Sponsored Post: Get your early bird tickets for Westfield’s Garden State Plaza Kids Market so your children can enjoy a magical, socially distanced holiday shopping experience between now and Dec 24. The kids will adore taking shopping for their friends and family into their own hands, and you will appreciate having a few less gifts to wrap!We rounded up the best things to do in Bergen County and beyond on our weekend PLAYlist!
Events Not To Miss:
Why: Satisfy your BBQ cravings with a bite (or two, or three) from this new texas BBQ joint, with brisket, ribs and smoked chicken on the menu.
When: Opens Wednesday November 18, 11 am-7 pm weekdays and Sunday, 11 am-8 pm Friday-Saturday
Where: Reilly’s Rib Cage, 126 Broadway, Hillsdale
Why: Actor and advocate Michael J. Fox discusses his book and shares personal stories.
When: Thursday November 19, 8-9:30 pm, $36
Where: ZOOM Webinar
What: Big Santa Lighting Event
Why: Drive in for holiday performances, food trucks and the lighting of the 50-foot Big Santa.
When: Friday November 20, 5-7 pm, $20 per car by reservation only
Where: Westfield Garden State Plaza, 1 Garden State Plaza., Paramus
What: Kids Holiday Market
Why: Let kids cross things off their list in this mini shopping experience for the littlest ones.
When: Monday November 23-Thursday December 24, 11 am-6 pm
Where: Westfield Garden State Plaza, 1 Garden State Plaza., Paramus
What: Photos With Santa
Why: Grab your mask and visit Santa with a smile.
When: Friday November 20-Friday December 25, 11 am-7 pm
Where: Paramus Park, 700 Paramus Park, Paramus
What: Nature Story Time
Why: Listen to a nature-themed story and meet an animal.
When: Saturday November 21, 10-10:30 am, $5
Where: Tenafly Nature Center, 313 Hudson Ave., Tenafly
What: Holiday Open House
Why: Visit the farm to get into the holiday spirit, because it’s never too early.
When: Saturday November 21, 12-4 pm
Where: Fresh and Fancy Farms, 575 River Rd., New Milford
What: All About Owl
Why: Have a hoot taking a walk and meeting an owl up close.
When: Sunday November 22, 6-7:30 pm, $10
Where: Tenafly Nature Center, 313 Hudson Ave., Tenafly
Why: Visit the North Pole with Santa and enjoy storytime and more personalized holiday happiness.
When: Now through Thursday January 7, reservations required
Where: Paramus Park, 700 Paramus Park, Paramus
If you’re heading out of Bergen:
Why: Mile-long lights dazzling, plus an outdoor village and carnival with rides, s’mores, skating and more.
When: Friday November 20-Sunday January 3, check calendar for daily times
Where: Skylands Stadium, 94 Championship Place, Augusta
What: Holiday Lights
Why: Go on a lights safari with lanterns aglow in the African, Asian, North American, Latin American and Ocean sections.
When: Friday November 20-Sunday January 10, 3-8 pm, kids/$22.95, adults/$34.95
Where: Bronx Zoo, 2300 Southern Blvd., The Bronx
Why: Get an up-close look at the giraffes in the barn and meet the keeper.
When: Saturday November 21 and Sunday November 22, 2-2:30 pm, $50
Where: Essex County Turtle Back Zoo, 560 Northfield Ave., West Orange
What: A Very Furry Christmas
Why: Celebrate the holidays with a festive drive-thru of lights and friends, special shows and train rides.
When: Saturday November 21-Sunday January 3, $53.99
Where: Sesame Place, 100 Sesame Rd., Langhorne, PA
Why: Watch the annual parade with floats, balloons and performances live.
When: Thursday November 26, 9 am-12 pm
Where: NBC
What: LSC Junior Days
Why: Little ones age 6 and under experience more planetarium shows, science dance party and storytime.
When: Thursdays and Fridays through December 24
Where: Liberty Science Center, 222 Jersey City Blvd., Jersey City
Why: Let the drive-thru light show illuminate your life during the holidays.
When: Now through Saturday January 2, 5-11 pm, $25-$30
Where: PNC Bank Arts Center, 116 Garden State Pkwy., Holmdel
What: Holiday in the Park
Why: Lights, entertainment, Santa’s village and more festive fun.
When: Now through Sunday January 3, check schedule for park hours
Where: Six Flags Great Adventure, 1 Six Flags Blvd., Jackson Township
What: Skyline Drive In NYC
Why: Take in a movie with a view, including Clueless, Finding Nemo and Up.
When: Daily, check schedule for times, $55/car
Where: 1 Oak Street, Brooklyn
Why: Ice skating, holiday shops, and personal cozy igloos for your first taste of winter.
When: Daily through January 3, 11 am-8 pm
Where: Bryant Park, 42nd Street and 6th Ave., NYC
Upcoming:
What: Orchard of Lights
Why: Enjoy a magical holiday light display, plus s’mores, Santa, fire pit and more festive fun.
When: Friday November 27-Tuesday December 29, 5-8 pm
Where: Demarest Farms, 244 Wierimus Rd., Hillsdale
What: Socially Distanced Santa
Why: Wear a smile under your mask as Santa comes to town.
When: Friday November 27, 11 am-7 pm by reservation only
Where: Westfield Garden State Plaza, 1 Garden State Plaza., Paramus
What: Terrific Turkeys
Why: Talk turkey and learn all about the Thanksgiving bird through crafts, games and more.
When: Saturday November 28, 2-3 pm, $8
Where: Tenafly Nature Center, 313 Hudson Ave., Tenafly
What: Winterfest
Why: Music, ice sculptures, trains, games, treats and a visit from Santa.
When: Saturday November 28, 12 pm
Where: Memorial Park at Van Neste Square, Ridgewood Ave., Ridgewood
