PARAMUS

Winter Wonderland returns to Paramus, bringing ice skating, a beer garden and food trucks

Stephanie Noda
NorthJersey

PARAMUS — Winter Wonderland is returning to Van Saun Park on Friday, bringing holiday cheer and good tidings to all.

This is the fourth year the county has hosted the monthlong event, which began as a way to provide more recreation options during the wintertime, said James Koth, director of Bergen County Parks and Recreation.

The park is transforming 3.5 acres near the Bergen County Zoo and carousel into a scene straight out of a Hallmark Christmas movie, thanks to the illuminated holiday décor.  

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Festivities will kick off on Friday at 4 p.m. 

Winter Wonderland will feature two skating rinks, a hospitality tent, a beer garden, unlimited carousel rides, live ice carving, zoo events, food trucks and train rides. Families and children can visit Santa and Mrs. Claus, see movies in “Santa’s North Pole” pavilion, and enjoy making s'mores at the fire pits, Koth said.  There will also be face-painting and games. 

"It's really meant to provide a relaxing, homey, interactive atmosphere for people to be social and enjoy the company of others," he said. 

This year's expanded tree lighting ceremony, on Dec. 7, will feature live musical acts before Santa turns on the lights. A Kwanzaa candle lighting and Menorah lighting will also be held, on Dec. 27 and 28, respectively. 

The Christmas tree at Bergen County's Winter Wonderland at Van Saun County Park.

Holiday with the animals

Visitors can watch zoo animals open packaged gifts during the Bergen County Zoo's "Holiday with the Animals" on Dec. 15. The event will feature costumed characters and free refreshments. 

For a full schedule of events and ticket purchasing, visit Winter Wonderland’s website at bergencountywinterwonderland.com. Winter Wonderland is open every Friday from 4 to 9 p.m., Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m until Jan. 5.  

Tickets are $15; $10 for seniors age 65 and up; free for children age 3 and under.

Stephanie Noda is a local reporter for NorthJersey.com. For unlimited access to the most important news from your local community, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.

Email: noda@northjersey.com Twitter: @snoda11 

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