Can't wait for the festive season in Paterson? Dive into our guide for all the holiday activities!
One of the highlights is Santa's Arrival & Tree Lighting, where you can witness the magic of the season as Santa arrives to light the grand Christmas tree. The Festival of Trees offers a unique experience with beautifully decorated trees, each showcasing a different theme and style. And the Nutcracker Ballet Performance is something you definitely don't want to miss, captivating audiences with its enchanting story and graceful dance. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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The Top Christmas Events in Paterson
See these and even more events listed below!Paterson Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Nutcracker Ballet Performance
What to Expect:
Local dance students perform alongside professionals
Description:
Paterson's rendition of The Nutcracker Ballet intertwines professional grace with youthful enthusiasm. Aspiring dancers from local studios join seasoned performers on stage, bringing fresh energy to this timeless tale. The production showcases elaborate costumes and set designs that transport the audience to a world of sugar plum fairies and toy soldiers. This performance has been a staple of Paterson's cultural calendar since 1975. You can marvel at the intricate choreography as Clara's magical journey unfolds before your eyes.
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Nearby Events
Santa's Arrival & Tree Lighting (Clifton)
What to Expect:
Santa's dramatic arrival by fire truck
Description:
Clifton's annual tree lighting ceremony ignites the holiday spirit with a twist. Santa Claus makes his grand entrance aboard a gleaming fire truck, sirens blaring to announce his arrival. Children can whisper their wishes to Santa after the towering evergreen bursts into a dazzling display of lights. This cherished tradition dates back to 1952 when local firefighters first volunteered to escort Santa. You'll feel the excitement build as the crowd counts down to the moment when thousands of bulbs illuminate the night sky.
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Santa's Arrival & Tree Lighting
Festival of Trees (Paramus)
What to Expect:
Diverse tree decorations representing global cultures
Description:
Paramus transforms into a forest of creativity during the Festival of Trees. Local businesses, schools, and community groups showcase their artistic flair by adorning trees with unique themes and cultural motifs. Stroll through aisles of evergreens bedecked in ornaments representing traditions from around the world. The event originated in 1986 as a small fundraiser and has since blossomed into a beloved annual celebration. Visitors can vote for their favorite tree, with proceeds benefiting local charities.
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Gingerbread House Decorating Workshop (Hawthorne)
What to Expect:
Architectural-inspired gingerbread house designs
Description:
Hawthorne's gingerbread house workshop elevates the art of edible architecture. Participants craft miniature replicas of famous New Jersey landmarks using gingerbread, icing, and an array of candies. Expert bakers guide attendees through techniques to create structurally sound and visually stunning creations. The workshop pays homage to Hawthorne's rich architectural history, including its Victorian-era homes. The sweet aroma of gingerbread fills the air as you construct your own masterpiece to take home and display.
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Gingerbread House Decorating Workshop
Holiday Light Spectacular (Totowa)
What to Expect:
Interactive light displays synchronized to music
Description:
Totowa's Holiday Light Spectacular dazzles visitors with a symphony of lights and sound. This cutting-edge display features thousands of LED bulbs programmed to dance in perfect harmony with holiday tunes. Guests can interact with certain exhibits, triggering light shows with their movements. The event showcases the latest in lighting technology, a nod to New Jersey's history of innovation. You'll be captivated by the intricate patterns and pulsing rhythms as you wander through this illuminated wonderland.
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Victorian Christmas House Tour (Ridgewood)
What to Expect:
Authentic period costumes and reenactments
Description:
Ridgewood's Victorian Christmas House Tour transports visitors to the elegance of the 19th century. Costumed interpreters bring history to life in meticulously restored homes, demonstrating traditional holiday preparations and customs. Each house on the tour highlights different aspects of Victorian-era celebrations, from parlor games to elaborate table settings. This event has been educating and entertaining guests since 1990. Visitors can participate in a Victorian-style carol sing-along, immersing themselves in the festive atmosphere of yesteryear.
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Victorian Christmas House Tour
Winter Wonderland at Van Saun Park (Paramus)
What to Expect:
Combination of winter activities and zoo animals
Description:
Van Saun Park in Paramus transforms into a unique winter destination where seasonal activities meet wildlife encounters. Visitors can glide across an eco-friendly synthetic ice rink before observing cold-weather animals in their habitats. The park's Bergen County Zoological Park remains open, offering a rare glimpse of how various species adapt to winter. This event began in 2016 as a way to encourage year-round park visitation. You can warm up with hot cocoa while watching playful snow leopards frolic in their chilly domain.
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Winter Wonderland at Van Saun Park
Christmas Concert (Wayne)
What to Expect:
Fusion of classical and contemporary holiday music
Description:
Wayne's Christmas concert breaks traditional boundaries by blending timeless carols with modern arrangements. Local musicians and guest artists collaborate to create a unique soundscape that bridges generations. The performance incorporates unexpected instruments, such as electric violins and synthesizers, alongside a full orchestra. This innovative approach to holiday music began in 2010 and has since become a hallmark of Wayne's cultural scene. Audience members can experience familiar tunes reimagined in surprising and delightful ways.