9 Bergen Events To Jumpstart The Holidays

Looking for some seasonal fun for the entire family? Check out festivals, music and amazing lights all over Bergen.
2 Bergen Holliday Events

You’ll likely spend the weekend after Thanksgiving recovering from all the turkey—and possibly scoring some great deals. The fun, however, doesn’t stop now: There are plenty of exciting seasonal activities on tap in Bergen County. Check out:

Bergen County’s Winter Wonderland. Bergen’s premier winter event opens the day after Thanksgiving. Head over to Van Saun Park in Paramus and enjoy the outdoor skating rink, ice bumper cars, carousel and seasonal cheers from Nov. 29 until January. Tickets are available online.

Demarest Farm’s Orchard of Lights. Any weekend can be made more special with this seasonal attraction in Hillsdale (which opens Nov. 22). Drive through a dazzling light display set to holiday music, and then swing by the farm store for treats on your way out. Tickets and reservations are required, and available on Demarest Farm’s website.

The Wizard of Oz at the Barrymore Film Center. Experience one the most magical movies ever made on the big screen at the Barrymore Film Center in Fort Lee. The Nov. 29 screening starts at 1:30 p.m., and tickets are available online.

Photos with Santa at Bergen Town Center, Paramus Park, Garden State Plaza, The Shops at Riverside and American Dream. At any one of Bergen County’s malls, you can visit the big man himself, let the kiddo in your life tell him his or her Christmas wishes and get a picture of the perfect holiday memory. Dates and times for photos vary; check individual websites for reservations and more.

Holiday Carolers at Bergen Town Center. On Saturday, Nov. 30, carolers will be entertaining throughout Bergen Town Center in Paramus. Take some time to listen while you shop for holiday gifts or grab a bite to eat. Performances will run from noon until 3 p.m.

Ridgewood’s Winterfest. Enjoy ice sculptures, storytelling and sweet seasonal treats at this annual event in Ridgewood. Let the Ridgewood Guild elves guide you to candy canes and cookies, and snag a picture with Santa while you’re at it. Admission is free, and the fun starts on Nov. 30 at noon.

Fairytale of New York at Bergen Performing Arts Center. The “ultimate Irish-inspired Christmas concert” comes to bergenPAC in Englewood on Nov. 30 for an evening of traditional singalongs, powerful ballads and festive carols. The show begins at 7 p.m., and tickets are available online.

Fantastic Mr. Fox at Williams Center. This cult-favorite children’s film, directed by Wes Anderson and made via stop-motion animation, plays on the big screen at Rutherford’s Williams Center on Nov. 29 and 30. Multiple seatings are available, and tickets can be purchased online.

Let It Glow at the Bergen County Zoo. Another Bergen favorite is back for another year! At the Bergen County Zoo in Paramus, you can see animal-themed holiday lanterns illuminating the night until Jan. 12. Tickets include a festive train ride, and s’more kits are available for purchase for a treat around the firepit. The attraction opens at 4 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Tickets are available online.

Have a favorite destination for holiday fun in Bergen? Tell us all about it on Instagram @bergenmagnj!