
We rounded up the best things to do in Bergen County and beyond on our weekend PLAYlist!
Events Not to Miss:
What: Orchard of Lights
Why: The drive-thru holiday experience is back with 32 acres of twinkling displays, plus Santa and hot cocoa at the end.
When: Thursday November 23-Friday December 29, 5-9 pm
Where: Demarest Farms, 244 Wierimus Rd., Hillsdale
Why: Snow much fun with ice bumper cars, skating, and more.
When: Friday November 24-Monday January 1, 11 am-9 pm
Where: Van Saun County Park, 216 Forest Ave., Paramus
What: WinterFest
Why: Celebrate the coming season with music, ice sculptures, elves, and treats.
When: Saturday November 25, 12-3 pm
Where: Van Neste Square, Ridgewood
What: Wreath Workshop
Why: Create a one-of-a-kind wreath to get your home in the holiday spirit.
When: Sunday November 26, 1-3 pm
Where: Garretson Forge & Farm, 4-02 River Rd., Fair Lawn
What: Thanksgiving Craft Show
Why: Start of the shopping season by snagging local goods.
When: Sunday November 26, 10 am-5 pm
Where: Paramus High School, 90 East Century Rd., Paramus
What: Mrs. Claus' Kitchen
Why: Help Mrs. Claus bake and enjoy holiday activities in the kitchen.
When: Now through Sunday December 24, 11 am-8 pm
Where: Westfield Garden State Plaza, One Garden State Plaza, Paramus
What: Santa Photos
Why: Smile with Santa or book an extended visit with a Signature Santa experience.
When: Now through Saturday December 23, 11 am-6:45 pm
Where: The Shops at Riverside, 390 Hackensack Ave., Hackensack
What: Photos With Santa
Why: The big guy is back for meet and greets and special smiles.
When: Now through Sunday December 24, 11 am-7 pm
Where: Westfield Garden State Plaza, One Garden State Plaza, Paramus
What: Winter Lantern Festival
Why: Thousands of Chinese lanterns light up American Dream in these dazzling displays.
When: Now through Sunday December 31, 1-8:30 pm
Where: American Dream, One American Dream Way, East Rutherford
Why: Stroll through the zoo filled with animal-inspired lanterns.
When: Now through Sunday January 14, 4-8 pm Sundays-Thursdays, 4-9 pm Fridays-Saturdays
Where: Bergen County Zoo, 216 Forest Ave., Paramus
What: Pictures With Santa
Why: Santa Claus came to town and is ready for pics with your little ones.
When: Now through Sunday December 24, 11:15 am-7:45 pm
Where: Paramus Park, 700 Paramus Park, Paramus
If You're Heading Out of Bergen:
Why: The mini trains are rolling in once again — including Thomas the Tank.
When: Friday November 24-Sunday November 26, Saturday December 2-Sunday December 3, 12-5 pm
Where: 575 High Mountain Rd., North Haledon
What: Astra Lumina
Why: Step into a starry night at this new immersive experience.
When: Friday November 24-Sunday December 31, 5:30-9 pm
Where: Queens Botanical Garden, 43-50 Main St., Flushing
Why: Pics with Santa and more fun for all ages.
When: Saturday November 25, 12-6 pm
Where: Morristown Armory, 430 Western Ave., Morristown
Why: Thousands of model trains to buy, test run, and learn all about.
When: Saturday November 25-Sunday November 26, 10 am-4 pm
Where: New Jersey Expo Center, 97 Sunfield Ave., Edison
What: Winter Fest
Why: Family fun includes a Santa visit, shopping, photo opps, and more.
When: Saturday November 25, 12-3 pm
Where: Shops at Nanuet, 5101 Fashion Dr., Nanuet
Why: The Peanuts crew takes the stage in an adventure to find the meaning of Christmas.
When: Sunday November 26, 2 pm and 5 pm
Where: Mayo Performing Arts Center, 100 South St., Morristown
What: Holiday Lights
Why: The holiday fest brings new animal lanterns, animated shows, train rides, ice sculpture, and so much more.
When: Now through Sunday January 7, 3-7 pm
Where: Bronx Zoo, 2300 Southern Blvd., Bronx
Why: Hop in your car and take a drive through digital animations, twinkling lights, and holiday fun.
When: Now through Saturday December 30
Where: PNC Bank Arts Center, 116 Garden State Pkwy., Holmdel
Why: Stroll through the totally lit zoo with winter and animal-themed displays, plus special events throughout the season.
When: Now through Sunday December 31, 5-9 pm
Where: Turtle Back Zoo, 560 Northfield Ave., West Orange
Why: Visit the New York Botanical Gardens for its annual holiday train display tradition and dazzling lights display.
When: Now through Saturday January 13, 5-10 pm for Glow, 10 am-6 pm for Train Show
Where: New York Botanical Garden, 2900 Southern Blvd., Bronx
Why: The annual light show is here with a drive-thru light fest, plus photos with Santa, music, and s'mores.
When: Now through Saturday December 30, 5-8:30 pm
Where: Skylands Stadium, 94 Championship Pl., Augusta
Why: It's all aboard for a magical ride to the North Pole with dancing elves, Santa, and more holiday cheer.
When: Now through Saturday December 30, select available times
Where: 1 Railroad Plaza, Whippany
Upcoming Events:
Why: The Ridgewood tree lighting marks the start of the holiday season.
When: Friday December 1, 6-9 pm
Where: East Ridgewood Ave., Ridgewood
Why: The timeless ballet is back for the season bringing magic to Bergen County.
When: Saturday December 2-Sunday December 3, 1 pm and 4:30 pm
Where: bergenPAC, 30 North Van Brunt St., Englewood