Sponsored Post: If your child has a lot to say to Santa this year, make a reservation for the elevated Signature Santa Experience at The Shops at Riverside, and buy them some extra attention from the Big Guy. With a 15-minute private extended visit with Santa, you'll also enjoy story time with Santa, plus some serious take-home keepsake memories. Merry, merry!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: Take a drive through a dazzling display of holiday as you fa la la along to the tunes.
When: Now through Sunday December 29, 5-8 pm
Where: Demarest Farms, Hillsdale
What: Photos With Santa
Why: Smile! Book your reservation to take a pic with Santa.
When: Now through Tuesday December 24, select times
Where: Bergen Town Center, Paramus
What: Santa Photos
Why: Have a happy holiday as you smile with Santa.
When: Now through Tuesday December 24, check schedule for daily times
Where: Paramus Park Mall, Paramus
What: Photos With Santa
Why: Make it a happy holiday and book your Santa smile sesh.
When: Now through Tuesday December 24, 11 am-7 pm
Where: Westfield Garden State Plaza, Paramus
Why: Walk through a path of animal-themed lights, and enjoy a train ride and s'mores.
When: Now through Sunday January 12, 4-9 pm
Where: Bergen County Zoo, Paramus
What: Miss Jolie Sings
Why: Kids ages 3 to 6 can sing, dance, enjoy bubbles, and more.
When: Sunday December 1, 1:30 pm
Where: Temple Emeth, Teaneck
Why: Head to the historic house for music, cider, games, and stories.
When: Saturday November 30, 1-4 pm
Where: Alpine Picnic Area, Alpine
What: WinterFest
Why: Celebrate the season with music, ice sculptures, Santa, and stories with Elves.
When: Saturday November 30, 12-3 pm
Where: Van Neste Square, Ridgewood
What: Thanksgiving Craft Fair
Why: Shop local crafts at this holiday-ready fair.
When: Sunday December 1
Where: Paramus High School, Paramus
Why: Back for the 9th year, enjoy a skate around the rink, bumper cars, and more wintry fun.
When: Friday November 29-Sunday January 5, 11 am-7 pm
Where: Van Saun Park, Paramus
If You're Heading Out of Bergen:
Why: Drive through the dazzling lights then visit the festive village with holiday treats.
When: Friday November 22-December 30, 5-10 pm
Where: Skylands Stadium, Augusta
What: Holiday Lights
Why: Explore the trails lit up with animal lanterns, plus season fun like holiday trains, ice carving, and yummy treats.
When: Friday November 22-Sunday January 5
Where: The Bronx Zoo, Bronx
Why: The (mini) city lights up as model trains like Metro-North, Polar Express, and subways chug along.
When: Now through February 2025
Where: New York Transit Museum, Grand Central Terminal, NYC
What: Holiday Train Show
Why: The annual show is rolling in with NYC landmarks, scale model trains, and kids' activities on select days.
When: Now through Monday January 20, 10 am-6 pm
Where: New York Botanical Garden, NYC
What: Holiday Adventure
Why: LSC's annual holiday celebration is back with sock skating, a ride on the snowflake express train, candy cane ice cream, and more.
When: Friday November 29-Wednesday January 1, LSC hours
Where: Liberty Science Center, Jersey City
Why: Join Thomas the Tank and more trains for a family-friendly exhibit.
When: Friday November 29-Sunday December 1, Saturdays and Sunday December 7-December 15, 12-5 pm
Where: Model Railroad Club, North Haledon
Why: Charlie and the Peanuts characters discover the true meaning of Christmas in this magical musical.
When: Friday November 29, 2 pm and 5 pm
Where: Mayo Performing Arts Center, Morristown
What: Winter Fest
Why: Bring on the season fun with Santa pics, holiday activities, and more.
When: Saturday November 30, 11 am-2 pm
Where: The Shops at Nanuet, Nanuet
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Upcoming Events:
Why: Let kids do the gift shopping at this family-friendly market with crafts, raffles, and more.
When: Saturday December 7, 11 am-2 pm
Where: Wise Wonder Enrichment, Ridgewood
Why: Smile for pics with Santa and make ornaments, paint dreidels, and more holiday fun.
When: Saturday December 7, 2:30-5:30 pm and Sunday December 8, 3-6 pm
Where: Big Blue Swim School, Paramus
Why: Celebrate the holidays with vendors, food trucks, crafts, plus a tree and menorah lighting.
When: Sunday December 8, 2-6 pm
Where: Lion's Corner, Harrington Park
