12 Bergen Holiday Parades, Menorah Lightings To Watch

Lift your spirits and celebrate the season at these upcoming festivities for all.
Cheryl De Leon,
Christmas Is Here

 

Stepping outside at 4 p.m. to complete darkness doesn’t sound like the “in” thing to do during the most wonderful time of the year—that’s one of the reasons why we’re excited for the plethora of upcoming holiday parades and Christmas tree and menorah lightings in Bergen County. Some towns like Hasbrouck Heights, Rutherford and Wallington have already hosted their annual parades, but there are still more to come.

Below is a sampling of holiday festivities in Bergen County:

Dec. 1

  • Ridgewood: Downtown for the Holidays and Tree Lighting, 6 p.m. The free festivities include marching bands, dancers, live music, touch-a-truck and Santa Claus.

Dec. 2

  • Englewood: Christmas Tree Lighting, 6 p.m. The entire family will enjoy photos with Santa, live performances, magicians and much more in front of City Hall.
  • New Milford: Santa’s Helicopter Landing, 10 a.m. Get into the morning spirit and watch Santa arrive via helicopter at New Milford High School. Gates open at 9:30 a.m.
  • Paramus: Winter Wonderland Tree Lighting, 6 p.m. Enjoy the Christmas tree lighting at Van Saun County Park, then follow up the ceremony with ice skating, carousel rides and more at Winter Wonderland. Admission fees are required.
  • Westwood: Home for the Holidays Parade, 6 p.m. Live music, marching bands, floats and Santa will make their way through downtown before the Christmas tree lighting at Veterans’ Memorial Park.

Dec. 3

  • Mahwah: Holiday Parade, 4:30 p.m. The fire department’s annual parade proceeds from Fire Company 2 to Fire Company 1, where all in attendance can take photos with Santa and enjoy holiday music, food trucks, hot chocolate and more.
  • Fair Lawn: Parade of Lights, 6:30 p.m. Watch a parade of emergency vehicles make their way down Fair Lawn Avenue toward the municipal building, where hot chocolate, candy canes and more will be given out.

Dec. 7

  • Fort Lee: Menorah Lighting, 6 p.m. Celebrate the first day of Hanukkah at the JCC of Fort Lee. The free event includes music, singing, goodie bags and more.
  • River Vale: Graffiti Menorah Lighting, 5:30 p.m. The free community menorah lighting at town hall includes latkes, doughnuts, music, crafts, prizes, a fire truck gelt drop and more. The event is co-hosted by Valley Chabad, which is also co-hosting menorah lightings in other towns.

Dec. 9

  • River Edge: Holiday Lighting, 4 p.m. Head to Memorial Park for the lighting of the Christmas tree and menorah as well as photos with Santa, holiday treats, crafts and more.

Dec. 10

  • Closter: Chanukah at Ruckman Park, 5:30 p.m. All are invited for the lighting of the ice menorah, latkes, live music and much more.

Dec. 13

  • Paramus: Winter Wonderland Menorah Lighting, 6 p.m. Enjoy the menorah lighting at Van Saun County Park, then follow up the ceremony with ice skating, carousel rides and more at Winter Wonderland. Admission fees are required.

Did we miss your town’s upcoming Christmas tree or menorah lighting? Tell us about it on Instagram @bergenmagnj.

 

Categories: Bergen Health & Life