6 Activities To Do In Bergen On Thanksgiving Weekend
Take advantage of the extra time off with your family at these holiday-centric events happening close to home next weekend.
Next Thursday is Thanksgiving, which means a four-day weekend (if you’re lucky enough to have off on Black Friday) is imminent. And while you could use that time off work to lay low, watch some football and recover from America’s biggest food day of the year, you might want to add some fun, family-friendly local activities to the mix too.
We already told you where to enjoy a sit-down Thanksgiving dinner in Bergen County, and shared some Bergen County craft shows where you can kick off your holiday shopping. But here’s a slew of other events in our area happening on Nov. 23–26 that’ll help you take advantage of your much-needed time off. Just click on each link for exact timing and ticket admission prices for the event you’re interested in.
Get in the holiday spirit at Van Saun Park. The Paramus mainstay is hosting two events this holiday season—the Let It Glow holiday lantern spectacular at the Bergen County Zoo, and Winter Wonderland at the park proper (the latter officially opens for the season on Black Friday, Nov. 24). Tickets for Let It Glow include a walk through the zoo in the evening as the lights are aglow, as well as a ride on the train. Winter Wonderland admission varies by attraction, depending on whether you want the ice bumper cars, ice skating, pics with Santa or to play the winter-themed games.
Enjoy a date night with your partner in Upper Saddle River. If you’ve had too much time with the extended family on Turkey Day, take a breather with your significant other at the Scavenger Hunt for Couples Date Night in Upper Saddle River on Friday, Nov. 24, Sat. Nov. 25 or Sun. Nov 26. The love-building, digital challenges will bring you both around town—and bring you two closer together. The hunt begins at 245 Lake St. near Elmer’s Deli at 10 a.m.
View handmade holiday décor in Rutherford. Hosted by the borough of Rutherford’s Kip Center, this annual Festival of Wreaths and Trees features a display of, well, wreaths and trees designed by local craftsman and non-profit organizations. The holiday open house where you can view the exhibit is held on Saturday, Nov. 25 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and features an appearance from Santa as well.
Buy homemade gifts in Paramus. More than 125 vendors will sell their homemade arts and crafts, photographs and other unique and gift-worthy items at Paramus High School’s Thanksgiving Craft Show. The sale is going down on Saturday, Nov. 25 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $3 and will benefit Paramus Project Graduation.
Kick off the winter season in Ridgewood. The Ridgewood Guild hosts their annual Winterfest, a fun outdoor event held in the heart of town at Van Neste Square. This free event on Saturday, Nov. 25 beginning at noon features free hot chocolate and candy, music, ice sculptures, rides, storytime with elves and picture ops with Santa.
Watch football with a crowd in Paramus. Whether you follow the NFL or only know that football is happening right now because of that guy Taylor Swift is dating, you’ll enjoy watching the post-Thanksgiving games with new friends and neighbors during a watch party at Miller’s Ale House in Paramus. Stop by any time between noon and 7 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 26 to get in on the fun—the group will be gathered by the high-top tables near all the TVs. Of course, food and drink will be served!
What’s on your Thanksgiving weekend agenda? Any cool events we missed? Tell us on Instagram @bergenmagnj.
