We rounded up our favorite picks for fun family friendly events in Bergen County and beyond on our weekend PLAYlist!
Sponsored Post: In the midst of your merrymaking it dawns on you that you really miss the TV tale of Rudolph and the Abominable snowman (harken back to your 7 year old self in footsy pjs). Take a walk down memory lane and see Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer at NJPAC which tells the story of Rudolph set to holiday classic tunes the fam will love. (Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer at NJPAC, tickets start at $25, Friday, December 26th and Saturday, December 27th, click link for show times and to purchase tickets here)
Events Not To Miss:
What: Pet Holiday Photo Shoot
Why: Because Stacey Gammon’s pet pics are #amaze (and there are no session fees!). Please bring a can or bag of cat/dog food to donate to the Ramapo Bergen Animal Refuge.
When: Saturday, December 6, 2-5pm
Where: Neiman Marcus, Paramus
What: Santa Fly-In at the Aviation Hall of Fame Museum
Why: Explore the museum and see Santa like never before as he makes his entrance in a helicopter!
When: Saturday, December 6, 10am, 12+/$8
Where: 400 Fred Wehran Dr., Teterboro
What: NJ Ballet’s Nutcracker at Bergen PAC
Why: Beautiful sets, classic music and a Christmas favorite performed by the state’s top company.
When: Saturday, December 6th and Sunday, December 7th, 1pm and 5pm performances, tickets start at $29 buy here.
Where: Bergen PAC, 30 N. Van Brunt Street, Englewood
What: Hip Hop Nutcracker at NJPAC
Why: Rap legend Kurtis Blow is bringing in the cheer at cool, contemporary rendition of the much loved classic.
When: Friday, December 5th 8pm and Saturday, December 6th, 2pm
Where: NJPAC, 1 Center Street, Newark
What: Downtown for the Holidays
Why: Santa is making his way through the village of Ridgewood! Breakfast at The Office from 8-10am, his classic firetruck ride starting at 10am at Columbia Bank, and a free 10:30am showing of “Nightmare before Christmas”. The party ends (with Kilwins hot chocolate) at Santa’s house at Memorial Park from 2-4pm.
When: Saturday, December 6, 9am-1pm
Where: Columbia Bank, 60 S. Broad St., Ridgewood
What: City Place Store Hop
Why: A holiday celebration to benefit the Center for Food Action with live entertainment, shopping, Santa, and a chance to win Z100 Jingle Ball Tickets.
When: Saturday, December 6, 11am-3pm
Where: City Place, 225 River Rd., Edgewater
What: Lindgren’s Annual Holiday Fair
Why: Shop for the holidays at this fun event that combines a craft sale with indoor and outdoor fun and activities for children.
When: Saturday, December 6, 11am-4pm
Where: 211 Irving Ave., Closter
What: Kids’ Campfire
Why: Bundle up yourself and your child and join the Trail Crew at a wintery campfire!
When: Saturday, December 6, 3-5:30pm, Free
Where: Alpine Boat Basin, Alpine
What: A Magical Afternoon at The Hermitage
Why: It’s “A Victorian Child’s Christmas” celebration at this historic landmark, with holiday movies and a magical guided house tour.
When: Sunday, December 7, 12-5pm, Adults/$7, 6+/$3
Where: 335 North Franklin Turnpike, Hohokus
What: Alice in Wonderland at Kaplen JCC on the Palisades
Why: A zany, fantastical tale presented by the Pushcart Players, perfect for kids ages 3 and up.
When: Sunday, December 7th, 2pm to 3pm, $12 in advance, $17 day of show, buy tickets here
Where:Kaplen JCC on the Palisades, 411 East Clinton Ave, Tenafly
What: Music Speaks at BergenPAC
Why: Explore, learn and discover the wonders and benefits of music at these free trial classes being offered now.
When: Wednesday, December 10, 9:30am & Thursday, December 11, 10:30am, 2 months- 4.5 years old, Must call 201-482-8194 to enroll
Where: 30 N. Van Brunt St., Englewood
What: S’mores on the Farm
Why: Because it’s the season for gettin’ cozy and making your own old fashioned s’mores on the farm with your loved ones sounds just right.
When: Thursday, December 11, 3-5pm, $15 per pack of s’mores
Where: Fresh and Fancy Farms, 575 River Rd., New Milford
If you’re heading out of Bergen…
What: A Very Furry Christmas at Sesame Place
Why: A family-friendly celebration with everyone’s favorite Sesame Street friends.
When: Through December 31 on select days
Where: Langhorne, PA
Upcoming:
What: Character Breakfast at Bergen County Y
Why: Sign up early for this special event with your children’s favorite characters which sells out every year!
When: Sunday, December 14, 9:30 am or 11:30 am, Adults/$10, Children/$15
Where: 605 Pascack Rd., Washington Twp.
What: Holiday with the Animals at the Bergen County Zoo
Why: Visit with the zoo animals and special costumed character guests at this celebration of the holiday season.
When: Sunday, December 14, 12-3pm, Free
Where: 216 Forest Ave., Paramus
