If you don't have an upcoming vacation for winter break that you're counting down to, we're here to break the news: It's 1.5 weeks away, so the time to plan starts now. Whether you want a staycation filled with activities for the whole family, need the kids to be entertained while you work, or want an adults-only night out, you're in luck because Bergen County is bursting with ideas.
Don't let your holiday week plans be a bust. We found family fun, school's out camps for kids, and new restaurant openings to make every day a blast. But with so many people looking for things to do, make sure you make your arrangements ASAP.
Holiday Week Family Fun
Ice Skating Whether you're a beginner teaching the littlest kids how to balance or an old skating pro, there are plenty of spots to hone your skills. Book a time and visit the rink at Bergen County's Winter Wonderland for ice skating and ice bumper cars. Or, venture out of the area just a bit to Bear Mountain Ice Rink, which has public skating sessions (and a beautiful view) throughout the holiday week. If the city is calling your name, Winter Village at Bryant Park also has ice skating a bumper cars, and you can rent a cozy igloo after to enjoy drinks and eats when you're fully tired.
Tubing and Skiing Novice and experienced skiers and tubers can hit the slopes (and the hills) over the break, and you don't have to travel too far. In Bergen County, you can get the best of both worlds at Campgaw, which has tubing and family-friendly slopes, plus lessons for the littles if they need them. Just a short drive away and perfect for a day trip, head to Shawnee Mountain in the Poconos, which has a mini monster mountain for kids under 8 plus 23 trails for all levels, or try tubing and skiing at Mount Peter in Warwick, which offers a free ski and snowboard school for beginners.
Winter Hiking Take a hike, literally. Bergen County's Lamont Reserve holds a ton of history along the 134 wooded acres, and trails range from an easy walk around Sneden Ice Pond to a difficult climb on Lamont Rock. Tenafly Nature Center is another local hidden gem where you and your crew can explore the trails and search for wildlife. In Mahwah, visit Ramapo Valley County Reservation, where crowds are smaller in the winter and pets are welcome, too.
Indoor Fun If cold weather isn't for you, stay warm inside and check out American Dream's massive lineup of attractions like Nickelodon Universe, DreamWorks Water Park, Legoland, Angry Birds Mini Golf, and so much more. You can also ski and skate at Big Snow and The Rink if you prefer those activities without the winter wind.
Holiday Lights In case you missed our holiday lights must-visit spots, the good news is they're still happening throughout the week. It's another easy way to keep cozy in your car. Stay local and visit Demarest Farms' Orchard of Lights or venture out a bit and check out the Skyland Stadium Light Show, which ends with a Christmas village filled with fun. Find even more options not to miss during the holiday season HERE.
School's Out Camps
HealthBarn USA The Holiday Break Camp at HealthBarn USA runs from December 27-29, and lets kids explore nature both in and out of the kitchen. They'll have a chance to take small hikes, learn about healthy cooking, make crafts, and so much more during the mini or full-day sessions. Camps are geared toward ages 4 to 13, and kids who want to learn more about everything from cooking to composting.
Tenafly Nature Center Another nature-based holiday camp is at TNC, where kids in grades pre-K through 6th grade take a walk along the trails and learn about the environment. Camps are designed in two groups depending on age, and this year, and campers will spend most of their time outdoors (and more importantly, away from a screen).
Northern Valley Sports Academy At NVSA, sports-focused kids will experience active fun from December 26-29. You can choose as many days as you like, with full and half days available. Kids ages 4 to 12 will get to play on the turf field, hit the basketball cout, and have fun in the game and art rooms. Plus, there are special event and activities each day, so no two days are exactly the same.
One River School If you have an art ethusiast at home, let them explore their creative side during winter week. One River in Allendale and Englewood are offering camps during the break for budding artists, including Digital Animal Selfies, Animated Snowglobes, Learn to Sculpt, One Painting a Day, and more for kindergarten through 12th grade. Classes run from December 26-29.
Superdome Sports This mega-space, with locations in Waldwick and Fair Lawn, offers both soccer-specific holiday camps and an all sports camp where kids in kindergarten through 8th grade can get a taste of flag football, wiffle ball, kickball, field hockey, and more, along with fun games and activities like dodgeball, obstacle courses, and arts & crafts. Choose from a full or half day during the week.
Code Ninjas Gamers can develop their interests while learning to code at one of Code Ninja's Bergen County locations offering winter break camps. Saddle Brook, and Midland Park winter break theme camps include Code Your Own Arcade, Minecraft, and Code Breakers, so your child can learn while they play.
New Restaurant Openings
Fantastic Foods & Flavors Recently opened in Norwood, Fantastic Foods & Flavors is an all-in-one place to embrace your love and appreciation of good food. It offers live culinary stations, imported retail goods from France, Italy, Lebanon, and Spain, plus a cafe and lounge to enjoy all of its offering on the spot. Think: flavorful paella, sweet Nutella and banana crepes, fresh homemade pasta, and so much more. Eat it there, take it to go, and enjoy the food adventure when you're unable to travel abroad.
Allendale Social As if you needed an excuse to enjoy an adult night out, Allendale Social is it. The restaurant and bar has a delicious menu featuring dishes like tuna tartare, pumpkin risotto, lobster thermidor and small plates to share, plus an equally impressive drink menu with specialty house cocktails and a highly curated wine list. Come for the food and drinks, stay for the laidback vibe, and enjoy a much-deserved night out.
1950 Originals If you do have the kids in tow, head over to Westwood for 1950 Originals hamburgers and hot dogs. Not your ordinary dogs, these innovative options include a candy bacon peanut butter dog (you know, if you need something light) and a hot honey pimento cheese dog, plus toppings like potato stix, chili sauce, and spicy onions. There's also your standard options, plus a new dog of the month every month for when you're feeling adventurous.
Country MKT Diner Opening soon in Closter is Country MKT Diner, where you can enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner, plus fresh juices and smoothies to start your day off right. This isn't going to be your standard diner fare though. Expect farm-to-table dishes with locally-sourced ingredients, seasonal options, and unique takes on classic menu options like burgers and eggs. Think: your Jersey diner, but make it modern.
