We rounded up the best things to do in Bergen County and beyond on our weekend PLAYlist!
Sponsored Post: Calling all Disney Junior fams and fans. Want a place where kids can explore, play and learn? Whether your little one loves the hit show or is simply a curious learner, Liberty Science Center’s newest kid-friendly exhibit, Doc McStuffins: The Exhibit, has something for everyone and lets your kid be the doc for a day. Enter the “hospital” by the reception area with Chilly, where kids can field incoming calls, then roam through to the operating room with Doc, pet vet with Stuffy, and nursery with Lambie. Each area lets kids explore through pretend play, screen games and learning centers. And bonus:The exhibit is included with the price of a regular ticket and, every Saturday and Sunday in November, any kid who brings a stuffed animal to receive a checkup (aww) gets $5 off a child’s ticket. (Doc McStuffins: The Exhibit runs through January 27, 2019 at Liberty Science Center, pre-purchase tickets here)Events Not To Miss:
Why: Ebeneezer Scrooge hits the stage in this Broadway adaptation.
When: Thursday December 6-Friday December 7, 7 pm, Saturday December 8-Sunday December 9, 3 pm, kids/$12, students/$15, adults/$20
Where: Wyckoff Family YMCA, 691 Wyckoff Ave., Wyckoff
What: New Moms Circle
Why: Meet fellow new moms and get postpartum tips and advice.
When: Fridays December 7-December 21, 9:30-10:30 am, member/$60, public/$80
Where: Kaplen JCC on the Palisades, 411 East Clinton Ave., Tenafly
What: Sip & Shop
Why: Wine and champagne, chocolates and cheese, and plenty of shopping and give-a-ways.
When: Friday December 7, 4-8 pm
Where: B. Witching Ridgewood, 11 S. Broad St., Ridgewood
Why: Four layers of model railroads filled with subways stops, rocky cliffs and mines.
When: Fridays through December 21, 6-8:30 pm, weekends 1-4 pm, $5 non-members, kids free
Where: Mahwah Museum, 201 Frankin Turnpike, Mahwah
Why: Bring your camera and best smiles for a Santastic pic with Mr. and Mrs. Claus.
When: Saturday December 8, 11 am-3 pm
Where: Abmas Farm, 700 Lawlins Rd., Wyckoff
Why: Visit the animals on the farm and hop on a hayride with Santa.
When: Saturday December 8-Sunday December 9, 12-3 pm
Where: Demarest Farms, 244 Wierimus Rd., Hillsdale
Why: Candy, icing and a gingerbread house for the fam to decorate together.
When: Saturday December 8-Sunday December 9, 10:30 am-12 pm, 1-2:30 pm, 3-4:30 pm, $35
Where: Stokes Farm, 23 DeWolf Rd., Old Tappan
Why: Celebrate the festival of lights with a laser light show, holiday goodies and candle lighting.
When: Saturday December 8, 6-8 pm, $5 or family/$20, must register by December 2 at 201-408-1467
Where: Kaplen JCC on the Palisades, 411 East Clinton Ave., Tenafly
Why: Visit Santa at his house in the park and sip on hot cocoa.
When: Saturdays through December 22, 12-3 pm
Where: Memorial Park at Van Neste Square, E. Ridgewood Ave. and Oak St., Ridgewood
Why: Kids decorate a wreath, visit animals and get crafty.
When: Saturday December 8-Sunday December 9, 10 am-4 pm, $16.99
Where: Forcellati Bros., Inc., 691 Rivervale Road, River Vale
What: Crafting and Campfire
Why: Design your own natural winter decorations in time for the holidays, then enjoy s’mores by the campfire.
When: Saturday December 8, 4:30-6:30 pm, member/$8, non-member/$12
Where: Tenafly Nature Center, 313 Hudson Ave., Tenafly
What: Rossella Rago
Why: The host of Cooking With Nonna Show signs her new book
When: Saturday December 8, 12 pm
Where: Books and Greetings, 271G Livingston St., Northvale
Why: Bring your little one age 2 to 5 for candy cane sugar cookies and crafts.
When: Saturday December 8, 9:30-11 am, $30
Where: The Crafty Kitchen, 51 Prospect Place, Hillsdale
Why: Support local small business owners and get in some holiday shopping.
When: Saturday December 8, 10 am-4 pm
Where: Brookside Elementary School, 20 Lake Dr., Westwood
What: Comedy Night
Why: Comedian Jessica Kirson headlines this all-star night sure to bring on the lols.
When: Saturday December 8, 8-10 pm, $20
Where: William Carlos Williams Center for the Performing Arts, 1 Williams Plaza, Rutherford
What: Makers Market
Why: Shop and sip at this market with emerging artists.
When: Saturday December 8, 2-7 pm
Where: William Carlos Williams Center for the Performing Arts, 1 Williams Plaza, Rutherford
What: Princess Breakfast
Why: Put on your royal best for a breakfast dance party fit for a princess.
When: Sunday December 9, 9-10:30 am, 11 am-12:30 pm, $25
Where: Progressive Dance Studio, 27 S Van Brunt St., Englewood
Why: Get ready to groove to holiday classics and Laurie Berkner originals.
When: Sunday December 9, 2 pm, $29-$100
Where: Bergen PAC, 30 North Van Brunt St., Englewood
What: Winter Hayrides & Santa
Why: A wonderland of fun from FREE photos with Santa to a fire pit with s’mores.
When: Weekends through Sunday December 16, hayrides 12-4 pm, Santa 1-3 pm
Where: Secor Farms, 85 Airmont Ave., Mahwah
Why: The fave first-grader hits the stage in this musical adaptation of the best-selling series.
When: Weekends through Sunday December 16, 11 am, kids under 12/$12, students/$18, adults/$20
Where: Black Box Performing Arts Center, 200 Walraven Dr., Teaneck
Why: Visit Santa’s workshop or hop on a holiday wagon through the winter wonderland.
When: Open weekends, 10 am-4:30 Saturday, 10 am-3 Sunday
Where: Lupardi’s Nursery, 75 Blanch Ave., Closter
Why: Bring your furry friend for a pawesome pic with Santa.
When: Mondays through December 17, 6-9 pm, pets must be leashed
Where: Westfield Garden State Plaza, Level 2 Entrance, One Garden State Plaza, Paramus
Why: Kids make a one-of-a-kind gift for that special someone, or for themselves.
When: Tuesday December 11, 3:45 pm, $35
Where: Clay Paper Scissors Studio, 380 Kinderkamack Rd., Oradell
What: Anne Burrell Book Signing
Why: Meet the chef with the big personality as she signs her book Own Your Kitchen.
When: Wednesday December 12, 6:30-8:30 pm
Where: Williams Sonoma, Tice’s Corner, 395 Chestnut Ridge Rd. #3, Woodcliff Lake
Why: Ice skating, Santa’s North Pole, kids activities and more fun.
When: Now through Tuesday January 1, 4-7 pm, $15
Where: Van Saun County Park, 216 Forest Ave., Paramus
What: Jack & The Beanstalk
Why: Go on an adventure with Jack, the Giant and more in this classic tale brought to life.
When: Now through Sunday December 16, 1 pm and 3:30 pm plus select Fridays, $14
Where: Bergen County Players, 298 Kinderkamack Rd., Oradell
Why: Get ready for the ho-ho-holidays with a pic with Santa.
When: Now through Monday December 24, 10 am-9 pm
Where: Westfield Garden State Plaza, One Garden State Plaza, Paramus
What: It’s Santa Photo Time
Why: Put the kids in their holiday best for pics with Santa.
When: Open daily except Sundays through Monday December 24, 10 am-8 pm Fridays and Saturdays, 11 am-8 pm weekdays, packages/$27.99-$52.99
Where: The Shops at Riverside, 390 Hackensack Ave., Hackensack
Why: Create lasting holiday memories, and don’t forget to make reservations to skip the line.
When: Open daily except Sundays through Monday December 24, 11 am-8 pm, packages/$39.99-$49.99
Where: Paramus Park, 700 Paramus Park, Paramus
What: Photos With Santa
Why: Start the holidays with a jolly pic.
When: Now through Monday December 24, 10 am-1 pm, 2-5 pm, 6-9 pm
Where: The Outlets at Bergen Town Center, Route 4 East & Forest Ave., Paramus
What: Diane Cookson Presents Countdown to the Holidays Contest!
Why: Pinterest moms and creative kids, enter your festive Hanukkah décor, Christmas décor and gingerbread house pics for the chance to win a Saddle River Inn gift card and other prizes.
When: Hanukkah contest deadline Monday December 10, Gingerbread House contest deadline Friday December 21 (children under 14), Christmas décor deadline Friday December 21
Where: Email entries to [email protected]
If you’re heading out of Bergen:
What: Christmas Carolers
Why: Have a mini weekend getaway shopping for you and your crew, and enjoy holiday festivities.
When: Saturday December 8, 2-3:30
Where: Manchester Designer Outlets, 97 Depot St., Manchester Center, VT
What: Dragons Love Tacos
Why: Beloved children’s books Dragons Love Tacos, Interrupting Chicken and more.
When: Saturday December 8-Sunday December 9, 10 am, $15
Where: Paper Mill Playhouse, 22 Brookside Dr., Millburn
Why: Paw Patrol is ready for action is this exciting adventure about the great race.
When: Saturday December 8-Sunday December 9, check schedule for times, $23-$79
Where: NJ PAC, 1 Center St., Newark
Why: Hundreds of delectable designs that look good enough to eat!
When: Open through Sunday December 9, 10 am-4:30 pm, $2
Where: The Friends of The Frelinghuysen Arboretum, 353 East Hanover Ave., Morris Township
Why: Steam and diesel trains, Thomas and Friends and more in this huge display.
When: Saturday December 8-Sunday December 9, Saturday January 5-Sunday January 6, 1-5 pm, kids under 12/free, adults/$6
Where: Garden State Model Railway Club, 575 High Mountain Rd., North Haledon
Why: Take your choo-choo fans on a festive train ride with Santa.
When: Weekends through December 16, 11 am-4 pm, train leaves every 30 minutes, $6
Where: The New Jersey Museum Transportation Inc., Allaire State Park, 4265 Atlantic Ave., Wall Township
What: Dickens’s Christmas Carol
Why: A new take on the classic tale of Ebenezer Scrooge.
When: Weekends through Sunday December 16, 3:30 pm, 4:45 pm and 6 pm
Where: Old Dutch Church, 381 N Broadway, Sleepy Hollow
Why: A new take on the classic tale of Ebenezer Scrooge.
When: Weekends through Sunday December 16, 3:30 pm, 4:45 pm and 6 pm
Where: Old Dutch Church, 381 N Broadway, Sleepy Hollow
What: Breakfast With Santa at Bear Mountain
Why: Enjoy a yummy breakfast with Santa, plus gingerbread cookie decorating.
When: Weekends through Sunday December 23, 8 am and 11 am
Where: Bear Mountain Inn, 3020 Seven Lakes Dr., Tomkins Cove
Why: Enjoy a yummy breakfast with Santa, plus gingerbread cookie decorating.
When: Weekends through Sunday December 23, 8 am and 11 am
Where: Bear Mountain Inn, 3020 Seven Lakes Dr., Tomkins Cove
What: Toyland Holiday Show
Why: Check out historical toys and visit with Santa.
When: Sundays starting through December 23, 1-4 pm
Where: Sayler House, 213 Blue Hill Rd., Pearl River
Why: Check out historical toys and visit with Santa.
When: Sundays starting through December 23, 1-4 pm
Where: Sayler House, 213 Blue Hill Rd., Pearl River
What: Santa Cares
Why: Children with special needs hop on Santa’s lap for a private, quiet photo session.
When: Sunday December 9, 9 am-11 am
Where: Pailsades Center, 1000 Palisades Center Dr., West Nyack
What: Breakfast With Santa
Why: Take a pic with Santa, decorate an ornament and feast.
When: Sunday December 9, 10 am-12 pm
Where: Dave & Buster’s, Palisades Center, 4661 Palisades Center Dr., West Nyack
Why: Children with special needs hop on Santa’s lap for a private, quiet photo session.
When: Sunday December 9, 9 am-11 am
Where: Pailsades Center, 1000 Palisades Center Dr., West Nyack
What: Breakfast With Santa
Why: Take a pic with Santa, decorate an ornament and feast.
When: Sunday December 9, 10 am-12 pm
Where: Dave & Buster’s, Palisades Center, 4661 Palisades Center Dr., West Nyack
What: Santaland
Why: Get ready for the ho-ho-holidays with a pic with Santa.
When: Now through December 24, 10 am-9:30 pm Monday-Saturday, 11 am-7 pm Sunday
Where: Palisades Center, East Court Level 1, 1000 Palisades Center Dr., West Nyack
Why: Get ready for the ho-ho-holidays with a pic with Santa.
When: Now through December 24, 10 am-9:30 pm Monday-Saturday, 11 am-7 pm Sunday
Where: Palisades Center, East Court Level 1, 1000 Palisades Center Dr., West Nyack
Why: Over 50 sparkling winter and animal character lights, plus weekend Santa visits and more fun.
When: Now through Tuesday January 1, 5-9 pm, free with donation
Where: Essex County Turtle Back Zoo, 560 Northfield Ave., West Orange
Why: A dazzling display of model trains that travel from NYC to the North Pole.
When: Now through Sunday February 3, Monday-Friday 8 am-8 pm, Saturday-Sunday, 10 am-6 pm
Where: New York Transit Museum Gallery & Store, 89 East 42nd St., NYC
Why: Spend the holiday season on the farm roasting marshmallows, hanging with Santa and enjoying music.
When: Weekends through Sunday December 23, 11 am-4 pm
Where: Alstede Farms, 1 Alstede Farms Lane, Chester
What: Christmas Light Show
Why: More than 2 million lights on this mile-long drive-thru, pus new light displays.
When: Now through Sunday December 30, check schedule for dailly times, $20 per car
Where: Skylands Stadium, 94 Championship Pl., Augusta
Why: A dazzling drive-through holiday lights show.
When: Now through Sunday December 30, Dusk-10 pm (11 pm weekends), $20-$30
Where: PNC Bank Arts Center, 116 Garden State Pkwy., Holmdel
Why: Climb aboard this magic train ride filled with entertainment, Santa and holiday fun.
When: Now-Sunday December 30, select times available, $50-$70
Where: Whippany Station, 1 Railroad Plaza, Whippany, Hanover
What: Winterfest
Why: Ornament decorating, holiday parade and hay ride, plus all you can ride on heavy machinery.
When: Now through Sunday December 30, 11 am-5 pm, $29.95-$34.95
Where: Diggerland USA, 100 Pinedge Dr., West Berlin
What: Christmas Ice Caverns
Why: An enchanted shop filled with animated displays, Disney characters, toys and family fun.
When: Now through Monday December 31, Mondays-Saturdays 10 am-8 pm, Sundays 10 am-5 pm, $3.99
Where: 437 US Highway 46, Fairfield
What: Holiday Train Show
Why: Model trains make their way through Lower Manhattan, from the Brooklyn Bridge to Rockefeller Center in this huge display.
When: Now through Monday January 21, 10 am-6 pm Tuesdays-Sundays, weekends: kids/$18, adults/$30, weekdays: kids/$10, adults/$23
Where: New York Botanical Garden, 2900 Southern Boulevard, Bronx
Why: Model trains make their way through Lower Manhattan, from the Brooklyn Bridge to Rockefeller Center in this huge display.
When: Now through Monday January 21, 10 am-6 pm Tuesdays-Sundays, weekends: kids/$18, adults/$30, weekdays: kids/$10, adults/$23
Where: New York Botanical Garden, 2900 Southern Boulevard, Bronx
Why: Show some love to the original Disney icon with over 16,000 square feet of Mickey paraphernalia, art and history.
When: Open Tuesdays-Sundays through February 10, 10 am-8 pm, $38
Where: 60 10th Ave., NYC
Why: Chinese lights, a holiday zone, light tunnel, live entertainment and so much more to dazzle the eye.
When: Now through Sunday January 6, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays, 5-10 pm, Fridays and Saturdays, 5-8 pm and 8-11 pm, kids/$15, adults/$23
Where: Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden, 1000 Richmond Terrace, Staten Island
What: Candytopia
Why: Visit this sweeeeeet wonderland of tasty delights, brought to life through art installations.
When: Now through Sunday January 6, 10 am-8:30 pm, kids/$26, adults/$34
Where: Candytopia @ Penn Plaza, 145 W 32nd Street, NYC
Why: The Doc is in! Kids step into the doctor’s role as they perform check-ups and groom toy pets.
When: Now through Sunday January 27, free with admission
Where: Liberty Science Center, Liberty State Park, 222 Jersey City Blvd., Jersey City
What: Bear Mountain Ice Rink Opening
Why: Lace up the skates for a cool family day on the rink.
When: Now through March 3, check website for session times, $5
Where: Bear Mountain Ice Rink, Route 9W N, Bear Mountain
Why: Lace up the skates for a cool family day on the rink.
When: Now through March 3, check website for session times, $5
Where: Bear Mountain Ice Rink, Route 9W N, Bear Mountain
Why: A winter wonderland filled with ice skating, holiday shopping, and tasty treats.
When: Now through Sunday March 3, 8 am-10 pm
Where: Between 40th and 42nd Street and Fifth and Sixth Aves., NYC
Why: Play detective for the day and solve a murder mystery.
When: Now through Monday May 27, available with combination or premium pass
Where: Liberty Science Center, Liberty State Park, 222 Jersey City Blvd., Jersey City
Why: Dancing, singing and plenty of hug time with Poppy and friends.
When: Now through Sunday May 12, 10 am-9 pm weekdays, 9 am-8 pm weekends, $25
Where: 218 West 57th Street, NYC
Upcoming:
Why: Indulge in holiday-themed local eats and treats.
When: Friday December 14-Saturday December 15, Friday December 21-Saturday December 22, 12 pm
Where: Paramus Park Mall, 700 Paramus Park, Paramus
What: Deck the Halls
Why: Brunch with Santa and friends, and enjoy cookie decorating, games and more holiday fun.
When: Sunday December 16, 12:30-2 pm, $20 per ticket, children under 2 free
Where: Gerry’s Place, 595 Broadway, Norwood
What: Holiday Festivi-tea!
Why: Tea time includes small bites, holiday tunes and raffle.
When: Sunday December 16, 3-6 pm, $45, rsvp by December 9
Where: Harmony Tea Room, 224 Fairview Ave., Westwood
