We rounded up the best things to do in Bergen County and beyond on our weekend PLAYlist!
Sponsored Post: Is it us or do we have to work harder every year to wow our kids for holiday season? Well Westfield Garden State Plaza has come to the rescue with their Cocoa with Santa event, where not only will the kiddos get to meet the big guy but they can join him for sipping cocoa and a make and take home craft and score free movie tickets, a kids meal and a lego toy. Pro tip: Leave dad at the event while you buzz around the mall for some early hour shopping! (Saturday, December 1st, 9am to 10am, tickets are $10, register here)Events Not To Miss:
Why: Charlie Brown and friends put on their own Christmas play in this holiday musical.
When: Friday November 23, 1 pm, $29-$59
Where: Bergen PAC, 30 North Van Brunt St., Englewood
Why: Bring your camera and best smiles for a jolly pic with Mr. and Mrs. Claus.
When: Friday November 23-Saturday November 24, Saturday December 1, Saturday December 8, 11 am-3 pm
Where: Abmas Farm, 700 Lawlins Rd., Wyckoff
Why: Four layers of model railroads filled with subways stops, rocky cliffs and mines.
When: Fridays beginning November 23-December 21, 6-8:30 pm, weekends 1-4 pm, $5 non-members, kids free
Where: Mahwah Museum, 201 Frankin Turnpike, Mahwah
Why: Ice skating, Santa’s North Pole, kids activities and more fun.
When: Friday November 23-Tuesday January 1, 4-7 pm, $15
Where: Van Saun County Park, 216 Forest Ave., Paramus
Why: Horse-drawn hay ride, ice sculptures, music, train rides and treats.
When: Saturday November 24, 1 pm
Where: Memorial Park at Van Neste Square, Ridgewood Ave., Ridgewood
Why: The singer performs the hits you want to hear from “Opposites Attract” to “Cold Hearted”.
When: Saturday November 24, 8 pm, $69-$129
Where: Bergen PAC, 30 North Van Brunt St., Englewood
What: Jack & The Beanstalk
Why: Go on an adventure with Jack, the Giant and more in this classic tale brought to life.
When: Saturday November 24-Sunday December 16, 1 pm and 3:30 pm plus select Fridays, $14
Where: Bergen County Players, 298 Kinderkamack Rd., Oradell
Why: A perfect chance to start your holiday shopping NOW.
When: Sunday November 25, 10 am-5 pm, $3
Where: 99 E. Century Rd., Paramus
Why: The Will & Grace star and music producer sign their new book, Plum.
When: Sunday November 25, 2 pm
Where: Bookends, 211 E. Ridgewood ave., Ridgewood
What: Pet Photos With Santa
Why: Bring your own Santa Paws for a special holiday photo opp.
When: Monday November 26 and Monday December 3, 7-9 pm
Where: The Shops at Riverside, 390 Hackensack Ave., Hackensack
Why: Tour the school, sample classes and meet the staff.
When: Wednesdays November 28-December 5, 9-11 am
Where: Dwight-Englewood School, 315 E Palisade Ave., Englewood
Why: Spread holiday happiness with a menorah and tree lighting, snacks and carolers.
When: Thursday November 29, 6-8 pm
Where: Tice’s Corner Marketplace, 441 Chestnut Ridge Rd., Woodcliff Lake
Why: Celebrate the season with holiday music, characters, a light show and more holiday fun.
When: Thursday November 29, 7-9 pm, rain date Friday November 30
Where: Jack Alter Fort Lee Community Center, 1355 Inwood Terrace, Fort Lee
Why: Shop jewelry, soaps and treats to support the middle school 6th graders entrepreneurship education program.
When: Thursday November 29, 6:30-8:30 pm
Where: Tenakill Middle School, 275 High Street, Closter
Why: Shop for all your gifts from hundreds of crafters.
When: Now through Sunday December 2, 10 am-5 pm, $8, kids under 12 free
Where: The Hermitage, 335 North Franklin Turnpike, Ho-Ho-Kus
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: 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: 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
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
If you’re heading out of Bergen:
Why: Steam and diesel trains, Thomas and Friends and more in this huge display.
When: Friday November 23-25, Saturday December 1-Sunday December 2, 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: Roast marshmallows by the fire, enjoy holiday music and visit with Santa.
When: Friday November 23-Sunday November 25, 11 am-4 pm
Where: Alstede Farms, 1 Alstede Farms Lane, Chester
Why: Take your choo-choo fans on a festive train ride with Santa.
When: Friday November 23-Sunday November 25, 11 am-4 pm, Weekends December 1-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: North Pole Express
Why: Climb aboard for a spirited ride filled with Santa and his elves, gifts and holiday treats.
When: Now through Sunday November 23, 9:30 am, 12 pm, 2:30 pm, 5 pm, $28-$34
Where: Black River & Western Railroad, Flemington Station, 80 Stangl Rd., Flemington
What: The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze
Why: Thousands of hand-carved jack o’lanterns on display, plus plenty of pumpkin-themed activities.
When: Friday November 23-Saturday November 24, kids/$16 (Friday-Saturday, $20) adults/$22 (Friday-Saturday $27), check schedule to reserve time
Where: Van Cortlandt Manor, 525 S Riverside, Croton-on-Hudson
Why: Thousands of hand-carved jack o’lanterns on display, plus plenty of pumpkin-themed activities.
When: Friday November 23-Saturday November 24, kids/$16 (Friday-Saturday, $20) adults/$22 (Friday-Saturday $27), check schedule to reserve time
Where: Van Cortlandt Manor, 525 S Riverside, Croton-on-Hudson
What: Rock and Mineral Weekend
Why: Rare fossils, magic show and treasures to take home.
When: Friday November 23, 12-2 pm, Saturday November 24, 10 am-5 pm, Sunday November 25, 1-5 pm, kids/$7, adults/$10
Where: Morris Museum, 6 Normandy Heights Rd., Morristown
Why: This huge model train show bring tons of train displays and activities, plus a chance to sneak in some holiday shopping.
When: Saturday November 24-Sunday November 25, 19 am-4 pm, adults and kids over 11/$10
Where: NJ Convention and Exposition Center, 97 Sunfield Ave., Edison
Why: Get away for the weekend with a trip to Manchester, and welcome the winter holidays with caroling and a Santa visit.
When: Saturday November 24, 6 pm
Where: Factory Point Town Green, Depot St., Manchester, VT
What: Winter’s Eve at Lincoln Square
Why: Free performances and street festivities, savory and sweet treats, music and dance.
When: Monday November 26, 5:30-9 pm
Where: Broadway between Columbus Circle and 70th Street, NYC
Why: Free performances and street festivities, savory and sweet treats, music and dance.
When: Monday November 26, 5:30-9 pm
Where: Broadway between Columbus Circle and 70th Street, NYC
What: Tree Lighting Ceremony
Why: Watch the huge tree light up the night, plus live performances.
When: Wednesday November 28, 8-10 pm
Where: 30 Rockefeller Plaza, NYC
What: Santaland
Why: Get ready for the ho-ho-holidays with a pic with Santa.
When: 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: 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 donations
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
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
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
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:
What: New Moms Circle
Why: Meet fellow new moms and get postpartum tips and advice.
When: Fridays November 30-December 21, 9:30-10:30 am, member/$60, public/$80
Where: Kaplen JCC on the Palisades, 411 East Clinton Ave., Tenafly
Why: It’s not officially holiday season without a visit to this classic production where toys come alive.
When: Saturday December 1-Sunday December 2, 1 pm and 4:30 pm, $23-$53
Where: Bergen PAC, 30 North Van Brunt St., Englewood
Why: Crafts, cookies and cocoa with Mr. Claus.
When: Saturday December 1, 9-10 am, $10
Where: Westfield Garden State Plaza, Level 2 Macy’s Court, One Garden State Plaza, Paramus
