Want an NYC holiday experience in the Garden State? Capture the charm of Central Park without the crowds when you visit the Van Saun Park Winter Wonderland in Paramus. From an open-air ice rink, a beautiful twinkling tree, a carousel, and ice bumper cars, the experience rivals one you’ll find in the city, minus the trip over the George Washington Bridge. While you’re there, the Bergen County Zoo’s ‘Let It Glow!’ is just steps away, where you can see over 30 gorgeous, lantern-lit scenes come to life. Scroll down for what to know about both events and to keep the holiday spirit going, don’t miss holiday activities in New Jersey. (featured photo credit: NJ MOM, taken at Let It Glow!)
Bergen County’s Holiday Fun For The Whole Family
Let it glow!
See lanterns come to life at Bergen County Zoo
When the sun goes down, Bergen County Zoo’s ‘Let it Glow’ brings the whimsical to life with 30+ scenes created out of glowing lanterns. It’s a separate event from Winter Wonderland, but it’s worth checking out to see the dazzling displays of your favorite zoo animals lit up— everything from an animatronic crab blowing bubbles to color-changing butterflies, highlighted by towering trees with brilliant colors against the night sky. Wander down the pathways and view a sea turtle, an American alligator, and even a giant angler fish.
When you complete the walking path, stop by the zoo’s general store for a s’mores kit to have the gooey sweet treat while warming up by the fire pit. Before you leave, take the 10-minute journey tracing the zoo’s perimeter (each Let It Glow! ticket comes with a train ticket). Ride through illuminated tunnels and view floral landscapes and lantern scenes featuring hippos, pelicans, dancing flowers, and color-changing butterflies.
Winter Wonderland at Van Saun Park
Skate the night away at Van Saun Park
No need to wait in line or navigate crowded spaces—Bergen County’s Winter Wonderland has a time slot system that ensures everyone gets their turn in the park. There is no set age requirement for skaters, and rentals cover every size from toddler to adult. Little beginners will love pushing the winter character skate aids like penguins and polar bears, and if they get the skating bug, there are ice skating lessons and a Learn To Play Hockey experience partnered with the NJ Devils. But what really stands out are the ice bumper cars— yes, you read that right—bumper cars that glide along the ice, no experience required. Each “car” has inflatable bumpers and steering so you can glide merrily along all over the ice (just watch out for crashers). The experience operates separately from open skate at an additional cost, and it includes two rides during a 45-minute session and is first come, first serve (rides last 8 minutes).
Eat, drink, and be merry
What’s a wonderland without festive food? Sip on a cup of cocoa or mulled wine from the Wine Garden and sample treats from the food trucks as you warm up under heaters in between skates. And at select times, Santa and Mrs. Claus are hanging out in their workshop, waiting for kids to hear their lists and to take photos. After, hop on a carousel ride (your carousel ticket is included in the Winter Wonderland admission) or board the train on the weekend days.
What to know before you go
Let It Glow! is currently open and will continue until January 12, 2025. Walk through the zoo, see the larger-than-life lanterns, and enjoy a train ride (the train ride is included with admission). The paths through the zoo are lit and clearly marked. Fire pits are also available if you need to warm up. Keep in mind that you should do the train ride last because you cannot re-enter the zoo once you complete the train ride.
Bergen County’s Winter Wonderland at Van Saun Park opens on November 29, 2024, and closes on January 5, 2025. This year, there will be open-air ice skating, games, food trucks, a beer and wine garden, carousel rides, live music, ice bumper cars, and a Crafts Market Village. The rink is typically open, but check ahead in case of inclement weather.
If you plan on going to both the Bergen County Zoo and Van Saun Park, make sure you account for the time slot system. The tickets are separate, so if you want to give yourself some wiggle room with timing, consider doing a 5-7, then 7-9.
Learn more about Let It Glow! through their website, Instagram, and Facebook.
Learn more about Winter Wonderland at Van Saun Park through their website, Instagram, and Facebook.
Bergen County Zoo & Van Saun Park
216 Forest Avenue
Paramus, NJ 07652
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