15 Events That’ll Make Spirits Brights

This festive weekend features a merry mix of movies, markets and family-fun events.

As the holiday season is well underway, this weekend offers you a chance to squeeze in more fun with family and friends. From festive movies and magical theater performances to holiday markets, wintery walks and kid-approved adventures, there’s plenty happening in Bergen County to keep the whole family smiling.

Bundle up, grab a hot chocolate and get ready to make the most of this merry, memory-making weekend at these events:

Dec. 19

• Want to make your own lantern? Stop by the Thielke Arboretum in Glen Rock for an advanced winter lantern making class from 6 to 8 p.m. The session will guide participants to create usable lanterns; styles will be complicated, so the class is best suited for older children and adults. All materials are included with registration, but donations of extra mason jars will be appreciated. Sign up online.
• Santa Claus is coming to Mahwah, and he’ll be making his annual visit to the Mahwah Museum at 7 p.m. As he visits the museum’s model railroad, the big guy will be available to take photos with kids and families. The museum is open from 6 to 8 p.m.
• The entire family can enjoy a night out with Grand Kyiv Ballet’s Snow White, scheduled for 7 p.m. at Bergen Performing Arts Center in Englewood. The performance will be filled with dance, fairy tale good humor and acting, bright costumes, decorations and a beautiful love story. Get your tickets online.

Dec. 20

• Relive the magic of The Polar Express at Barrymore Film Center in Fort Lee. The 2004 film will be screened at 10 a.m., giving audiences the chance to watch the story of a young boy on a magical adventure to the North Pole aboard the Polar Express. Tickets are available online.
• White-throated sparrows, dark-eyed juncos, black-capped chickadees—how many can you spot? Join the Bergen County Audubon Society and Teaneck Creek Conservancy for the annual BCAS Christmas Bird Count. Head to the conservancy at 10 a.m. and join birders of all ages and skills as they identify the various species. The free program is held rain, snow or shine, so appropriate dress is required.
• Have fun while giving back to the community at Sportime Pickleball’s Holiday Food Drive Tournament in Englewood. Participants can bring canned goods that will be donated to local food pantries, and then enjoy a friendly tournament starting at 1 p.m. Winners in each division will be awarded Joola Paddles. Tournaments will be held for levels 3.0–3.5 and 3.5–4.0. Register online.
• Celebrate the shortest day of the year during a Winter Solstice gathering at Lorrimer Sanctuary in Franklin Lakes. Stop by between 3:30 and 5 p.m. for a bonfire, meditation sessions and more. The program is suited for families with children ages 4 and older. Sign up online.
• Bring the kids to a Children’s Christmas Party at Grace Community Chapel in Teaneck. From 5 to 8 p.m., attendees can enjoy snack making and food, arts and crafts, games and activities, live music and performances and more. Reserve your free tickets online.
• All are invited to celebrate the Festival of Lights at Bergen County Winter Wonderland’s menorah lighting, set for 7 p.m. at Van Saun Park. Stick around afterward for refreshments, outdoor skating, music and more.
• Enjoy a Kwanzaa Family Festival & Marketplace from 1 to 7:30 p.m. at New Jersey Performing Arts Center in nearby Newark. The event features dozens of vendors, games, activities, arts and crafts, live stage performances and demonstrations and much more.

Dec. 21

• Kids and adults alike can enjoy Breakfast with Santa from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Maywood’s Twin Door Tavern. Join others for a full meal with pancakes, eggs, bacon, bagels, beverages (a complimentary mimosa or beer for the adults) and more. Visit Twin Door’s website for reservation details.
• Brunch with Santa returns to the Mason Jar in Mahwah. Swing by with the entire family from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. for a full brunch with all the trimmings. Visit Mason Jar’s website for more details and reservation information.
• Bundle up and head to the Tenafly Nature Center for a Winter Solstice Campfire and Night Hike. The program, which takes place from 5 to 7 p.m., includes a campfire, toasty s’mores and a fun hike through the woods. Register online.
• Is it even the holidays if you haven’t watched It’s A Wonderful Life? The Barrymore Film Center in Fort Lee is screening the classic James Stewart film at 7 p.m. Visit the center’s website for tickets.
• The legendary Darlene Love returns to bergenPAC in Englewood at 7 p.m. for her Love for the Holidays concert. Love performs a number of special Christmas shows every year and continues to enchant her fans with the Christmas spirit. Tickets are available online.

Do you have fun holiday plans? Share your favorite photos with us on Instagram @bergenmagnj.