Holiday Events Schedule At Van Saun Park's Winter Wonderland

PARAMUS, NJ — Bergen County officials have set a high bar for the holiday events and festivities they're offering at Van Saun County Park in Paramus this year, saying it will soon become "New Jersey’s premier destination for winter family fun."

It all starts on Friday, when the park turns into Winter Wonderland, with open air ice skating, a non-ice children’s beginners rink, a heated hospitality tent, games, activities, food trucks, an indoor and outdoor beer and wine garden, carousel rides, and rides on the Bergen County Express Train.

Right across the street, Van Saun County Park will also host the first ever "Let It GLOW! A Holiday Lantern Spectacular", at the Bergen County Zoo.

The spectacular, 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.

"The display is truly magical, and we’re providing a once-of-a-kind opportunity for families to enjoy the Zoo during the winter and create memories that they’ll cherish for a lifetime," said Catherine Ross, president of the Friends of the Bergen County Zoo.

That event is also scheduled for Friday, starting at 4 p.m.

For County Executive Jim Tedesco, these events — and more — are also part of a vision realized.

"Between Bergen County’s Winter Wonderland and the new holiday lantern spectacular, skip the GWB toll this year and head down to Van Saun County Park, New Jersey’s premier destination for winter family fun," said Tedesco.

"This marks the realization of my administration’s commitment to better utilize the best park system in the state across all four seasons."

And he's not alone in thinking that.

"I am proud of the expansion of opportunities for our residents to utilize our parks during the winter, and can’t wait to see families across the county enjoy the magic of Winter Wonderland and this spectacular lantern display," said Commissioner Chair Steve Tanelli.

Here's what's scheduled for this season at Van Saun Park, and the zoo:

• Friday, November 26, 2021 – Winter Wonderland Officially Opens at 4 p.m.
• Sunday, November 28, 2021 – The Winter Wonderland Menorah Lighting at 6 p.m.
• Saturday, December 4, 2021 –Winter Wonderland Tree Lighting at 6:30 p.m.
• Sunday, December 26, 2021 – The Winter Wonderland Kinara Lighting

More information for all these events can be found here.