5 Ways To Kick Off The Holiday Season In Bergen

Bergen County is already moving full steam ahead into the holiday season. Here’s a few ways to get in the spirit.

If you’re one of the people who complains that the media, the drug stores and your neighbors start preparing for Christmas the minute Halloween is over, perhaps this article isn’t for you. But for the rest of us who are thrilled that Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa are only a few weeks away, we’ve rounded up a few ways to kick off the holiday season in Bergen County.

Yes, we know we’re not even halfway into November, that Thanksgiving hasn’t even happened yet, and that sure, it was 75 degrees on Monday. But the most wonderful time of the year is imminent, folks. And we’re kicking off the beginning of the end of ’22 with these festive local happenings that are sure to get even the Grinch into the holiday mood:

• Let It Glow: A Holiday Lantern Spectacular didn’t open last year until after Thanksgiving, but the popular light show at the Bergen County Zoo located within Van Saun Park in Paramus kicked off the ‘22 season yesterday, Nov. 10. Open most Thursdays-Sunday nights from 4 to 9 p.m. until Jan. 15, this walk-through spectacle at the zoo features larger-than-life lanterns, light-up animals and more. Admission: $9 for kids 3-17, $18 for adults. Kids under two are free.
• Take Photos with Santa in Paramus, as the jolly ol’ guy is coming to our hood for family photos against a festive winter backdrop at Westfield Garden State Plaza starting today, Nov. 11. Santa is there every day (except Sunday) from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Admission is the cost of a photo package, which range in price from $39.99 to $49.99. Santa is also around for photo ops at Paramus Park beginning Friday, Nov. 18.
• Celebrate the season with Santa’s Arrival and Tree Lighting at Bergen Town Center in Paramus on Friday, Nov. 18. A caroling quartet will kick things off at 4 p.m. followed by Santa’s arrival at 5 p.m. When you book online (which is encouraged), you’ll receive a free phone call from Santa.
• Orchard of Lights at Demarest Farms in Hillsdale starts this year on the Tuesday before Thanksgiving, perfect for when the host of your feast needs a respite from the kitchen. The drive-through exhibit is open almost every day until Jan. 9 (except for Thanksgiving Eve, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve and Christmas day). Times and schedules vary by day, so check the Orchard of Lights website before you buy your tickets, which, by the way, must be purchased online in advance.  Admission: $35 per car.
• American Dream in East Rutherford has extended their hours for select days throughout the season (including Black Friday and Christmas Eve), so you can get in as much shopping as possible. Check out American Dream’s holiday schedule HERE.

 How will you be kicking off the holiday season in Bergen? Tell us on Instagram @bergenmagnj!