17 Events To Start The Holiday Season

Family fun abounds in Bergen this weekend, from ballet and boutiques to films and photos with Santa.

Bundle up, Bergen—December’s first weekend is here, and it’s bringing all the cozy cheer! From twinkling lights to festive bites, our corner of New Jersey is buzzing with ways to celebrate.

You can catch the spirit by starting at any of our county’s malls. Santa is ready to take photos with you and your crew at American Dream in East Rutherford, The Shops at Riverside in Hackensack and Paramus’ Bergen Town Center, Garden State Plaza and Paramus Park.

More ways to have fun? Whether you’re chasing holiday magic or just looking for a great way to spend time with family and friends, we’ve rounded up some of the best local happenings to kick off the season.

Dec. 5

• For a holiday laughs, catch River Dell High School’s screening of Elf, starring Will Ferrell. Doors open at 6 p.m., and the movie starts at 7 p.m. Tickets are $5, and cash concession stands will include popcorn, hot chocolate and cookie decorating and craft stations. Proceeds will benefit the Class of 2029 and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Dec. 5–7

• Bergen County’s Winter Wonderland is back at Van Saun Park in Paramus. Bring the entire family and enjoy outdoor skating, ice bumper cars, games, live music and food trucks as well as a beer and wine garden. General admission is $10, and kids under age 3 are free. Skating tickets and rentals must be purchased separately. Find more details and reserve tickets online. Can’t make it this weekend? Don’t worry: Winter Wonderland will be open through Jan. 4.
• Celebrate the season at Hackensack Performing Arts Center, which is staging The Christmas Caper. The show tells the story of Mrs. Claus and Santa’s elves as they race against time to save Christmas. Shows are at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, 2 and 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, and 3 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets are available online.

Dec. 6

• You don’t have to brave crowds at our malls to see Santa. Head to Abma’s Farm in Wyckoff from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. to take photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus—and don’t forget to give him your wish list! S’mores kits will also be available to make around the fire. Purchase tickets online. P.S.: You can sign up for a wreath-making workshop at 10:30 a.m.—just buy a separate ticket for the event on Abma’s website.
• Participate in a Dutch Christmas, happening at Garretson Forge & Farm in Fair Lawn from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The homestead will be decorated in Victorian style and will include a visit from Sinterklaas, a bake sale, a wreath sale and handcrafted gifts for purchase. Admission is free, but donations are welcome.
• Support local vendors at the Holiday Craft Boutique, taking place at Oakland’s Valley Middle School from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The annual event will include more than 100 vendors, face painting, raffles, hot chocolate, food and refreshments. Admission is free.
• See the historic Zabriskie House in Wyckoff up close and decorated for the holidays. The open house will feature blazing fireplaces, festive music and more. Stop by for the free event from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Make your own holiday décor during a Wreath-Making Workshop at Lorrimer Sanctuary in Franklin Lakes. The program, suited for teens and adults, will guide participants as they create a wreath using evergreens, leaves, pinecones and other items found in nature. Sessions take place from 10 to 11:30 a.m. and from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Register now online.
• While you check out the latest holiday décor, kids can take photos with Santa at Fortunoff Backyard Store in Paramus. Santa and his elves will be on site from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. for free photos with kids and pets.
• The weather might not be frightful (yet), but the movies at the Northeast Film Festival Horror Fest have quite the scares. Starting at 11 a.m., Teaneck Cinemas in Teaneck will screen an array of independent shorts and features from the horror and thriller genres. After the films, awards will be presented during a 9:45 p.m. ceremony. Check out the festival’s website for the complete film lineup and more details.
• Shop, eat, drink and take in the festive lights at Fort Lee’s Holiday Night Market. From 4 to 9 p.m., Fort Lee Commons will be filled with vendors selling fashion, accessories, jewelry, beauty products, photography, fine art, home goods, toys and more.

Dec. 6–7

• Looking for a unique gift? Check out the Christmas Market at Bookends in Ridgewood. From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day, the shop will feature local crafters and artisans, who’ll be showing off their handmade gifts.
• Stop by the Bergen Performing Arts Center in Englewood for New Jersey Ballet’s The Nutcracker. All audiences will enjoy the dancing, special effects and magic set to Tchaikovsky’s iconic score. Shows are at 1 and 4:30 p.m. each day, and tickets can be purchased online.

Dec. 7

• The annual Holiday Flea Market and Gift Fair returns to Bergenfield High School from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. About 75 exhibitors will offer new and vintage items such as handbags, sports memorabilia, jewelry, clothing and more.
• Kick off the holidays with a good run: The Holiday Hustle 5K at Overpeck Park in Ridgefield Park has a fast and flat course where participants can walk, run or prance like a reindeer (holiday costumes and ugly sweaters are welcome!). Cocoa, cookies and holiday vibes await everyone at the finish line. The race starts at 9:30 a.m. Register online today!
• Find something for everyone on your list at Temple Emeth’s holiday bazaar in Teaneck. Vendors will be selling everything from clothing and jewelry to toys and housewares. The sale takes place from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Early birds will be admitted at 9:30 a.m. for a $15 donation.
• Want to add a little magic to your holiday photos this year? Head to the Bergen Equestrian Center in Leonia from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. for Holiday Photos with Horses. Each 15-minute session with one of the facility’s horses is $35 and will be shot by a professional photographer. Proceeds benefit A Stable Life.

Share your favorite holiday photos with us on Instagram @bergenmagnj.