Sponsored Post: The Signature Santa Experience at The Shops at Riverside will uniquely let your kids spend quality time with the man of the hour himself and start your holiday season off on the right foot. Elevate your holiday, and BOOK today!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
