The holidays are here, Bergen County — and the season is looking merry and bright! Whether you’re in the mood for twinkle-light adventures, cozy hot cocoa, or snapping the perfect holiday family photo, there’s something festive happening around every corner. From glowing lantern festivals to charming small-town parades, here’s your complete guide to making the most of the holiday season.

1. Let It GLOW! Lantern Spectacular at the Bergen County Zoo

Location: 216 Forest Ave, Paramus

Dates & Hours: Open now through January 11th

• Thursdays & Sundays: 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM
• Fridays & Saturdays: 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Van Saun Park transforms into a glowing wonderland with massive illuminated tunnels, glowing animals, and over-the-top light displays.

Parking Tip: Free parking in Van Saun County Park’s main lots; arrive before 6 PM for a close spot.

Local Tip: Visit on a Thursday or Sunday to avoid weekend crowds and get the best photos in the tunnels. If you are planning to go over the weekend, try to grab tickets in advance – they tend to sell out quickly!

Tickets: Available online or at the gate.

2. Winter Wonderland at Van Saun Park

Location: 216 Forest Ave, Paramus

Dates & Hours: Open now through January 4th

• Fridays: 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM
• Saturdays: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
• Sundays: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Special Events:

• Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony: Saturday, December 14, 6:00 – 7:00 PM
• Menorah Lighting Ceremony: Saturday, December 28, 6:30 – 7:00 PM
• Kinara Lighting Ceremony: Sunday, December 29, 5:30 – 6:00 PM

Enjoy outdoor ice skating, cozy fire pits, festive food trucks, a beer and wine garden, and visits from Santa.

Parking Tip: The best spot is the lot closest to the rink, but it fills quickly on weekends.

Tickets tend to sell out in advance – tickets for remaining open dates are available online.

3. Orchard of Lights at Demarest Farms

Location: 244 Werimus Rd, Hillsdale Dates & Hours:

• November: 22–23, 28–30 | 5:00 – 9:00 PM
• December: 5–7, 11–23 | 5:00 – 9:00 PM

Drive through over a million dazzling lights from the comfort of your car. Afterwards, you can enjoy s’mores and hot chocolate by the cozy fire pits.

Parking Tip: On-site attendants will direct you to an open spot.

Tickets are available online.

4. Downtown Ridgewood Tree Lighting

Location: Van Neste Square Memorial Park, Ridgewood

Date & Time: December 6 | 6:30 PM

Enjoy live music, Christmas carolers, and an appearance from Santa!

Parking Tip: If you can’t find street parking, try the Hudson Street Garage

Local Tip: Stop at Ridgewood Coffee Company across the street from the park for a hot chocolate before the lighting ceremony begins.

5. Westwood “Home for the Holidays” Parade

Location: Westwood Ave, Downtown Westwood

Date & Time: December 7 | Pre-Parade Show 5:00 – 6:00 PM, Parade starts at 6:00PM

The parade features floats, marching bands, vintage cars, and a special visit from Santa Clause. Following the parade will be the annual Westwood tree lightning.

Parking Tip: Park behind Westwood Cinema 8 for easy access, metered parking until 3pm in all municipal lots.

Local Tip: Arrive at least 30 minutes early for a curbside spot — the first row fills up fast. For the best view of the decorated firetrucks and Santa’s float try to find a spot on Irvington St.

6. Tenafly Holiday Fair

Location: Hulyer Park – Washington St & Railroad Ave

Date & Time:  December 14 | 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Downtown Tenafly comes alive with holiday magic! Stroll the festive market for seasonal eats, crafts, and live performances. Keep the celebration going with cocktails, light bites, and holiday tunes at local favorite, Spring House — the perfect day-to-night holiday outing for friends and family.

Parking Tip: Public lots near Tenafly Coffee Company or the library.

Local Tip: Grab a sweet treat from a local bakery stall and take a photo under the Holiday Arch.

7. Englewood French-American Holiday Market

Location: French-American Academy, 85 W Demarest Ave, Englewood

Date & Time: December 8 | 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Enjoy a slice of Paris right here in Bergen County! Browse local vendors showcasing unique gifts, handmade crafts, and tasty seasonal treats. Perfect for families and friends, this festive event offers warm drinks, including hot chocolate and mulled wine, along with plenty of activities to celebrate the season.

Parking Tip: Street parking on Demarest Ave or nearby municipal lots.

Local Tip: Visit around lunchtime to snag the freshest pastries — the croissants go fast!

8. Ramsey Home For The Holidays Outdoor Market

Location: South Island Road, Ramsey

Date & Time: December 6th | 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Enjoy this local holiday festival including food trucks, music, a holiday parade and a visit from Santa.

Parking Tip: Try the Main St municipal lot

Local Tip: Bring reusable bags for shopping; vendors often have small gift bundles that make great last-minute gifts.

9. Mahwah Holiday Craft Fair

Location: Community Center, 89 Staghill Road, Mahwah

Date & Time: December 6th | 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Browse handmade ornaments, wreaths, and other trinkets, plus homemade snacks from local artisans. 

10. River Edge Holiday Tree & Menorah Lighting

Location: Borough Hall, 705 Kinderkamack Road, River Edge, NJ

Date & Time: December 6 | 4:00 – 6:00 PM

Ring in the holiday season in River Edge with a holiday tree and menorah lighting. Take photos with Santa, sip on hot cocoa, and enjoy a live performance by the River Dell marching band.

Parking Tip: Street parking around Borough Hall fills up quickly. Arrive early or park a few blocks away.

11. Fairview Holiday Tree Lighting

Location: Firemen’s Circle, Kennedy Drive, Fairview

Date & Time: December 2 | 6:30 PM

Enjoy a holiday train ride, hot cocoa, festive music, and more.

Parking Tip: Limited on-street parking; carpool or use nearby lots.

From skating under the stars to sipping cocoa by a bonfire, Bergen County makes the holidays feel like a Hallmark movie come to life. The best part? You can find all of the holiday magic right here in your backyard.

So layer up, grab your favorite scarf, and make some festive memories. Wishing you and your family happy and healthy holidays from all of us at Bergen Real Estate!