We rounded up the best things to do in Bergen County and beyond on our weekend PLAYlist!
Sponsored Post: You want to be environmentally responsible, you really do. But the siren song of new electronics is just too strong. Better camera! New filters! Fingerprint recognition! If only you could acquire new electronics and figure out a way to pay for them. GreenBuyBack is your answer. The process is simple. Visit the website, get a free quote for the value of your electronics, use the free shipping label to mail in your old electronics and get paid fast. GreenBuyBack will wipe your information, then remove and destroy your sim or SD card before they resell your item. Plus, they’ll take electronics in any condition – cracked screens, water damage, you name it. So remember that iPhone you dropped in the pool a few summers back? Dig it out of the back of the junk drawer. It’s money, baby!
Events Not to Miss:
What: USR Craft Fair
Why: Because shopping locally for the holidays is where it's at.
When: Friday, November 17 (7-9:30pm) & Saturday, November 18 (10am-5pm), FREE
Where: The Unitarian Society of Ridgewood, 113 Cottage Place, Ridgewood
Why: Stories and songs for babies up to 2 years old.
When: Fridays from 10:30 - 11 a.m., No registration required
Where: 49 Park Ave., Westwood
Why: Santa comes to town and is here to stay until December 23rd.
When: Friday, November 17, 6 p.m.
Where: Rt. 4 E & Forest Ave., Paramus
Why: Shop one-of-a-kind artisans and crafters.
When: Now through Sunday, December 3, Open Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. & Thursdays 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. (Closed Mondays, Tuesdays and Thanksgiving Day), $8 (3 visits allowed per ticket), children 12 and under FREE
Where: The Hermitage, 335 North Franklin Turnpike, Ho-Ho-Kus
Why: Picasso and pizza for kids at this creative night.
When: Saturday, November 18, 6:30 - 9:30 p.m., Grades K-2, $50
Where: 411 East Clinton Ave, Tenafly
Why: Junior chefs learn some holiday recipes and make their own cookbook.
When: Saturday, November 18, 6:30 - 9:30 p.m., Grades 3-6, $50
Where: 411 East Clinton Ave, Tenafly
What: Santa at Paramus Park
Why: Play it cool this holiday season and book your spot with Santa ahead of time.
When: Now thru December 23
Where: South Court, Paramus
What: 5k Turkey Trot & Fun Run
Why: Learn all about the lives of wild turkeys and enjoy the arts and craft project.
When: Sunday, November 19, 9 - 11 a.m., 5K/$20 & Fun Run/$10 ($5 more day of)
Where: 313 Hudson Ave., Tenafly
Why: 75+ vendors selling their wares for the holidays.
When: Sunday, November 19, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Where: 80 South Prospect Ave., Bergenfield
What: Photos with Santa at Westfield Garden State Plaza
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
Why: Meet characters and belt your heart out at these screenings.
When: Sunday, November 19, 1 p.m. and 4 p.m., Tickets start at $15
Where: 30 North Van Brunt Street, Englewood
Why: Make delicious Oreo turkey cookies.
When: Tuesday, November 21, 3 - 6:30 p.m., FREE
Where: Kaplen JCC on the Palisades, 411 East Clinton Ave, Tenafly
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
If you’re heading out of Bergen:
Why: Take a winter stroll under the sparkling lights of over 50 winter and animal characters.
When: Friday, November 17 through January 2 on select dates, 5 - 9 p.m., FREE
Where: 560 Northfield Ave., West Orange
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: Opens Wednesday, November 22 through Monday, January 15, Ages 2-12/$18, Adults/$30
Where: Bronx, NY
What: We Explore: Camp Liberty
Why: Ages 2 - 5 celebrate the science of the great outdoors.
When: Daily at 10:30 a.m. & 2:30 p.m.
Where: Liberty Science Center, Jersey City
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: Friday, November 17 through Saturday, December 30
Where: Augusta
What: Annual Holiday Fair
Why: Shop a bunch of awesome vendors.
When: Friday, November 17 (7-9 p.m.) & Saturday, November 18 (9 a.m. -3 p.m.), FREE
Where: Pearl River United Methodist Church, Pearl River, NY
What: Hallmark's Museum of Christmas
Why: An experimental pop-up of Christmas awesomeness prime for selfies.
When: Open now through Sunday, November 19, 11 a.m. - 7 p.m., FREE
Where: 459 West 14th Street, NYC
Why: Participate in seasonal, hands-on activities and drop-in tours on the farm.
When: Weekends now through Saturday, November 19, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., Ages 2-15/$10, Adults/$20, Purchase your tickets beforehand as they do sell out.
Where: Pocantico Hills, NY
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
Why: Thanksgiving holiday crafts, workshop, tours and more seasonal fun.
When: Saturday, November 18 & Sunday, November 19, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Ages 6+/$2, Adults/$8
Where: Bronx, NY
Why: Be there at this charming village when Santa and his Bae switch on one million jewel-colored holiday lights.
When: Friday, November 17, 6 - 10 p.m., FREE
Where: Lahaska, PA
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, $3.99
Where: Jody's Silk Florist and Patio Center, 437 US Highway 46, Fairfield
Why: Take Turkey Day's morning tradition a step further by watching the iconic balloons come to life.
When: Wednesday, November 23, 4:30 - 9 p.m.
Where: American Museum of Natural History, procession starting at 79th Street and Columbus Avenue
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: Take the family on a night-time adventure through thousands of illuminated pumpkins arranged in outrageous designs.
When: Various dates now through November 25
Where: Van Cortland Manor, Croton-on-Hudson, NY
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: Sign up now and justify that turkey dinner with a morning 5K.
When: Thursday, November 23
Where: Cavallini School, Upper Saddle River
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: Opens Friday, November 24 (4 - 10 p.m.) and open Fridays 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
What: Sensory-friendly Santa Photos
Why: Take a picture with Santa without all the mall craziness.
When: Sunday, November 26 (10 a.m. - 1 p.m.) & Sunday, December 3 (2 - 5 p.m.), 1 child/$25, 2 children/ $35, Family/$35, Reservations required!
Where: 1 Gym 4 All, 10 Franklin Turnpike, Waldwick
