Friday, December 19, 2025 / by Cheryl Cooper
Where can you see Santa in Bergen County this holiday season?
Where can you see Santa in Bergen County this holiday season?
You can see Santa at shopping centers, downtown districts, municipal buildings, and community events across Bergen County.
Paramus: Classic Indoor Santa Visits
Typical timing: mid-to-late December
Where to go: Major shopping centers
Paramus offers reliable, indoor Santa visits.
l Garden State Plaza – traditional Santa photo setup
l Bergen Town Center – seasonal Santa appearances
l Indoors and weather-friendly
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Best for quick visits and predictable schedules.
Wyckoff: Small-Town Holiday Traditions
Typical timing: mid-December
Where to go: Town center and municipal spaces
Wyckoff’s Santa visits are usually tied to community events.
l Wyckoff Town Hall area during tree lighting
l Wyckoff Family YMCA or local community venues
l Often outdoors — dress warm
Great for a classic small-town feel.
Washington Township: Community Santa Events
Typical timing: mid-to-late December
Where to go: Municipal and recreation locations
Washington Township hosts Santa through town-sponsored events.
l Washington Township Municipal Complex
l Town recreation or community center events
l Santa often arrives by fire truck
Lower crowds and family-focused events.
Ridgewood: Downtown Santa Sightings
Typical timing: mid-to-late December
Where to go: Ridgewood Central Business District
Ridgewood’s downtown becomes a holiday hub.
l East Ridgewood Avenue and surrounding streets
l Santa strolls through downtown on select weekends
l Often paired with carriage rides and live music
Arrive early — parking fills quickly.
Fair Lawn: Community Santa Events
Typical timing: mid-to-late December
Where to go: Community and recreation facilities
Fair Lawn offers several Santa opportunities.
l Fair Lawn Community Center
l Recreation Department holiday events
l Some events require advance registration
Good option if you need flexibility closer to Christmas.
Hillsdale: Small-Town Santa Visits
Typical timing: mid-to-late December
Where to go: Borough-sponsored locations
Hillsdale keeps things simple and local.
l Hillside Memorial Park (tree lighting events)
l Firehouse or municipal building events
l Relaxed, neighborhood atmosphere
Ideal for younger children.
Westwood: Downtown Santa Strolls
Typical timing: mid-to-late December
Where to go: Westwood downtown district
Westwood’s downtown turns festive.
l Broadway and Center Avenue area
l Santa strolls during downtown shopping events
l Easy to pair with dining or dessert
Arrive early for parking.
Woodcliff Lake: Quiet Community Santa Events
Typical timing: mid-to-late December
Where to go: Borough and community facilities
Woodcliff Lake offers low-key Santa visits.
l Woodcliff Lake Municipal Building
l Community or recreation center events
l Smaller crowds and calmer setting
Best for families who prefer quiet events.
Planning Tips for Bergen County Santa Visits
l Check town or recreation department websites in late November
l Follow borough social pages for updates
l Bring your own camera when possible
l Have a backup plan for weather
A Local Note from The Cheryl Cooper Group
Holiday events reveal how a town really lives.
Families often ask Cheryl Cooper, which towns feel the most community-driven. Events like these are part of that story.
If you’re exploring Bergen County neighborhoods or thinking about a move in the new year, The Cheryl Cooper Group is always happy to share real, local insight.
