We rounded up the best things to do in Bergen County and beyond on our weekend PLAYlist!
Sponsored Post: Get yourself and your family in the holiday spirit with this NJ tradition of the 20th Anniversary production of the Nunnbetter Dance Theatre production of The Nutcracker. Get lost with Clara and her Nutcracker in the Land of Sweets and encounter the tiniest of Angels, an army of Mice, elegant dancers from far off lands, and of course, the Sugar Plum Fairy. Performances will be held at the Bergen County Academies on Friday, December 7th, Saturday, December 8th and December 9th. Reserved ticket prices range from $17 - $30. Discounted rates are available for local school groups, scout troops, local senior centers and more. Click here to purchase your tickets or, call 201.385.9638 for group information and rates. (For more information about Nunnbetter Dance Theatre, visit their website)
Events Not To Miss:
Why: Get ready to groove to holiday classics and Laurie Berkner originals. Enter our giveaway now for your chance to win 4 VIP tickets!
When: Sunday December 9, 2 pm, $29-$100
Where: Bergen PAC, 30 North Van Brunt St., Englewood
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: Four layers of model railroads filled with subways stops, rocky cliffs and mines.
When: Fridays through December 21, 6-8:30 pm, weekends 1-4 pm, $5 non-members, kids free
Where: Mahwah Museum, 201 Frankin Turnpike, Mahwah
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
What: Winter Hayrides & Santa
Why: A wonderland of fun from FREE photos with Santa to a fire pit with s’mores.
When: Weekends through Sunday December 16, hayrides 12-4 pm, Santa 1-3 pm
Where: Secor Farms, 85 Airmont Ave., Mahwah
Why: Bring your camera and best smiles for a jolly pic with Mr. and Mrs. Claus.
When: Saturday December 1 and Saturday December 8, 11 am-3 pm
Where: Abmas Farm, 700 Lawlins Rd., Wyckoff
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
Why: Food, crafts, entertainment and a special visit from Santa.
When: Saturday December 1, 8:30-11:30 am, adult/$5, family/$20
Where: Brookside School, 100 Brookside ave., Allendale
Why: The show’s longest-serving writer takes your behind-the scenes of 30 years of The Simpsons.
When: Saturday December 1, 8-10 pm, member/$20, non-member/$25
Where: Kaplen JCC on the Palisades, 411 East Clinton Ave., Tenafly
What: Breakfast With Santa
Why: Eat and be merry with a visit from Santa and farm-fresh food.
When: Saturday December 1, 10-11 am, kids/$20, adults/$25
Where: Fresh & Fancy Farm, 575 River Road, New Milford
Why: Candy, icing and a gingerbread house for the fam to decorate together.
When: Weekends starting Saturday December 1-Sunday December 9, 10:30 am-12 pm, 1-2:30 pm, 3-4:30 pm, $35
Where: Stokes Farm, 23 DeWolf Rd., Old Tappan
Why: An exciting day of decorating a gingerbread house plus a gift from Santa, snacks and fun.
When: Saturday December 1-Sunday December 2, 10 am-12 pm and 1-3 pm, $125
Where: The Art of Cake Studio, 669-G Westwood Ave., River Vale
Why: Bake and decorate gingerbread cookies and craft a Christmas magnet, or make stained glass cookies and craft Hanukkah candles.
When: Saturday December 1, 9:30-11 am gingerbread workshop; Sunday December 2, 9:30-11 am Hanukkah workshop, $30
Where: The Crafty Kitchen, 51 Prospect Pl., Hillsdale
What: Anteater Day 2018
Why: Learn all you’ve ever wanted to know about anteaters with stories, crafts and artifacts.
When: Saturday December 1, 11 am-2 pm
Where: Bergen County Zoo, 216 Forest Ave., Paramus
Why: Visit Santa’s workshop or hop on a holiday wagon through the winter wonderland.
When: Open weekends starting Saturday December 1, 10 am-4:30 Saturday, 10 am-3 Sunday
Where: Lupardi’s Nursery, 75 Blanch Ave., Closter
What: Dutch Christmas
Why: Visit Sinterklaas and don’t miss the holiday craft shopping and baked treats.
When: Saturday December 1, 10 am-4 pm
Where: Garretson Forge and Farm, 4-02 River Road, Fair Lawn
What: Jinglefest
Why: Holiday fun includes gift ideas, treats, raffles, face painting and more surprises.
When: Saturday December 1, 10 am-3 pm
Where: Rutherford United Methodist Church, 56 West Passaic Avenue, Rutherford
What: Polar Express Kids Yoga
Why: Kids dressed in pjs enjoy Polar Express-themed exercise plus a holiday craft.
When: Saturday December 1, 6-8 pm, $25
Where: Hohokus Yoga, 16 Sycamore Ave., Ho-Ho-Kus
Why: Visit Santa at his house in the park and sip on hot cocoa.
When: Saturdays beginning December 1-December 22, 12-3 pm
Where: Memorial Park at Van Neste Square, E. Ridgewood Ave. and Oak St., Ridgewood
Why: Celebrate the festival of lights with a laser light show, holiday goodies and candle lighting.
When: Saturday December 8, 6-8 pm, $5 or family/$20, advance registration required at 201-408-1467
Where: Kaplen JCC on the Palisades, 411 East Clinton Ave., Tenafly
What: Hanukkah Fun Day
Why: A festive celebration filled with fun for everyone, from laser tag and magic to game trucks and cocktails for you.
When: Sunday December 2, 11 am-1:30, candlelighting at 10:30 am, kids/$10-$15, adults/$5-$10, family/$25-$35, rsvp to 201-891-4466
Where: Temple Beth Rishon, 585 Russell Ave., Wyckoff
What: Sinterklaas Day
Why: Enjoy a visit with Sinterklaas, make a pinecone ornament and light the menorah for the first day of Hanukkah.
When: Sunday December 2, 1-4 pm
Where: Historic New Bridge Landing, 1201 Main Street, River Edge
What: Pet Photos With Santa
Why: Bring your own Santa Paws for a special holiday photo opp.
When: Monday December 3, 7-9 pm
Where: The Shops at Riverside, 390 Hackensack Ave., Hackensack
What: A Most De-Light-Ful Hanukkah Celebration
Why: A week of Hanukkah festivities, from menorah making to a pop-up light museum.
When: Monday December 3-Friday December 7, events times throughout the week, rsvp to [email protected].
Where: JCC of NNJ, 605 Pascack Rd., Washington Township
Why: A week of Hanukkah festivities, from menorah making to a pop-up light museum.
When: Monday December 3-Friday December 7, events times throughout the week, rsvp to [email protected].
Where: JCC of NNJ, 605 Pascack Rd., Washington Township
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
What: Trinitee Stokes
Why: The Disney star signs her new book, Bold & Blessed.
When: Tuesday December 4, 6 pm
Where: Bookends, 211 E. Ridgewood Ave., Ridgewood
Why: Tour the school, sample classes and meet the staff.
When: Wednesday December 5, 9-11 am
Where: Dwight-Englewood School, 315 E Palisade Ave., Englewood
What: Women’s Safety Seminar
Why: This FREE seminar arms you with information and techniques to defend and protect yourself.
When: Wednesday December 5, 7:30 pm
Where: Tiger Schulmann’s Martial Arts, 104 Grand Ave., 2nd Floor, Englewood
What: Hanukkah With the JCO
Why: Hanukkah songs and a party to celebrate the holiday.
When: Thursday December 6, 4-7 pm
Where: Borough Hall, 376 W Saddle River Rd., Upper Saddle River
Why: Ice skating, Santa’s North Pole, kids activities and more fun.
When: Now through Tuesday January 1, 4-7 pm, $15
Where: Van Saun County Park, 216 Forest Ave., Paramus
What: Jack & The Beanstalk
Why: Go on an adventure with Jack, the Giant and more in this classic tale brought to life.
When: Now through Sunday December 16, 1 pm and 3:30 pm plus select Fridays, $14
Where: Bergen County Players, 298 Kinderkamack Rd., Oradell
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
If you’re heading out of Bergen:
Why: Hundreds of delectable designs that look good enough to eat!
When: Friday November 30-Sunday December 9, 10 am-4:30 pm, $2
Where: The Friends of The Frelinghuysen Arboretum, 353 East Hanover Ave., Morris Township
Why: Dine by the huge Christmas tree with Santa and his elves, enjoy carolers and holiday gifts, then take a spin around the rink.
When: Saturday December 1, 7:15 am, 8:45 am, 9:15 am, kids/$45, adults/$65
Where: Rock Center Café, 20 W 50th St., NYC
Why: Steam and diesel trains, Thomas and Friends and more in this huge display.
When: 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: Take your choo-choo fans on a festive train ride with Santa.
When: 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: Annual Santa Rescue
Why: Watch as the FDNY ladder truck continues its tradition of rescuing Santa and head inside for carolers, photos and firetruck fun.
When: Sunday December 2, 11:30 am, kids/$5, adults/$10
Where: New York City Fire Museum, 278 Spring St., 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 donation
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
Why: Spend the holiday season on the farm roasting marshmallows, hanging with Santa and enjoying music.
When: Weekends through Sunday December 23, 11 am-4 pm
Where: Alstede Farms, 1 Alstede Farms Lane, Chester
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, $50-$70
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
Why: Chinese lights, a holiday zone, light tunnel, live entertainment and so much more to dazzle the eye.
When: Now through Sunday January 6, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays, 5-10 pm, Fridays and Saturdays, 5-8 pm and 8-11 pm, kids/$15, adults/$23
Where: Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden, 1000 Richmond Terrace, Staten Island
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: Crafting and Campfire
Why: Design your own natural winter decorations in time for the holidays, then enjoy s’mores by the campfire.
When: Saturday December 8, 4:30-6:30 pm, member/$8, non-member/$12
Where: Tenafly Nature Center, 313 Hudson Ave., Tenafly
What: Comedy Night
Why: Comedian Jessica Kirson headlines this all-star night sure to bring on the lols.
When: Saturday December 8, 8-10 pm, $20
Where: William Carlos Williams Center for the Performing Arts, 1 Williams Plaza, Rutherford
What: Makers Market
Why: Shop and sip at this market featuring emerging artists.
When: Saturday December 8, 2-7 pm
Where: William Carlos Williams Center for the Performing Arts, 1 Williams Plaza, Rutherford
What: Princess Breakfast
Why: Put on your royal best for a breakfast dance party fit for a princess.
When: Sunday December 9, 9-10:30 am, 11 am-12:30 pm, $25
Where: Progressive Dance Studio, 27 S Van Brunt St., Englewood
