5-11 pm, Fridays-Saturdays, $25-$30/car
Where: PNC Bank Arts Center, 116 Garden State Pkwy., Holmdel
What: Holiday Lights
Why: Ride the holiday train, check out ice carvings and tour the lit-up lantern display.
When: Now through Sunday January 5, Sundays-Thursdays, 5-9 pm, Fridays-Saturdays, 5-10 pm
Where: Bronx Zoo, 2300 Southern Blvd., Bronx
What: Luminocity Festival
Why: Go on a dazzling light adventure through the arctic, jungle and tasty childhood treats.
When: Now through Sunday January 5, 4-11 pm
Where: Randall’s Island Park, 20 Randalls Island Park, NYC
What: Vernon Lights Festival
Why: Walk through a wonderland of lights, lanterns, music and entertainment.
When: Now through Sunday January 5, 5-10 pm
Where: 1733 Glenwood Rd., County Rd. 565, Vernon Township, Sussex
Why: Lantern lights abound along with live cultural shows and interactive exhibits.
When: Now through Sunday January 12, Wednesdays-Thursdays, 5-9:30 pm, Fridays-Sundays, 5-10:30 pm, kids/$15, adults/$23
Where: Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden, 1000 Richmond Terrace, Staten
What: Big Apple Circus
Why: Stunts, acrobatics, animal acts and more.
When: Now through Sunday February 2, check schedule for daily times
Where: Lincoln Center, 60 Lincoln Center Plaza, NYC
What: Holiday Train Show
Why: Model trains chug through historic NY landmarks.
When: Now through Sunday January 26, 10 am-6 pm, kids/$18, adults/$30
Where: New York Botanical Gardens, 2900 Southern Blvd., Bronx
Upcoming:
What: Tot Rock Shabbat
Why: Check out the open house offering a FREE music-filled experience, tour of the school and much more.
When: Friday December 13, 9:15 am
Where: Kaplen JCC on the Palisades Early Childhood Center, 411 E. Clinton Ave., Tenafly
Why: A beautiful performance of the classic holiday ballet.
When: Friday December 13, 7 pm, Saturday December 14, 2 pm and 7 pm, Sunday December 15, 3 pm, $15-$30
Where: Nunnbetter Dance Theatre, 161-B Woodbine Rd., Bergenfield
Why: Norma Wellington Designs hosts a dazzling jewelry show with hundreds of one-of-a-kind pieces, with a portion of sales going to bergenPAC’s scholarship program.
When: Saturday December 14, 12-10 pm
Where: bergenPAC, 30 N Van Brunt St., Englewood
Why: Some of Eric Carl’s most popular stories comes to life.
When: Sunday December 15, 1 pm and 4 pm, $15-$29
Where: bergenPAC, 30 North Van Brunt St., Englewood
