From Christmas to Hannukah is what we we have this weekend starting with an improv comedy night on Thursday. There is most definitely something for everyone this week.
Town Tree Lightings
Most towns in Bergen County are having Christmas tree lightings this week. Please call your town hall to check to see when yours is happening. Some like Englewood had theirs this past Saturday but the majority start tomorrow, Wednesday, through the weekend. So call your town clerk ASAP.
Fort Lee’s Santa Saturday 
Come have fun at Fort Lee’s Santa Saturday. The Fort Lee Business District Alliance has brought back this highly popular event that draws people from outside of town. This will definitely put you in the holiday spirit with carolers, hot chocolate, candy canes and, of course, Santa. Since it’s Located at 2006 Main Street, you’re at the start of Fort Lee’s Business District.
Fort Lee is known for it’s many fabulous restaurants and unique retail offerings. The FLBDA is hoping you’ll stay and walk up and down Main St to take in their local shops.
Hanukkah For Young Children
Temple Avodat Shalom in River Edge is having a Family Hanukkah Celebration this Sunday afternoon at 4 pm. Because it’s located at 385 Howland Ave in River Edge, the Temple is easily accessible. Please note that this is geared to children age 5 and under.
The cost is only $20 per family and they’re having a mitzvah “Diaper Drive” for needy families. If you don’t know what a mitzvah is, it’s a good dead. Doors open at 4 pm and don’t be late. You’ll want to grab some cookies and drinks before the 4:30 children’s sing along. This is being sponsored by the JCC of Northern NJ.
Orchard of Lights 
Demarest Farms is again having it’s Orchards of Lights drive through. This actually started 2 weeks ago but I’m telling you now because this week we’re really in the holiday season. You MUST order tickets in advance because they are strictly adhering to Covid protocols. Cost is $35 per car. You’ll see beautiful holiday light displays, have s’mores and hot cocoa at a fireside and see Santa too!
Demarest Farms is located at 244 Wierimus Rd in Hillsdale. It’s known for it’s home baked pies, fresh fruits and other delights. While you’re there, check it out.
Stew Leonard’s Mini Drive Through
Do you shop at Stew Leonard’s because if you do, budget an extra while to enjoy this. It’s free to the public so you can just come over too. Stew Leonard’s has taken part of it’s parking lot and turned it into a fun drive through aimed at children. Tons of lights, inflatables and other holiday visuals greet you as you drive through it all.
It’s open from 9 to 9 while the store is open Monday through Saturday. Since this is outside, it’s closed during inclement weather. Stew Leonard’s is located at 700 Paramus Park Dr in Paramus.
Hackensack Performing Arts Center
This week there are 2 holiday events at the Hackensack Performing Arts Center for you. This live theater is located at 102 State St (immediately south of Atlantic St). You’ll find a public parking garage around the corner about 1 block away at 20 Atlantic St. Here’s what’s happening at HACPAC:
Howdy Stranger Holiday Spectacular
Come out Thursday night to see this holiday themed improv comedy that will delight you with it’s zany comedy bits. While Howdy Stranger is holiday themed, it’s not appropriate for young children. This is because there is at times very adult level comedic segments. Reviews are that this is a riotous evening of fun that you won’t want to miss. It starts at 8 pm and tickets are only $25.
The Christmas Caper
Here we have a family oriented weekend show aimed at children. The Christmas Caper is all about Santa when someone has stolen his sleigh! You’ll enjoy the musical and dance numbers as Santa’s elves, reindeer and a beautiful Snow Queen all come to help. Tickets are only $15 and times for this 2 act musical play are Friday 7:30 and Saturday at 2 and also at 7:30.
Tickets for both Howdy Stranger and The Christmas Caper are obtained online through their websites.
From Christmas to Hannukah
So there you have it from Christmas to Hannukah this week. We’re just over 1 week to Hannukah and 2.5 weeks from Christmas. I hope you have sone holiday fun planned but if not, take in some or all of these events.
Don’t forget about the model train shows happening this month too. Because train shows are a tradition here in Bergen County, I wrote a blog article last week about this. You can read all about it by clicking this link.
