Van Saun County Park is becoming the most popular destination for family vacation fun in North Jersey

originally published: November 8, 2025

(PARAMUS, NJ) – Van Saun County Park is once again transforming itself into North Jersey's premier destination for winter family fun, welcoming back two of our favorite seasonal experiences: Let it GLOW! A lantern spectacle and a winter wonderland. Families will be transported to a winter paradise this holiday season here in the heart of Bergen County!

Let it SHINE! A lantern spectacle for the holidays returned to the Bergen County Zoo on November 6th. Sponsored by the Friends of Bergen County ZooIn collaboration with Tianyu Arts & Culture, Inc., this enchanting exhibition features over 30 hand-painted, larger-than-life Chinese lanterns with a modern twist – a celebration of culture, animals and festive warmth. Guests can also enjoy cozy fire pits throughout the zoo and purchase s'mores kits at the Zoo Gift Shop.

Additionally, the Bergen County Winter Wonderland returns to Van Saun County Park for its tenth year beginning Friday, November 28 at noon, with outdoor ice skating, bumper cars, a heated hospitality tent, games, food trucks, a beer and wine garden, carousel rides and live music. Winter Wonderland will also feature a Crafts Market Village where local vendors and businesses can sell handmade goods.

Bergen County's winter wonderland Opening times and upcoming events (November 28th to January 4th). Opening hours are Fridays from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.; Saturdays, 11:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.; and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Ice rink hours of operation are Mondays and Tuesdays from 3:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Winter Wonderland has adjusted hours on Christmas Eve (December 24th) and New Year's Eve (December 31st) and is open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. From December 26th to January 4th, Winter Wonderland is open from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Winter Wonderland is CLOSED on Christmas Day (December 25th).

---

---

New Jersey Stage offers affordable art advertising, Click here for information

---

Ticket prices for Winter Wonderland:

All access: (includes admission, ice skating and a carousel ticket): $20 + Online service fee; Seniors, veterans and active military: $10 + Online service fee; General approval: $10 + Online service fee; Seniors, veterans and active military: $5 + Online service fee; Ages 3 and under: FREE. Skate rental: $5; Additional skating sessions: $10 + Online service fee; Bumper car rides: $12 + Online service fee

Other amenities: Carousel: $3; Train: $3

Upcoming events: Friday, November 28th at 12:00 p.m – Winter Wonderland officially opens; 4:00 p.m – Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at Winter Wonderland

Saturday, December 6th at 6:00 p.m – Winter wonderland tree lighting

Saturday, December 20th at 7:00 p.m – Winter Wonderland Menorah Lighting

Sunday, December 28th, 5:30 p.m – Winter Wonderland Kinara lighting

---

Winter Wonderland in Bergen County is sponsored by Bergen New Bridge Medical Center, Maverick Building Services, Giacorp, Millennium Communications Group, Orange and Rockland Electric, Happy Hive Productions LLC, Digital Voice Media, Connect One Bank, ANA Painting, Allan Briteway Electrical Utility Contractors, Bruno and Associates, Tilcon, Neglia Engineering, Moonshine Media and Hall Construction. For further sponsorship opportunities please contact [email protected].

In association with the New Jersey Devils, Winter Wonderland will host Learn to play hockeya program designed to teach children the basics of ice hockey. Led by certified USA Hockey coaches and Devils alumni, sessions are both educational and entertaining. Registration includes a full set of CCM hockey equipment.

---

Let it SHINE! A Holiday Lantern Spectacular hours and ticket information

November 6th to January 11th. Thursdays and Sundays: 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.; Fridays and Saturdays: 4:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Special opening hours: Tuesday, December 23rd: 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.; CLOSED Christmas, December 25th. Open DAILY from December 26th to January 4th. CLOSED January 5th to 7th

---

Let it SHINE! Ticket prices:

Adults: $20.00 + Online service fee; Children (3-17 years): $10.00 + Online service fee. Tickets can be purchased via Eventbrite or at the box office during the event (subject to availability).

Let it shine is available for corporate events Monday through Wednesday. There are also sponsorship opportunities. If you would like to inquire about a private, unique event or your company is interested in becoming a sponsor, please contact Harry Peachey at [email protected].

The Bergen County Parks Department provides recreational opportunities for all, preserves open spaces, improves environmental health, and protects significant cultural and historic sites for current and future generations. Connecting people with nature for 75 years, the Bergen County Parks System spans nearly 10,000 acres and includes a zoo, six golf courses, 21 parks, two equestrian areas, an environmental center and nine historic sites.

---

New Jersey Stage offers affordable art advertising, Click here for information

---