6 KINDS OF HOLIDAY-BREAK FUN
Looking to make the most of the week between Christmas and New Year’s? Bergen offers plenty of seasonal experiences to help you wrap up the year in style:
• Bright nights. Demarest Farms’ annual drive-through holiday light display, Orchard of Lights, is open through Dec. 30, so you’ll have a few days after Christmas to see this year’s exhibit. Meanwhile, the Bergen County Zoo’s “Let It Glow” lantern show is open weekends through Jan. 11. • Skate date. Now’s the perfect time for some open-air ice skating. Bergen County’s Winter Wonderland in Paramus has skating sessions throughout the season. If conditions permit (check posted signs), skating on a pond—such as at Allendale’s Celery Farm, Saddle River County Park in Ridgewood or the Tenafly Nature Center—comes with throwback vibes. • See the birds. Enjoy Mother Nature’s best and join the Bergen County Audubon Society for a bird walk along the Frank Chapman Trail in Teaneck (River Road and Riverview Avenue) at
10 a.m. Dec. 28. Find out more at bergencountyaudubon.org • Ski the sights. On a snowy day, Palisades Interstate Park becomes a true wonderland, and seeing the woods and the cliffside view while cross-country skiing or snowshoeing is a memorable experience. • Take a hike. Hiking Ramapo Valley County Reservation in Mahwah in summer is a treat, but it’s just as magical in winter. Grab your trekking poles and strap micro spikes to your boots and head off to see frozen waterfalls and snow-covered peaks and valleys. • Hit the water. You may not be thinking about swimming in winter, but the temperature’s always ideal (81 degrees!) at Dream Works Water Park in American Dream. The splash pad, slides, pools—and all your favorite characters—make for a great getaway.
SANTA CLAWS
Making holiday memories includes loved ones, and furry family members are surely loved. Thus local spots are rolling out the red-and-green carpet for pet photos with Santa, giving you the chance to capture that perfect festive snapshot: PHOTO COURTESY OF NICK LUCARELLI
• American Dream, East Rutherford. On Mondays, Dec. 8 and 15 from 4 to 7 p.m., you and your dog can visit Santa at his home in the Holiday Dreamland. • Bergen Town Center, Paramus. Use the online reservation form to save your pooch’s time slot for “Santa Paws” on Dec. 11 and 16. • Fortunoff Backyard Store, Paramus. Bring your kids and pets to the Route 17 store for complimentary photos with Santa from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Dec. 6. • Garden State Plaza, Paramus. Bring Fido and Sally for holiday photos from 4 to 7 p.m. on Dec. 8, 15 and 22. • Paramus Park, Paramus. Your furry friend can take photos with Santa from 4 to 7 p.m. on Dec. 8, 9, 15 and 16.
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KUDOS TO…
…the Kunisch family, owners of Allendale Bar & Grill, on being named Restaurateur of the Year by the New Jersey Restaurant & Hospitality Association. This prestigious award recognizes their enduring commitment to hospitality excellence and community engagement. Fourth-generation owners and siblings Chris, Craig and Katie Kunisch continue a legacy that began in 1935, and the Allendale location has been a staple on the local dining scene for generations.
DECEMBER 2025
11/11/25 2:33 PM