We rounded up the best things to do in Bergen County and beyond on our weekend PLAYlist!
Sponsored Post: Santa Claus has come to town! From now until December 23rd, Santa will be at Westfield Garden State Plaza, ready and waiting to collect wish lists from kids on his nice list. Pssst! Don’t tell anyone, but they’re all on the nice list. Visit Santa in Macy’s Court, Level 2, Monday through Saturday, from 10am – 9pm. Don’t want to wait in line? Reserve your FastPass online for your preferred day and time, pick your photo package, pay in advance and print your confirmation. Dasher, Dancer and the gang get fed twice a day, from 1pm – 2pm and from 5pm – 6pm. Special hours apply on December 6th, 9th, 13th, 16th and 23rd. Please check the website for details. (Westfield Garden State Plaza, One Garden State Plaza, Paramus, 201-843-2121)Events Not to Miss:
Why: Merriment to the max at this two day affair.
When: Friday, December 1 (5:30 - 9 p.m.) & Saturday, December 2 (10 a.m. - 3 p.m.)
Where: Downtown Ridgewood
Why: Back again this year but this time with additional food trucks, children’s games, a larger ice skating rink, and expanded weekend hours.
When: Open Fridays (4 - 10 p.m.) through Sunday (10 a.m. - 10 p.m. on weekends) through Sunday, December 31, Ages 3+/$16
Where: Van Saun Park, 216 Forest Ave., Paramus
Why: Enjoy the tree lighting with Santa and stop by the party at Holdrum afterwards.
When: Friday, December 1, 6:30 p.m.
Where: 406 Rivervale Road, Rivervale
Why: For your choo choo lovers, a model train all dressed up for the holidays. Be sure to be there when Santa Claus visits on Friday, December 22 at 7 p.m.!
When: Fridays (6 - 8:30 pm) and Saturdays/ Sundays from 1 - 4 p.m. now through December 22,, $5, Kids are FREE
Where: Donald Cooper Model Railroad, 201 Franklin Turnpike, Mahwah
Why: Stories and songs for babies up to 2 years old.
When: Fridays from 10:30 - 11 a.m., No registration required
Where: 49 Park Ave., Westwood
Why: Cozy up to the bonfire, visit the school barn to see the animals, play on the extensive playground, and shop unique items locally for the season.
When: Saturday, December 2, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m., FREE
Where: 211 Irving Ave., Closter
What: Fresh & Fancy Farms Breakfast with Santa
Why: A yummy farm breakfast.
When: Saturday, December 2 & Sunday, December 3, 10 a.m. & 12 p.m., Adults/$25, Kids/$20, Pre-Registration required
Where: 575 River Rd., New Milford
Why: Santa and his Bae stop by the greenhouse for pics.
When: Saturdays: December 2, December 9 & December 16, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Where: 700 Lawlins Rd., Wyckoff
What: Breakfast with Santa
Why: Light breakfast, crafts, games, Santa, and more.
When: Saturday, December 2, 9:30-11 a.m., Ages 2-7, $10, Pre-Registration required
Where: Old Tappan Fire House, 231 Old Tappan Rd., Old Tappan
Why: Santa Claus is here for photos! Pet photos available every Monday from 6 - 9 p.m.
When: Now through December 23rd, 10 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Where: Rt. 4 E & Forest Ave., Paramus
Why: Santa gets a pilot gig.
When: Saturday, December 2, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m., Kids/$8, Adults/$10
Where: 400 Fred Tehran Dr., Teterboro
Why: S’mores, Santa, holiday hayrides, activities and more.
When: Saturdays & Sundays until Sunday, December 17, 12 - 4 p.m.
Where: 85 Airmont Ave., Mahwah
Why: Shop one-of-a-kind artisans and crafters.
When: Now through Sunday, December 3, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., $8 (3 visits allowed per ticket), children 12 and under FREE
Where: The Hermitage, 335 North Franklin Turnpike, Ho-Ho-Kus
Why: Take a picture with Santa without all the mall craziness.
When: Sunday, December 3 (2 - 5 p.m.), 1 child/$25, 2 children/ $35, Family/$35, Reservations required!
Where: 1 Gym 4 All, 10 Franklin Turnpike, Waldwick
What: Santa at Paramus Park
Why: Play it cool this holiday season and book your spot with Santa ahead of time.
When: Now through December 23
Where: South Court, Paramus
Why: Santa comes to GSP with a Fast Pass option to book in advance.
When: Daily now through December 23, 10 a.m. - 9 p.m., Saturday, December 2nd is Autism Awareness day! Prior to mall open, Westfield Garden State Plaza will host families to a more comfortable and quiet setting for children to meet Santa., 8:30 a.m. - 10 a.m.
Where: Macy’s Court, Paramus
What: Indie Kids Designer Runway Show
Why: Little fashionistas show off the hottest trends from around the world.
When: Saturday, December 2, 3 p.m.
Where: Little Skye Children’s Boutique, Ridgewood
Why: Get amazing deals at this brand new medi-spa.
When: Tuesday, December 5, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m., RSVP at 201-445-4410
Where: 257 E. Ridgewood Avenue, Suite 302, Ridgewood
Why: Shop jewelry, accessories, women’s and kid’s apparel and more.
When: Tuesday, December 5, 6:30 - 9:30 p.m.
Where: 1 Engle St., Tenafly
What: Children's Christmas Book Club at Abma's Farm
Why: Christmas books, snacks, and more fun.
When: Tuesdays & Fridays in December, Ages 3-7, 9:30 a.m. or 4 p.m., $60
Where: 700 Lawlins Rd., Wyckoff
What: Holiday in Veterans Park
Why: A tree lighting, a menorah lighting, refreshments, and a very special visitor.
When: Wednesday, December 6, 7 p.m.
Where: Hillsdale Train Station
What: Mad Science Holiday Show
Why: A high energy dynamic holiday magic show starring Santa.
When: Wednesdays: December 6 and December 13 (5 - 6 p.m.) and Saturdays: December 9 and December 16 (10 – 11 a.m.), FREE ($10 VIP tickets available)
Where: Westfield Garden State Plaza, Paramus
What: Emerson Winter Wonderland
Why: Ice skating, Santa pics, holiday market, and more.
When: Wednesday, December 6 through Saturday, December 9
Where: Borough Hall
Why: Ice skating, Santa pics, holiday market, and more.
When: Wednesday, December 6 through Saturday, December 9
Where: Borough Hall
What: Fall Mom & Tot Program
Why: 1 through 2.5 years old enjoy bonding time with Mommy.
When: Thursdays until December 21, 9:30 a.m., FREE
Where: 585 Russell Ave., Wyckoff
If you’re heading out of Bergen:
Why: Take a winter stroll under the sparkling lights of over 50 winter and animal characters.
When: Now through January 2 on select dates, 5 - 9 p.m., FREE
Where: 560 Northfield Ave., West Orange
What: Laser Wonderland at LSC
Why: A frosty laser show set to infectious holiday music.
When: Tuesdays through Sundays, 40 minutes, 11:15 a.m. daily with additional 2:15 p.m. & 5:15 p.m. shows on the weekends
Where: Liberty Science Center, Jersey City
Why: A winter wonderland across 250 acres with an expansive model train show, kids activities, live music and more. Check out their Bar Car nights for even more live entertainment and of course, yummy hot beverages!
When: Now through Monday, January 15, Ages 2-12/$18, Adults/$30
Where: Bronx, NY
What: Star Trek: The Starfleet Academy Experience at LSC
Why: Trekkies, step into the shoes of a newly minted cadet in the 26th century at this interactive exhibition.
When: Now through May 28, 2018
Where: Liberty Science Center, Jersey City
What: 42nd Annual Victorian Christmas at Ringwood Manor
Why: Gilded-Age elegance- Holiday Style!
When: Saturdays & Sundays until December 10, 11 a.m. - 5 p.m., Kids/$3, Adults/$8
Where: Ringwood
Why: 2 million lights ready to dazzle you and the kids.
When: Now through Saturday, December 30
Where: Augusta
What: Palisades Center Santa
Why: Check out this authentic looking Santa, and look out for Pet Nights, Breakfast mornings, and more.
When: Now until Christmas Eve, 10 a.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Where: 1000 Palisades Center Dr., West Nyack, NY
Why: For the choo choo obsessed.
When: Now through January 7, Black Friday and weekend hours/1 - 5 p.m., Adults/$6, Kids are FREE
Where: 575 High Mountain Rd., North Haledon
What: Christmas Ice Caverns
Why: Head over to this beloved Christmas stop, an indoor walk-through display with lights, moving characters, music and more.
When: Open daily, $3.99
Where: Jody's Silk Florist and Patio Center, 437 US Highway 46, Fairfield
Why: Ice skate at the iconic skating rink, do some holiday shopping, and eat tasty delights at this open air market.
When: Now through March 4
Where: Between Fifth and Sixth Avenues, 40th and 42nd Streets, NYC
Why: A magical wonderland featuring hundreds of toy trains, figurines, and miniature models.
When: Now through February 25, Ages 5-13/$6, Teens/$13, Adults/$21
Where: New-York Historical Society, 170 Central Park West, NYC
Why: The Island of Sodor comes to Jerz.
When: Now through May 2018
Where: Liberty Science Center
Upcoming:
What: Nunnbetter Dance Theatre's The Nutcracker
Why: A lush performace of the holiday classic.
When: Friday, December 8 (7 p.m.), Saturday, December 9 (2 p.m. & 7 p.m.) & Sunday, December 10 (3 p.m.), Tickets start at $17
Where: Bergen County Academies, Hackensack
Why: A lush performace of the holiday classic.
When: Friday, December 8 (7 p.m.), Saturday, December 9 (2 p.m. & 7 p.m.) & Sunday, December 10 (3 p.m.), Tickets start at $17
Where: Bergen County Academies, Hackensack
What: Kaplen JCC on the Palisades Children’s Cookie Swap
Why: Bake cookies in teams and take home a container full of yumminess. Enjoy dinner too!
When: Saturday, December 9, 7:30 - 9:30 p.m., Grades 2-6, $50, Pre-Registration required
Where: 411 East Clinton Ave, Tenafly
Why: Bake cookies in teams and take home a container full of yumminess. Enjoy dinner too!
When: Saturday, December 9, 7:30 - 9:30 p.m., Grades 2-6, $50, Pre-Registration required
Where: 411 East Clinton Ave, Tenafly
What: Fresh & Fancy Farms Children's Pizza Making Class
Why: All about pizza at this hands-on class for little ones.
When: Tuesday, December 12, 4 -6 p.m., $30, Pre-Registration required
Where: 575 River Rd., New Milford
