Sponsored Post: Holidays at Garden State Plaza are in full swing! Book your family's spot with Santa, Mrs. Claus, and bring your furry family too! Grab your ugly holiday sweater, and put on your brightest smile because Santa Claus is IN town!We rounded up the best things to do in Bergen County and beyond on our weekend PLAYlist!
Events Not to Miss:
Why: Enjoy holiday treats by the fire.
When: Thursdays and Fridays November 30-December 15, 4-7 pm
Where: Fresh & Fancy Farms, 575 River Rd., New Milford
Why: The Ridgewood tree lighting marks the start of the holiday season.
When: Friday December 1, 6-9 pm
Where: East Ridgewood Ave., Ridgewood
What: The Annual Tree Lighting
Why: Celebrate the holiday season with carolers, cocoa, and Christmas lights.
When: Friday December 1, 6 pm
Where: The Hermitage, 335 North Franklin Turnpike, Ho-Ho-Kus
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
What: Dutch Christmas
Why: In traditional Dutch style, Sinterklaas visits for Christmas traditions.
When: Saturday December 2, 10 am-4 pm
Where: Garretson Forge & Farm, 4-02 River Rd., Fair Lawn
Why: The actor and his illustrator daughter sign their new book "Zilot & Other Important Rhymes."
When: Sunday December 3, 12 pm
Where: Books & Greetings, 271 Livingston St., Northvale
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: Now through 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: Now through Monday January 1, 11 am-9 pm
Where: Van Saun County Park, 216 Forest Ave., 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: Sit back, relax, and enjoy eye-popping feats with a holiday twist.
When: Saturday December 2, 3 pm and 8 pm
Where: Mayo Performing Arts Center, 100 South St., Morristown
Why: The mini trains are rolling in once again — including Thomas the Tank.
When: Saturday December 2-Sunday December 3, 12-5 pm
Where: 575 High Mountain Rd., North Haledon
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
Upcoming Events:
Why: The menorah and tree get lit at this ultimate holiday festival.
When: Thursday December 7, 5 pm
Where: Tice's Corner, 441 Chestnut Ridge Rd., Woodcliff Lake
Why: Crafts and s'mores as you celebrate the festival of lights.
When: Saturday December 9, 6:15-7:45 pm
Where: Kaplen JCC on the Palisades, 411 East Clinton Ave., Tenafly
