2025 Ridgewood Tree Lighting and Other Local Holiday Events
The holiday season is officially here! The Village of Ridgewood has countless events all year round, but the holidays are especially festive. We’ve rounded up local holiday events and spaces you should not miss!
Shopping in Downtown Ridgewood
Shop Local! Downtown Ridgewood was just named the BEST DOWNTOWN in BERGEN COUNTY by 201 Magazine! Our shops have the perfect gifts for everyone on your list. Some of our favorite shops are Hustle and Heart, Bookends, Hot Jewelry Box, and Fox’s. Don’t forget to pick up sweet treats at Sook and a coffee at Taste!
Ridgewood Downtown
Ridgewood Downtown for the Holidays
Friday December 5, 6-9pm (tree lighting at 6:45!)
The Ridgewood Tree Lighting is one of the most coveted holiday events each year. Most of the town descends upon our downtown Ridgewood Ave for festive events, music, food, and fun. The 39th Annual Downtown for the Holidays will feature Santa, holiday trucks, the Grinch, Nutcracker dancers from Heart in Motion in store windows, a trackless train, hot chocolate and s’mores, Elf on the Shelf, the Ridgewood High School Marching Band and carolers in the streets.
For more information, visit the Ridgewood Chamber website.
New this Year – Holiday Kids Hour!
Friday, December 5th, 5-6pm
Take pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus! Enjoy holiday music, hot cocoa, holiday treats, do some arts and crafts, and even get some fairy hair! Don’t forget to take photos with Barbie’s pink Corvette or the holiday fire truck!
Tree Lighting Kids Hour
Santa in Ridgewood
COLUMBIA BANK – SAT. DEC. 6, 10 AM-1 PM
MEMORIAL PARK in VAN NESTE SQUARE – SAT. DEC. 6, 2 PM-4 PM
SANTA’S HOUSE, MEMORIAL PARK – SAT. DEC. 13, 20, 11 AM-2PM
Santa will be in his little red house in Van Neste Square every Saturday in December! Meeting Santa is one of the most memorable holiday events for children. Bring the kids and your camera for a free photo op.
Meet Santa in Ridgewood
Hanukkah – Menorah Lighting
Friday December 13, 6:00pm,
One of our favorite holiday events!
.
Other favorite spots and holiday events to explore with the whole family:
Demarest Farms
Demarest Light Show
Demarest Farms hosts a spectacular light show – millions of holiday lights on display! Drive through while listening to holiday music, and then pop inside for a photo and cup of cocoa with Santa. For tickets, click on the Demarest Farms Website.
Rohslers Allendale Nursery
One of our favorite nurseries has all you need for holiday decor. Get a tree of any size, a fresh wreath, and festive decorations to adorn your yard and your home. Bonus – Free Santa photo op every Saturday and Sunday 10am-3pm – Bring your own camera!
Abmas Farm
The farm is a beautiful place this time of year. Enjoy many holiday events like story time and photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, a Wreath Making Workshop, and a Holiday Centerpiece Workshop. Don’t forget the barnyard, petting zoo, and fresh farm market as always.
Malls
As always, malls are great spots for shopping, dining, and more extensive Santa setups.
Paramus Park, Garden State Plaza, Bergen Town Center, Shops at Riverside
Polar Express
In Whippany, NJ, you can ride the real Polar Express! Wear your pjs and come ready for cocoa and cookies.
One of the many reasons to make Ridgewood your Hometown!
The Gubb Team