Ultimate Guide to Bergen County Area Holiday Events

November 19, 2025

The ultimate guide to Bergen County 2025 holiday events!

If you’re looking for information about things to do in the Bergen County, New Jersey area this holiday season, you’ve come to the right place. Mybergen.com is the ultimate online resource for holiday events happening in the Bergen County area!

In this regularly updated feature, you’ll find events that reflect the wide variety of things to do and places to go in the Bergen County area this holiday season.

Featured Bergen County Holiday Events You Should Know About!

The following list features the latest mybergen.com recommended holiday events for the 2025 season, all selected from the mybergen.com Events Calendar. You’ll find hundreds of additional events, updated daily, on the mybergen.com Events Calendar!

Let it Glow! Holiday Lantern Spectacular: November 6-January 11

Don’t miss this must-see, one-of-a-kind Bergen County holiday tradition at the Bergen County Zoo! Stroll through the zoo after dark and enjoy more than 30 dazzling, larger-than-life animal-themed lantern displays that transform the zoo into a glowing wonderland.

Your ticket includes a festive train ride through the illuminated displays, offering a whole new view of the zoo. For more cozy fun, fire pits will be set up throughout the zoo grounds, and s’mores kits are available for purchase in the zoo’s gift shop.

Let It Glow! runs on Thursdays and Sundays from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm, and Fridays and Saturdays from 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm, November 6, 2025-January 11, 2026.

Find more information and purchase tickets here. The Bergen County Zoo is located at 216 Forest Avenue in Paramus, New Jersey.

Orchard of Lights at Demarest Farms: November 22-December 30

Celebrate the season at Demarest Farms in Hillsdale with its annual Orchard of Lights. Drive through 32 acres of stunning light displays, then stop by the farm market to warm up by the fire pit and enjoy hot cocoa and seasonal treats.

Visitors can take pictures with Santa, make their own s’mores, and even listen to Santa’s singing reindeer. The Orchard of Lights is a fun, family-friendly way to enjoy the holidays close to home.

Online registration for Orchard of Lights is required. Click here to find more information and make a reservation. Demarest Farms is located at 244 Wierimus Road in Hillsdale, New Jersey.

Santa Visits at Down to Earth Living: November 28-December 21

Make some holiday memories with your family and loved ones at Down to Earth Living in Pomona, a favorite destination for holiday decorations and warm holiday good cheer. Whether you are looking for unique one-of-a-kind ornaments, beautiful holiday displays for your mantle or holiday table, or that perfect Christmas tree, visit Down to Earth Living and create the Christmas of your dreams.

Santa will be making several special stops at Down to Earth Living this holiday season, and you’re invited to visit, snap a photo, and share a few wishes with the man in red himself. It’s the perfect way to add a little extra fun to your holiday outing while exploring Down to Earth’s beautifully decorated showroom filled with festive trees, lights, and holiday décor.

Santa will be visiting Down to Earth Living on November 28 and November 29 from 2:00 pm-4:00 pm, and on December 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, and 21 from 2:00 pm-4:00 pm. Down to Earth Living is located a quick and easy trip from Routes 9W, 17, the Palisades Interstate Parkway, and the Garden State Parkway at 1040 Route 45, Pomona, New York.

Bergen County Winter Wonderland: November 28-January 4

Get ready Bergen County! Winter Wonderland is back at Van Saun Park in Paramus beginning Friday, November 28, and running through Sunday, January 4. This amazing event features open-air ice skating, ice bumper cars, a heated hospitality tent, food trucks, a beer and wine garden, carousel and train rides, menorah, kinara, and tree lighting ceremonies, live music, a crafts market village, visits from Santa and Mrs. Claus, plenty of holiday fun, and more!

Winter Wonderland takes place at Van Saun Park, 216 Forest Avenue in Paramus, New Jersey. Read more about Winter Wonderland on mybergen.com.

Christmas Party at Abma’s Farm: December 4, 5, 11, and 12

Abma’s Farm invites you to enjoy a Festive Light Up Hayride and Christmas Party, featuring a ride through the farm, a cup of hot cocoa, and homemade gingerbread cookies. The evening includes the lighting of a 16-foot hay bale tree with Santa and Mrs. Claus, photo opportunities, a special take-home gift, and more.

The event lasts about 45 minutes, and tickets are limited. There are various time slots to choose from on December 4, 5, 11, and 12. Find more information and purchase tickets here.

Wreath Making Workshops at Lorrimer Sanctuary in Franklin Lakes: Saturday December 4, 6, 11 and 13

Lorrimer Sanctuary will host hands-on holiday wreath-making workshops that guides participants through creating their own wreath using local evergreens. In the process you’ll learn to identify common evergreen trees by their leaves and cones and understand the local ecology of NJ coniferous trees.

Workshops take place on December 4 and December 11, from 6:30 pm-8:00 pm, and on December 6 and December 13, from 2:00 pm-3:30 pm.

The workshop is best suited to teens and adults. Participants will leave with a finished wreath to take home. Find more information and register here. Lorrimer Sanctuary is located at 790 Ewing Avenue in Franklin Lakes, New Jersey.

The Christmas Caper at Hackensack Performing Arts Center: December 5-December 13

The Christmas Caper returns to the Hackensack Performing Arts Center for another year of family-friendly holiday entertainment.

The show follows Mrs. Claus, Jingles, Holly, Sparky, and Santa’s elves as they work together to save Christmas. With a mix of humor, teamwork, and festive moments, it’s an outing the whole family will enjoy.

A Sensory-Friendly Performance will be held on December 11, designed for guests with sensory sensitivities, autism, or other learning, social, or cognitive differences. This performance will include softer lighting and sound, along with access to a quiet space in the Gallery.

The Christmas Caper runs from December 5-December 13 at the Hackensack Performing Arts Center, 102 State Street in Hackensack, New Jersey. Find more information including showtimes and purchase tickets here.

Breakfast with Santa at Fresh & Fancy Farms in New Milford: December 6-December 21

This holiday season, don’t miss Breakfast with Santa on the Farm, a family-friendly event that combines great food and holiday fun at Fresh & Fancy Farms in New Milford.

Enjoy a delicious breakfast featuring farm-fresh pancakes with brown sugar butter, sausage, seasonal fruit, juice, coffee, and tea. Each child will receive crayons, a coloring book, and a gift from Santa. The breakfast lasts one hour. After breakfast, families can take photos with Santa and, weather permitting, enjoy s’mores and hot chocolate around the fire.

This event takes place on Saturdays and Sundays, at 10:00 am and 12:00 pm, December 6-December 21. This is a ticketed event, and a ticket is required for every adult and child. This event sells out quickly, so get your tickets soon. Find more information and purchase tickets here. Fresh & Fancy Farm is located at 575 River Road in New Milford, New Jersey.

Christmas Craft Workshop at Stew Leonard’s in Paramus: Wednesday, December 10, 5:00 pm-6:00 pm

Christmas Craft Workshop at Stew Leonard's in Paramus. Get details on mybergen.com.

Stew Leonard’s in Paramus is hosting a holiday craft night designed for kids ages 4 and up. Children will paint and decorate their own mini light-up holiday village house, with all materials provided. Light refreshments will be served.

Find more information and purchase tickets here. Stew Leonard’s is located at 700 Paramus Park in Paramus, New Jersey.

New Jersey Wind Symphony Presents Home for the Holidays: Friday December 12

The New Jersey Wind Symphony will present Home for the Holidays on Friday, December 12, at West Side Presbyterian Church in Ridgewood. The concert begins at 8:00 pm, following a 7:30 pm prelude performance by the Suffern Middle School Band, directed by Natalie McCarter.

This year’s program includes classical works and holiday favorites performed by the New Jersey Wind Symphony alongside special guests, the New York Staff Band of the Salvation Army. The event offers a mix of traditional and symphonic holiday music for all ages.

Find more information and purchase tickets. West Side Presbyterian Church is located at 6 South Monroe Street in Ridgewood, New Jersey.

Jersey Nutcracker at NJPAC: December 12 and December 13

Nimbus Dance brings a fresh take on a holiday classic with The Jersey Nutcracker, a jazzy reimagined version of Tchaikovsky’s ballet. This production at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center follows the journey of two Jersey kids as they step into a city adventure filled with magic, battles with bullies and rats, stories of friendship and exquisite dancing.

Performances take place on Friday, December 12, at 7:00 pm, and on Saturday, December 13, at 2:00 pm and 7:00 pm. Find more information and purchase tickets. The New Jersey Performing Arts Center is located at 1 Center Street in Newark, New Jersey.

**Holiday Candlelight Tours – The Guilded Age at the Hermitage in Ho-Ho-Kus: December 12, 14, 19, and 21**

Candlelight Tours return to the Hermitage this holiday season. Walk through the historic rooms of the Hermitage Museum, each decorated with its own theme inspired by the elegance and creative spirit of the Gilded Age, showcasing holiday traditions and style from a bygone era.

Tours take place on December 12, 14, 19, and 21 with various time slots available. Find more information and purchase tickets. The Hermitage is located at 335 N. Franklin Turnpike in Ho-Ho-Kus, New Jersey.

9th Annual Cookie Walk: Saturday, December 13, at 10:00 am

Grace Church in Wyckoff will hold its annual Christmas Cookie Walk on Saturday, December 13, from 10:00 am to noon. Visitors can choose from a wide selection of homemade cookies and fill a box with their favorites for $13 per pound. The event is first come, first served, and runs until the cookies sell out.

Grace Church is located at 555 Russell Avenue in Wyckoff, New Jersey. Find more information here.

Sensory Santa Event at JDK Social Station: Saturday, December 13, 10:00 am-12:00 pm

JDK Social Station invites families to a special Sensory Santa experience designed for children of all ages. This calm and welcoming event gives kids the chance to meet Santa in a relaxed environment.

Families are welcome to take their own photos with Santa, and each child can decorate a festive picture frame to bring home as a keepsake. It’s a warm, inclusive way to celebrate the season while ensuring that every child can enjoy the magic of Santa at their own pace.

The Sensory Santa event takes place at JDK Social Station, 780 Post Place in Secaucus, New Jersey. The cost is $5 per child at the door. Find more information and register here.

Santa Saturday in Fort Lee: Saturday, December 13, 12:00 pm-3:00pm

Bring the whole family for an afternoon of holiday fun! Have your photo taken with Santa and listen to carolers singing classic holiday songs, while enjoying hot cocoa, cookies, and candy canes. The best part? It’s absolutely free!

Santa Saturday takes place on Saturday, December 13, at Fort Lee Commons, 229 Main Street in Fort Lee, New Jersey. Find more information here.

Colonial Christmas Concerts at Historic New Bridge Landing: December 13 and December 14

Enjoy an evening of music and history at the 42nd Annual Holiday Concerts at Historic New Bridge Landing. The performances take place inside the Historic Steuben House and feature Linda Russell & Companie, known for their traditional colonial-era music.

Performance Schedule:

Saturday, December 13, 5:00 pm-6:30 pm
Saturday, December 13, 6:45 pm-7:50 pm
Sunday, December 14, 3:00 pm-4:10 pm
Sunday, December 14, 4:45 pm-6:00 pm

Many visitors make this concert part of their yearly holiday tradition, gathering with family and friends to celebrate the season in this historic setting. Before or after the show, stop by the Black Horse Tavern in the nearby Campbell-Christie House for light tavern fare. No reservations are needed for the tavern, but concert reservations are required. Find more information and purchase tickets.

Historic New Bridge Landing is located at 1209 Main Street in River Edge, New Jersey.

It’s A Wonderful Life Mash-Up: December 13, 14, and 20

The Bergen County Players will bring a fresh take on a holiday classic with a special “mash-up” production that combines Philip Van Doren Stern’s original It’s a Wonderful Life with the Lux Radio Theatre adaptation. This staged version captures all the warmth, heart, and timeless message of love and redemption that make the story a seasonal favorite.

Performances take place on Saturday, December 13, Sunday, December 14, and Saturday, December 20, at 7:30 pm at the Little Firehouse Theatre, 298 Kinderkamack Road in Oradell, New Jersey. Find more information and purchase tickets here.

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer at Wyckoff YMCA: December 13 and December 14, 2:00 pm-3:00 pm

Join all of your favorite characters, including Santa and Mrs. Claus, Hermey the Elf, Bumble the Abominable Snow Monster, Clarice, Yukon Cornelius and, of course, Rudolph, for a holiday adventure. The story reminds us that what makes you different can be what makes you special.

Find more information and purchase tickets here. The Wyckoff YMCA is located at 691 Wyckoff Avenue in Wyckoff, New Jersey.

A Christmas Carol at Bergen Performing Arts Center: Sunday, December 14, at 1:00 pm and 5:00 pm

The Bergen Performing Arts Center will present Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol with a lively new adaptation featuring first class professional actors, gorgeous costumes, stunning sets, puppetry, and more than two dozen classic Christmas carols. It’s a timeless story of transformation and holiday spirit that continues to entertain audiences of all ages.

Performances take place on Sunday, December 14, at 1:00 pm and 5:00 pm. Find more information and purchase tickets. The Bergen Performing Arts Center is located at 30 N. Van Brunt Street in Englewood, New Jersey.

Tenafly Holiday Fair: Sunday, December 14, 12:00 pm-5:00pm

The Tenafly Chamber of Commerce and the Borough of Tenafly will host the annual Tenafly Holiday Fair on Sunday December 14 from 12:00 pm-5:00 pm at Huyler Park in Tenafly, New Jersey. The event brings together more than 60 local vendors with holiday gifts including fashion, accessories, jewelry, home items, children’s products, art, food, and treats.

In addition to the market, the event features downtown restaurants and on-site food vendors offering seasonal bites, the S’mores Café Coffee Trailer, cocktails at the Hive & Honey Mobile Bar, Mel’s Butcher Box Holiday Wonderland, live entertainment, and family fun including card making, crafts, and art activities. Admission is free. Find more information here.

Brunch with Santa at Blue Moon in Wyckoff: Sunday, December 14, 11:00 am-3:00 pm

Celebrate the season with a festive holiday brunch at Blue Moon Mexican Cafe. Enjoy a delicious brunch buffet, create your own holiday ornaments, drop a letter to the North Pole, listen to holiday music and snap a picture with Santa.

Find more information and make your reservation. Blue Moon is located at 327 Franklin Turnpike in Wyckoff, New Jersey.

Teaneck Menorah Lighting & Chanukah Celebration: Monday, December 15 , at 5:30 pm

Join the community for the Annual Teaneck Grand Menorah Lighting & Chanukah Celebration on Monday, December 15 at the Teaneck Municipal Green, 818 Teaneck Road in Teaneck, New Jersey!

This family-friendly event features a performance by the Yavneh Academy Choir and season favorites including hot latkes, donuts, dreidels, chocolate gelt, and hot cider and cocoa. Visit the Township of Teaneck to find more information.

Chanukah Celebration in Englewood: Monday, December 15, at 4:30 pm

Chabad of Englewood will host a community Chanukah celebration on Monday, December 15, at Englewood City Hall, 2-10 North Van Brunt Street in Englewood, New Jersey. The celebration begins at 4:30 pm and brings together music, traditional holiday treats, and holiday family fun.

This year’s event features a special performance by world-renowned American-Israeli rapper Nissim Black, who will take the stage at 5:30 pm, and additional performances by Moriah and BPY school choirs.

Families can enjoy a variety of Chanukah favorites, including latkes, donuts, and hot chocolate, along with a Chanukah gelt drop. A menorah lighting will take place at 5:15 pm. Visit Chabad of Englewood to find more information.

Community Menorah Lighting and Celebration in Fair Lawn: Monday, December 15, at 7:00 pm

Fair Lawn’s annual Chanukah celebration returns with a community menorah lighting at City Hall. A giant outdoor menorah will be lit, accompanied by music, dancing, hot chocolate, fresh donuts, Chanukah gelt, and more.

The celebration takes place at Fair Lawn City Hall, 8-01 Fair Lawn Avenue in Fair Lawn, New Jersey. Tap here to find more information.

Menorah Lighting Celebration at Bergen Town Center in Paramus: Thursday, December 16, at 6:30 pm

Celebrate the Festival of Lights at Bergen Town Center’s annual Hanukkah Menorah Lighting on Thursday, December 16 at 6:30 pm. The event takes place in Center Court near the children’s play area.

The festivities also feature Rabbi Grossbaum and the Chabad of Paramus choir filling the mall with traditional songs and holiday spirit to welcome Hanukkah 2025. Share in the joy and meaning of the season at this family-friendly event.

Find more information here. Bergen Town Center is located at Route 4 East and Forest Avenue in Paramus, New Jersey.

Englewood Cliffs Chanukah Celebration: Thursday, December 18, at 6:00 pm

Englewood Cliffs will host a community Chanukah celebration on Thursday, December 18 beginning at 6:00 pm. Bring your families and friends for an evening of holiday activities and seasonal treats. The event will feature a traditional menorah lighting, along with hot cocoa, chocolate gelt, jelly donuts, dreidels, music, and family-friendly holiday fun.

The celebration takes place at the Community Center, 488 Hudson Terrace in Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey. Find more information here.

Chanukah Celebration at Temple Emeth in Teaneck: Friday, December 19, at 6:00 pm

Temple Emeth in Teaneck will host its annual Chanukah Dinner on Friday, December 19, at 6:00 pm, followed by a Shabbat service at 7:30 pm.

Guests are encouraged to bring their menorahs, candles, and friends to share in the celebration. In the spirit of giving, attendees are also asked to bring a canned or nonperishable food item to support the Center for Food Action.

Dinner reservations are required by Monday, December 15. The cost is $40 for members, $45 for non-members, $16 for children ages 4–12, and free for children age 3 and under.

For information, contact Temple Emeth at 201-833-1322 or visit Temple Emeth at www.emeth.org.

Kwanzaa Family Festival and Marketplace at NJPAC: Saturday, December 20, 1:00 pm-11:00 pm

Celebrate culture, community, and creativity at the annual Kwanzaa Family Festival & Marketplace at NJPAC!

The event welcomes families who make this free Kwanzaa Family Festival part of their annual celebration. It’s a full day of uplifting programs, dance and musical performances, storytelling, face painting, arts and crafts, a candle-lighting ceremony, a marketplace with one-of-a-kind items from local crafters and artisans, and more.

The Festival takes place at NJPAC, 1 Center Street, in Newark, New Jersey on Saturday, December 20, from 1:00 pm-11:00 pm. Find more information and RSVP for the event here.

The Polar Express at Barrymore Film Center in Fort Lee: Saturday, December 20, at 10:00 am

Don’t miss The Polar Express (2004) at the Barrymore Film Center in Fort Lee! Enjoy this classic holiday family film on the big screen at one of the most talked-about Bergen County entertainment venues we’ve seen in a long time!

The Center also boasts a fabulous museum with fascinating exhibits updated periodically. Remember, Fort Lee is the birthplace of the film industry in the United States!

Visit the mybergen.com Events Calendar for other movies and events happening at the Barrymore Film Center throughout December. The Barrymore Film Center is located at 153 Main Street in Fort Lee, New Jersey.

Darlene Love – Love for the Holidays: Sunday, December 21, at bergenPAC, 7:00 pm

Rolling Stone once called Darlene Love “one of the greatest singers of all time,” and her voice remains a defining soundtrack of the holiday season. Known for timeless hits including He’s a Rebel, The Boy I’m Gonna Marry, Wait ’Til My Bobby Gets Home, and He’s Sure the Boy I Love, Love is also forever linked to the holiday classic Christmas Baby (Please Come Home).

Her annual holiday performances have become a beloved tradition for many fans, blending music history, powerhouse vocals, and the warmth of the season. Audiences have the chance to experience this legendary performer live at the Bergen Performing Arts Center, where her unmistakable voice and stage presence continue to shine.

Whether you grew up with her music or are seeing her live for the first time, Darlene Love’s holiday show is an opportunity to enjoy a true icon during the most festive time of year. Find more information and purchase tickets here. The Bergen Performing Arts Center is located at 30 N. Van Brunt Street in Englewood, New Jersey.

Teaneck Kwanzaa Observance: Sunday, December 28, at 4:00 pm

The community is invited to a Kwanzaa observance celebration in Teaneck on Sunday, December 28, beginning at 4:00 pm inside Council Chambers, located at 818 Teaneck Road. Learn about the Seven Principles of Kwanzaa, and then head over to the Teaneck Municipal Green at 5:00 pm to light the Kinara.

Following the lighting, stay for crafts and free refreshments provided by local businesses. Visit the Township of Teaneck to find more information.

BCAS Holiday Walk at Teaneck Creek: Thursday, December 25, 9:00 am-11:00 am

Join the Bergen County Audubon Society (BCAS) and Teaneck Creek Conservancy for a relaxed holiday guided walk through the preserve. See what’s happening in nature at this time of year while you look and listen for birds, insects, and wildlife.

Find more information and register for the event. Teaneck Creek is located at 20 Puffin Way in Teaneck, New Jersey.

New Year’s Eve Kids’ Party at Shannon Rose Pub in Ramsey: Wednesday, December 31, 4:00 pm-7:00 pm

Families looking for an early New Year’s Eve celebration can enjoy a festive afternoon designed especially for kids. The event features a dance party, a sparkling cider toast, and a special 7:00 pm “Dublin Ball Drop” countdown so kids can celebrate the arrival of the New Year without staying up late.

Reservations are required and this event typically sells out, so early registration is recommended. Find more information here. Call 201-962-7602 to make a reservation. Shannon Rose Pub is located at 1200 Route 17 in Ramsey, New Jersey.

FirstDay5K and 1-Mile Walk in Fair Lawn: January 1, 11:00 am

The Fair Lawn Sunrise Rotary will host its annual 1stDay5K Run and 1 Mile Walk on New Year’s Day, offering a healthy and fun way to kick off 2026. The event features chip timed net results for runners, along with a relaxed one mile walk option.

Proceeds support Rotary charities and both local and international service projects. The event starts at Memorial Middle School, 12-00 1st Street in Fair Lawn, at 11:00 am. Find more information and register here.

New Year’s Day Nature Walk at DeKorte Park in Lyndhurst: January 1, 10:00 am-12:00 pm

The Bergen County Audubon Society will host a New Year’s Day Nature Walk at DeKorte Park in Lyndhurst. Start the year surrounded by fresh air, open space, and the natural beauty of the Meadowlands. It’s a relaxing and scenic way to welcome 2026.

Meet outside the Meadowlands Environment Center, 2 DeKorte Park Plaza, Lyndhurst. Visit the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority to find more information.

New Year’s Day Walking Tour at Historic New Bridge Landing: January 1, at 1:00 pm

Welcome the New Year with a guided outdoor walk at Historic New Bridge Landing. Meet at the meadow to explore the grounds, learn about the history of the site, and hear insights connected to the Bergen County Historical Society collections. The walk concludes at the Steuben House with tour and a sparkling cider toast to the year ahead.

This event is presented by the Bergen County Historical Society, a nonprofit volunteer organization founded in 1902. The tour will be led by BCHS Past President and Historic New Bridge Landing State Park Commissioner Deborah Powell.

The walk is weather dependent, and will be canceled if temperatures fall below 40 degrees. Dress warmly and be prepared for outdoor conditions. Find more information here. Historic New Bridge Landing is located at 1201 Main Street in River Edge, New Jersey.

Local Bergen County Menorah, Kinara, and Tree Lightings

We’ll be adding more 2025 holiday events happening in the Bergen County area, so check back often!

Have a holiday event you’d like to share? We’d love to hear from you! Drop us a line at [email protected].

This 2025 Bergen County area holiday events feature is presented by Down to Earth Living!

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