Christmas, Hanukkah Events In Ridgewood: Parades, Tree Lightings

RIDGEWOOD, NJ — There are plenty of events in and around the local area to celebrate the 2023 winter holidays.

Hanukkah, the eight-day Jewish festival of lights, starts at sundown on Dec. 7, and ends at nightfall on Dec. 15. Christmas, of course, is on Dec. 25, but you don’t have to wait to start taking in all the sights and sounds of the season.

(NOTE: Don't see your event listed below? Post it for free in Patch events, any time! Here's how.)

Tree Lightings:

In Ridgewood, the town is planning an early tree lighting this coming Tuesday, with music, goodies, and an appearance from Santa. A local bank is also planning an event on Dec. 2. Get details of both tree lightings in this story.

In Wyckoff, the Wyckoff Chamber of Commerce presents their yearly Santa Comes to Wyckoff and Town Tree Lighting event on Friday, Dec. 1. Get more details here.

In Mahwah, the town will hold its holiday parade and tree lighting on Dec. 3.

Watch for other Bergen County holiday events here.

Menorah Lightings

Since Hanukkah is happening early this year, several area synagogues and towns are planning menorah lightings soon, although some may have not been announced yet. Here are a few in the area so far:

Bergen County: Mahwah will hold its menorah lighting on Dec. 11. A lighting will be held at Garden State Plaza Mall in Paramus on Dec. 7. For the Ridgewood and Wyckoff area, watch Patch, Synagogue.org, Chabad of Northwest Bergen County, and town websites for announcements.

Winter Wonderland At Van Saun Park

In Bergen County, officials have reopened their annual "Winter Wonderland" at Van Saun Park in Paramus, with ice skating, bumper cars, Santa visits, and more. Find out all the details and hours here.

Other Holiday Events At Local Malls And Attractions

Here are a few upcoming Santa appearances in your area and around North Jersey. Always double check the times before heading over.

• Garden State Plaza Mall in Paramus has a number of holiday experiences and photo opportunities, including Mrs. Claus' Gingerbread Kitchen, pet photos with Santa, and a menorah lighting. Find out more here.
• Santa's coming to the Newport Centre Mall in Jersey City for photos. They offer special pajama photos, "ugly sweater" photos, and more. Check the schedule and make reservations here.
• Santa's also coming to the Short Hills Mall in Millburn, as part of Santa's Flight Academy, an immersive experience. Get more details and a link here.
• Want another option for photos and shopping? Head to the Livingston Mall. More details are here.
• The sprawling American Dream Mall in East Rutherford has a host of Santa events, discounts, and attractions scheduled, including "Holiday Dreamland." Find out more here.
• Livingston's annual Camuso Holiday Display runs through the new year. It pays homage to a local toymaker who created a large display of lights on his property for decades. Santa visits and other events are coming up, as well as a special night for any family that has a family member with special needs. Get more details here.
• Hoboken's holiday tree lighting is scheduled early, for this coming Tuesday, with appearances by Santa Claus, Elvis the (musical) Elf, and more. Find out more here.
• Ridgewood has several events coming up at which Mr. Claus will sled in. The Ridgewood Chamber of Commerce will hold its 38th Downtown for the Holidays-Tree Lighting will be on Friday, Dec. 1, 6-9 p.m., with Santa, a trackless train, music, and much more. And the next day, Dec. 2, Santa and his elf will drive from the Fire Department to Columbia Bank’s branch located at 60 South Broad St., from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Photos and candy canes will be available.

This is only a partial list. Have a holiday event coming to your New Jersey town? Post it for free in Patch events, any time! Here's how.