As the holiday season unfolds, Bergen County, New Jersey bursts into twinkling life with festive light displays, spirited community events, and holiday experiences that delight locals and visitors alike. From immersive lantern festivals to neighborhood streets sparkling with lights, here’s a guide to some of the most enchanting Christmas displays and winter traditions across the County.
🎄 Paramus: Winter Wonderland & Let It GLOW!
At Van Saun County Park in Paramus, the holiday season is anchored by two standout light experiences:
- Bergen County’s Winter Wonderland transforms the park into a festive hub of ice skating, bumper cars, train rides, seasonal music, live entertainment, and a towering Christmas Tree at night. The centerpiece tree lighting ceremony brings the community together and kicks off the season in style.
- Just next door, Let It GLOW! A Holiday Lantern Spectacular at the Bergen County Zoo offers a magical walk among over 30 glowing, larger-than-life lantern scenes — from whimsical animals to vibrant art installations. It’s perfect for families and photographers looking to capture the wonder of the season under shimmering lights.
These attractions run through early January, providing plenty of opportunities to soak up festive cheer after dark.
🏡 Neighborhood Light Displays to Drive Through
Bergen County’s residential streets have long rivaled major city displays with their own dazzling shows. Seasonal guides and local holiday enthusiasts highlight several must-see neighborhoods:
- Forest Avenue, Lyndhurst — A beloved stretch where entire blocks deck their homes in lights, inflatables, and holiday décor.
- Paramus & Teaneck corridors — Select streets like Oradell Avenue and segments of Queen Anne Road glow nightly with cheerful lights and festive displays.
- Wyckoff’s Zabriskie Pond area — The lights reflecting off the water create a picturesque backdrop, perfect for a cozy winter drive.
- Ho-Ho-Kus & Hillsdale — Classic holiday homes all decked out year after year with traditional décor.
Families and couples often take an evening drive through these neighborhoods, sipping hot cocoa and making holiday memories along the way.
🎉 Towns With Tree Lightings, Parades & Community Spirit
Many Bergen County towns host traditional Christmas tree lightings and holiday parades, infusing small-town charm into the season:
- Ridgewood celebrates with its downtown tree lighting and holiday stroll, live music, and visits with Santa in Van Neste Square.
- River Vale, Ho-Ho-Kus, Wyckoff, Midland Park, and Hawthorne all stage festive tree lighting ceremonies and gatherings throughout early December.
- Westwood’s “Home for the Holidays” Parade — complete with floats, bands, and Santa’s grand arrival — brings downtown streets alive with cheer.
- Bergenfield’s Holiday Lights Parade is a community favorite, featuring lights on emergency vehicles and joyful pageantry.
These events are cornerstones of local holiday culture — perfect for families seeking traditional seasonal experiences.
🌟 Specialty Light Attractions & Seasonal Experiences
Beyond neighborhood décor and town gatherings, Bergen County also offers other festive attractions:
- Demarest Farms’ Orchard of Lights (Hillsdale) is a drive-through light tour that turns acres of farmland into a glowing holiday landscape — complete with cozy fire pits and hot cocoa stops.
- Holiday lights at local farms and community parks add variety to your seasonal outings — offering everything from animated displays to themed walks under the stars.
Tips for Your Holiday Lights Tour
- Go early on weeknights to avoid crowds on popular residential displays.
- Dress warmly — many displays are best after sunset when the lights shine brightest.
- Pair light-viewing with local dining or hot chocolate from neighborhood cafés for a full evening experience.
Whether it’s a family night out exploring lanterns at the zoo, a cozy drive through heartwarming neighborhood lights, or cheering on a holiday parade in a small downtown, Bergen County’s Christmas displays offer a tapestry of festive delights that truly light up the season.