(PARAMUS, NJ) -– Van Saun County Park in Paramus has returned as North Jersey's premier destination for winter family fun with with two distinct and unique holiday events. Let it GLOW! A Holiday Lantern Spectacular is currently running at the Bergen County Zoo and Bergen County's Winter Wonderland, which opens Friday, November 29, 2024 at 12:00pm.
Winter Wonderland features open-air ice skating, a heated hospitality tent, games, food trucks, a beer and wine garden, carousel rides, and live music. To satisfy popular demand, the Winter Wonderland is expanding to include a brand-new second ice rink, entirely for ice bumper cars.
In addition, for the first time ever, Winter Wonderland will feature a Crafts Market Village where local artists and businesses will sell their handmade goods. With festive decorations throughout, families will have the chance to be transported to a winter paradise this holiday season right here in Bergen County.
The beloved Let it GLOW! A Holiday Lantern Spectacular is back at the Bergen County Zoo now through January 12, 2025. The experience, sponsored by the Friends of the Bergen County Zoo in partnership with Tianyu Arts & Culture, Inc., will feature traditional Chinese lanterns with a modern twist, including dozens of hand-painted, larger-than-life structures that celebrate culture, animals, and the warmth of the holidays. With over 30 different scenes, each hand-made, artistic wonder is more breathtaking than the last. The event also has train rides and fire pits, and there will be s’mores kits available in the Zoo Gift Shop. Kosher s’mores kits are also available.
“Van Saun County Park is once again transforming into North Jersey’s ultimate holiday destination, offering unforgettable experiences for families and friends,” said Bergen County Executive Jim Tedesco. “With the stunning artistry of Let it GLOW! and the expanded excitement of Winter Wonderland, including a new ice bumper car rink and local crafts village, we’re bringing something for everyone to enjoy. We’re proud to host these spectacular events and invite residents and visitors alike to join us in making this holiday season one to remember in Bergen County.”
“Van Saun County Park is at the heart of Bergen County’s holiday celebrations, and it’s exciting to see it come alive with such incredible events,” said Bergen County Commissioner Mary Amoroso. “From the vibrant lantern displays of Let it GLOW! to the many new features at Winter Wonderland, we’re creating a holiday experience that has something for everyone. We can’t wait to welcome families and visitors to share in the joy and magic of the season right here in Bergen County.”
Winter Wonderland will be open from November 29 through January 12, 2025. The hours of operation are Fridays, 4:00pm–9:00pm; Saturdays, 11:00am–9:00pm; and Sundays, 11:00am–7:00pm. Monday and Tuesday, the ice rink will be open for skating from 3:00pm–9:00pm. Winter Wonderland will have adjusted hours on Christmas Eve (12/24) and New Year’s Eve (12/31) and operate 11:00am–6:00pm. On December 23 and from December 26–January 1, Winter Wonderland will operate 11:00am–9:00pm. Winter Wonderland will be closed on Christmas (12/25).
Prices - All Access (admission, skating, and one carousel ticket): $20 + online service fee; Seniors, Veterans, & Active Military: $10 + online service fee; General admission: $10 + online service fee; Seniors, Veterans, & Active Military: $5 + online service fee; Age 3 & under: FREE
Additional skating sessions: $10 + online service fee; Ice Bumper Car rides: $12; Skate Rental: $5
For more information about Winter Wonderland, including online ticket sales and the full 2024-2025 Event Calendar, visit www.BergenCountyWinterWonderland.com.
Upcoming events
Friday, November 29 at 12:00pm– Winter Wonderland Officially Opens
Saturday, December 2 at 6:00pm –Winter Wonderland Tree Lighting
Saturday, December 28 at 6:30pm – Winter Wonderland Menorah Lighting
Sunday, December 29 at 5:30pm – Winter Wonderland Kinara Lighting
Bergen County’s Winter Wonderland is sponsored by Bergen New Bridge Medical Center, Digital Voice Network, Allan Briteway Electrical Utility Contractors, Bruno & Associates, Monster Tree Service of Northern NJ, Neglia Group, ANA Painting, Orange and Rockland Electric, Doyle Alliance Group, and Tilcon NY. For additional sponsorship opportunities, please email DSands@BergenCountyNJ.gov.
Bergen County’s Winter Wonderland in partnership with the New Jersey Devils is also proud to host Learn to Play Hockey this season! Learn to Play is designed to teach your child the fundamentals of ice hockey. On-ice sessions are run by USA Hockey certified coaches as well as New Jersey Devils Alumni and are structured to be both instructional and FUN! Registration includes a full set of CCM hockey equipment.
Let it GLOW! A Holiday Lantern Spectacular Hours of Operation and Ticket information
November 7 through January 12
Thursdays & Sundays: 4:00pm–8:00pm; Fridays & Saturdays: 4:00pm–9:00pm
CLOSED on Christmas, December 25; Open EVERY DAY from December 26–January 1
Adults: $20.00; Children: $10.00
Tickets are available for purchase online or at the door during the event (subject to availability). For more information, please visit http://www.friendsofbergencountyzoo.org.
Let It Glow is available for corporate events Monday through Wednesday. Sponsorship opportunities are also available. To inquire about a private, one-of-a-kind event, or if your business is interested in becoming a sponsor, please contact Marianne Vella at MVella@BergenCountyNJ.gov.
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