Sponsored Post: You’d better watch out. You’d better not cry. You’d better not pout, we’re telling you why. Santa Claus is coming to town! That’s right, on Friday November 18th, from 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm, the iconic 50-foot Big Santa will return to his spot outside Westfield Garden State Plaza to kick off the 2022 Holiday Season. We rounded up the best things to do in Bergen County and beyond on our weekend PLAYlist!
Events Not to Miss:
Why: Explore animal-inspired lights with new displays for 2022.
When: Opens Thursday November 10-Sunday January 15, Thursdays and Sundays 4-8 pm, Fridays and Saturdays 4-9 pm
Where: The Bergen County Zoo, 216 Forest Ave., Paramus
What: Photos With Santa
Why: Bring your best holiday smiles with happy pics with Santa Claus.
When: Friday November 11-Saturday December 24, 11 am-7 pm
Where: Westfield Garden State Plaza, One Garden State Plaza, Paramus
What: Open Cockpit Day
Why: Hop into the pilot's seat of a number of aircraft and pretend to take flight.
When: Saturday November 12, 10:30 am-4 pm
Where: The New Jersey Aviation Hall of Fame, 400 Fred Wehran Dr., Teterboro
Why: Join author Tim Miller as he reads his latest book, Izzy Pants.
When: Saturday November 12, 11 am-12 pm
Where: The Curious Reader, 229 Rock Rd., Glen Rock
Why: Have a fairy good time exploring the fairy trail and building a mini house to take home.
When: Saturday November 12, 12-1:30 pm
Where: Tenafly Nature Center, 313 Hudson Ave., Tenafly
What: Birdwatching Walk
Why: Bring a camera to capture beautiful winter birds.
When: Sunday November 13, 10 am
Where: Demarest Nature Center, Wakelee Field Playground, 92 Madison Ave., Demarest
Why: Kids decorate their treats, and enjoy bubbles and stories.
When: Sunday November 13, 10-11 am
Where: The Village Edgewater, 250 Old River Rd., Edgewater
What: Santa Paws
Why: Bring your pup for pics with Santa.
When: Mondays starting November 14-December 19, 4-7 pm
Where: Westfield Garden State Plaza, One Garden State Plaza, Paramus
If you're heading out of Bergen:
Why: Dazzle the eye and boggle the mind with this show of illusions.
When: Friday November 11, 7:30 pm, Saturday November 12, 2 pm and 7:30 pm
Where: Mayo Performing Arts Center, 100 South Street, Morristown
Why: Sample delish vegan products, enjoy classes, and live music.
When: Saturday November 12-Sunday November 13, 11 am-5 pm
Where: Meadowlands Exposition Center, 355 Plaza Dr., Secaucus
What: Holiday Train Show
Why: Chug on over for a model train display featuring countryside scenes.
When: Weekends starting Saturday November 12-Sunday December 4, 10 am-4 pm
Where: Greenburgh Nature Center, 99 Dromore Rd., Scarsdale
What: The Chocolate Expo
Why: Indulge for the day with chocolate treats, classes, and other super sweet fun.
When: Sunday November 13, 10 am-6 pm
Where: New Jersey Convention and Expo Center, 97 Sunfield Ave., Edison
What: Autumn Dance Celebration
Why: American Indian Culture is celebrated through music, dance, food and crafts.
When: Sunday November 13, 11 am-4 pm
Where: Queens County Farm Museum, 73-50 Little Neck Parkway, Queens
What: The Polar Express
Why: Climb aboard for this once-in-a-lifetime train ride from the iconic story.
When: Now through Friday December 30, check schedule for available times
Where: Whippany Station, Whippany
Why: King Tut comes to life as you explore the tomb and discover hidden facts.
When: Now through Sunday January 1, 10 am-8 pm weekdays, 9 pm weekends
Where: Pier 36, 299 South St., NYC
Why: Celebrate the season with this illuminating display of playful light installations.
When: Now through Sunday January 8, check schedule for time
Where: 1899 Park Blvd. East Meadow, NY
Upcoming Events:
Why: GSP lights up Santa with holiday music, food trucks, performances and much more.
When: Friday November 18, 5:30-7:30 pm
Where: Westfield Garden State Plaza, One Garden State Plaza, Paramus
