Winter Holiday Events In and Around Ridgewood NJ
Thanksgiving is next week, which means the holiday season is just around the corner. 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 that you should not miss!
Winterfest in Memorial Park at Van Neste Square
Saturday November 25
Music, ice sculptures, storytelling with elves. Complimentary hot chocolate, cookies, and candy canes! Santa will be there for photos and greetings! Enjoy a ride on the hayride through town and on the trackless train.
Ridgewood Downtown for the Holidays
Friday December 1, 6-9pm (tree lighting at 6:30!)
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 38th 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.
Santa in Ridgewood
Saturday December 2 10am-1pm, Columbia Bank 60 S. Broad Street
Then Saturday December 2, 2-4pm in Memorial Park at Van Neste Square
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. Every Saturday in December – 12/9, 12/16, 12/23 2-4pm – Memorial Park at Van Neste Square.
Hanukkah – Menorah Lighting
Thursday December 7, 5:30pm,
One of our favorite holiday events! Celebrate the first night of Hanukkah with a (free!) community menorah lighting at Memorial Park at Van Neste Square! If you can’t make it, there is another opportunity in Glen Rock on Wednesday 12/13 at 6pm outside of Kilroy’s market in Glen Rock.
Shopping in Downtown Ridgewood
Shop Local! Our shops have the perfect gifts for everyone on your list. Enjoy free parking downtown every Thursday from 4pm-8pm from Thanksgiving to Christmas. Some of our favorite shops are Hustle and Heart, Bookends, Town and Country Apothecary, and Fox’s.
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 11/25-12/17 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.
Finally, local dance studies Ridgewood Performing Arts Center and Heart in Motion will be performing holiday showcases. Ticket sales will be posted soon.
One of the many reasons to make Ridgewood your Hometown!
The Gubb Team