It’s the week before Christmas and the holiday is in full swing. Online buying doesn’t stop the annual frenzy at Bergen County’s famous shopping malls along Routes 4 and 17 in Paramus. Drive by during the week and on weekends. Parking lots are full of holiday shoppers. You’ll find glorious musical services at churches throughout Bergen County. Bakeries showcase Christmas cookies and Yule Logs. Its the week before Christmas with 1 more week to go.
I love this time of year. I’m a Christmas person. Part of my family celebrates Hanukkah, the Jewish Festival of Lights. Some of my friends celebrate Kwanzaa. Then there’s New Year’s Eve and football the next day. As a result, it’s one wonderful holiday on top of another. I hope you’re enjoying this time of year too.
So, let’s see what’s going on this week: 
- Joan Silber, Book Author, Zoom Event
- Candlelight Tours at the Hermitage
- Ice Queen, A Live Theater Play
- Winter Solstice Zoom Event
- Sinfonia Orchestra Holiday Concert
- Black Box Theater New Works Fest
Joan Silber, Award Winning Author
Joan Silber is an author of several books of fiction. Ms. Silber was raised in New Jersey and has won several highly prestigious awards for her books. If you’re a Joan Silber fan, you definitely want to attend this Zoom event where she discusses her works and fiction writing in general. If you’re just interested in hearing from an author, attend too.
This virtual event is sponsored by the Franklin Lakes Public Library on Thursday at 6:30 pm. You must register in advance for this free event. Email at [email protected] or call 201-891-2224
Candlelight Tours at the Hermitage
Want a romantic setting while you get a guided tour of The Hermitage? Enjoy a tour of this wonderful National Historic Site while flautists play creating a most special setting. It’s been sold out for a while so I haven’t mentioned it but tickets are available for it’s final weekend on Friday late afternoon. Get your tickets to this event online. The Hermitage is located at 335 Franklin Turnpike in Ho Ho Kus.
Ice Queen the Porch Light Theater Group
Ice Queen is a new, original play for children. It’s Porch Light’s current production which opens this Friday at 7:30 pm. Tickets are purchased online at $22 each AND ignore the message in red at the bottom of the page. It no longer applies so go ahead and get your tickets. Other times are Saturday at 5:30 and 8 plus Sunday at 1. Get your tickets ASAP because this is a well known and popular live theater group.
Porch Light is a wonderful live theater group located at 555 Broad Street in Glen Rock. They put on live productions throughout the year that are usually sold out. This theater group is open to all ages with a focus on not only the arts but also on “character building through performing arts education”. All I can tell you is that they put on terrific plays some of which are never before seen original productions.
A Winter Solstice Zoom Event 
The Winter Solstice is the darkest day of the year because it’s the shortest day of the year. This is because the the sun is out less than any other day. It usually happens at the end of the 3rd week of December. Centuries ago it was at times feared and other times celebrated with dancing, fires, story telling and food. While the darkest day, the night is brightened by a full moon.
Winter Solstice Readings by Balladeer Linda Russell is a Zoom event by the Bergen County Historical Society all about this. Linda Russell is a very entertaining performer. Through songs and readings she’ll take you on a tour of the history of the Winter Solstice. Time is this Friday evening starting at 7 and ending at 8. Scroll down to the bottom of the page to get your ticket. Non members of the Society are charged $10.76; members are free.
Bergen Sinfonia Orchestra Holiday Concert 
Come to the Bergen County Community College Ciccone Theater (400 Paramus Rd, Paramus) for a wonderful concert this Saturday night at 7:30 pm. The Bergen Sinfonia Orchestra is putting on a joyous holiday concert. While almost all local orchestras have cancelled their events due to Covid, Maestro Murray Colosimo has figured out a way to eliminate wind instruments and still have a great orchestra. Get your tickets online today as seating is limited due to Covid concerns.
Black Box Theater
Enjoy an evening or original new theater this weekend at the Black Box Theater in Englewood. It’s held Thursday through Sunday nights at 8 pm. Why not make a night of it because Englewood has some of Bergen County’s finest restaurants? Go out to dinner then take in this Black Box New Works Fest production. Tickets are $25 for each night. Click on the date you want on their website to order tickets.
It’s The Week Before Christmas 
It’s the week before Christmas and you can see it everywhere. Special events, Santa Clause at the mall, concerts, parties, cars with trees on top and frenzied cooks looking up recipes. Although we’ve known it’s coming for 1 year, it’s still fun to enjoy the Christmas rush.
Because Kwanzaa begins the day after Christmas, next week I’ll devote this time to introducing everyone to this December event. Meanwhile, have fun, enjoy this season and stay safe!
