The Winter Village in New Jersey That Will Enchant You Beyond Words
Create holiday magic by visiting the Van Saun Park Winter Wonderland this year. There's lots of fun like ice skating and winter games for the family to enjoy.
Many New Jerseyans are familiar with the town of Paramus. It is well-known for its abundance of malls, but I know it best for offering something extra special. Family-favorite attraction Van Saun Park turns into a Winter Wonderland during the holiday season. It’s one of my favorite holiday traditions, and chances are, you’ll love it too. The entire park transforms into a real-life snow globe scene and this winter village has something for everyone to enjoy. So, grab your favorite winter jacket and head over for an array of seasonal delights.
Ready to walk into a winter wonderland? Or should we say, skate into a winter wonderland? There's something for everyone at this seasonal event, including open-air ice skating and children's activities.
Family on the ice skating rink. Dad shoots family video on the phone.
Admission is $20 for adults and $10 for kids for an all-access pass that includes your skate rental. It also includes fun family games, a heated hospitality pavilion, access to Santa, and carousel rides! Ice bumper cars are one of the most popular activities. At night they light up in neon to add to the experience.
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Cropped view of an unrecognizable toddler girl sits on her uncle’s lap while roasting marshmallows over a campfire outside their rental house in the Pacific Northwest.
Additionally, there will be food trucks, an indoor/outdoor beer garden, and special activities like face painting! Bergen County Zoo will also host a lantern show with lots of fun illuminated animals on display. Plus, there will be train rides and fire pits, where you can make yummy s’mores. This would be lots of fun for the little ones.
Two children, brother and sister, 10 and 11 years old, standing with Santa at night at a winter festival reaching for the snow falling from the sky. Santa, played by a senior man In his 60s, is waving at the camera.
In addition to spreading joy and fun, this event also does good every year by collecting toys for the less fortunate and other community-oriented initiatives. And, you never know when at Winter Wonderland you might be serenaded by an orchestra — with festive tunes, of course. Don't forget to greet Mr. and Mrs. Clause. They can be spotted at the tree lighting and other events throughout the season.
Van Saun Park Winter Wonderland is at its peak during the holiday season but the ice rink will stay open throughout the winter for more cold weather fun.
This magical event is definitely something the whole family can enjoy - there are even discounts for seniors, service members, and veterans! Bergen County's Winter Wonderland usually runs through December until January 1, 2025, and can be found at 216 Forest Avenue in Paramus. Keep an eye on their Facebook page for all the details about winter wonderland fun.
Have you been to this festive event before? If so, we hope to see you again this year. It's the best winter wonderland in New Jersey and it promises to be bigger and better than ever! Have fun!
We all love the best drive through Christmas lights in New Jersey. Each offers us the opportunity to celebrate the holidays with the family in a fun, festive, and safe way. Take your celebration to the next level by putting on your favorite Christmas PJs and hopping in the car, where you'll probably want to play your favorite Christmas carols, the perfect soundtrack for your holiday adventure. Here are five of the best drive through Christmas lights in New Jersey that deserve a spot on your holiday to-do list.
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1. Orchard Of Lights, Demarest Farms - Hillsdale
Beautiful Christmas light displays at a holiday light show in a garden
Pile the whole family, or your besties, into the car, and make your way to Orchard of Lights, hosted by Demarest Farms in Hillsdale. Drive past millions of lights across 32 acres, through a light tunnel, and to Santa's singing reindeer. After your drive, explore the farm market, where you can grab a cup of hot cocoa and other seasonal goodies; roast marshmallows by the roaring fire pit, and stop by to say hi to and pose for photos with Santa. Online reservations are required for the best drive through Christmas lights in New Jersey, which typically run from mid-November until late December.
2. Holidig Drive-Thru Light Show, Diggerland - West Berlin
Diggerland, a one-of-a-kind construction theme park, hosts a special holiday event in West Berlin each Christmas. Drive through a mile of colorful lights and enjoy festive music on the radio station, 95.5 FM synced to their show. The show is open most nights. The Holidig Drive-Thru Light Show runs from mid-November through mid-January. You can purchase tickets at the event, but if you want to ensure entrance, buy tickets online instead. Learn more about this year's event on the official website of Diggerland.
3. Christmas Light Show & Village, Skylands Stadium - Augusta
Marshmallows at a Campfire -Photographed on Hasselblad H3D-39mb Camera
Skylands Stadiums in Augusta hosts an annual Light Show and Christmas Village, one of the best drive through Christmas lights in New Jersey. Enjoy dazzling drive-thru displays of Christmas lights and an expanded winter carnival. The drive-thru light display is just the start of the fun. Once you've parked, head inside to the Christmas Village, where you can buy Christmas gifts, meander through a Christmas lights tunnel, and pose for a photo with Santa. Treat yourself to seasonal goodies, too, including hot cocoa and s'mores. You can buy everything you need to roast marshmallows and make those s'mores over one of the fire pits. Check out all the details on the official website of the Christmas Light Show & Village at Skylands Stadium.
4. South Jersey Holiday Light Show, Bridgeport Speedway - Swedesboro
Editor's Note: Information about the South Jersey Holiday Light Show has not yet been released for 2024. Stay up-to-date with information, including if this Christmas event will be held, on the official website of the Holiday Light Show.
Drive through over a mile of lights at the South Jersey Holiday Light Show at Bridgeport Speedway in Swedesboro. Tickets can be purchased at the gate, but they're more affordable if you buy them in advance online. Enjoy holiday scenes set to music with individual lighted structures up to three stories high. Find out more about the South Jersey Holiday Light Show, some of the best Christmas lights in New Jersey.
5. Magic Of Lights, PNC Bank Arts Center - Holmdel
Magic of Lights at PNC Bank Arts Center in Holmdel, which runs from mid-November through early January, is a family favorite. In addition to all the displays, there are massive LED mega trees sure to thrill and delight. Learn more about this Christmas light drive-through on the official website of Magic of Lights.
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One of my favorite ways to enjoy the Christmas lights in New Jersey is to take a drive around my neighborhood and then, on different evenings throughout the season, visit other nearby towns to marvel at their holiday decorations. Combine that with stops at the best drive through Christmas lights displays in New Jersey, and the season is simply magical.
Start making plans for the holidays by adding some of the best drive through Christmas lights in New Jersey to your must-visit list. Do you have a favorite Christmas lights display in New Jersey? Let us know but filling out a nomination form.
Best Travel Gifts of 2024, Hand-picked by Our Travel Experts
If you're looking for gifting ideas for the travelers in your life this holiday season, check out our list of our favorite, tried and true travel gifts.
Welcome to Hand-Picked, a curated series highlighting the travel gear and goods our staff truly love. From practical essentials to playful extras, these are the items that make travel fun—and shopping even better! Each pick is independently selected by our editors, and if you make a purchase through our links, Only In Your State may earn a commission.
There is nothing that makes me happier than picking out the perfect gift. Friends often ask me for ideas of what to gift to their family, children, partners, friends... the challenge of finding that special item (or experience) is my favorite kind of adrenaline rush. And because of this, the holiday season is like my version of sky diving.
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Our team of travel experts here at Only In Your State joined me in selecting our favorite travel gifts of the season. We've hand-picked 24 gifts that we own and love and would joyfully wrap up with a shiny bow for other travel lovers in our lives. We've chosen a variety of options, from candles to books, to the perfect travel shoes and bags. There is also a wide range of prices for any gifting budget. Pick out a few to gift this season and maybe even send some of these ideas to those who are shopping for you. It may be the holiday season, but it is also always travel season in our minds.
Why We Love Them: How fun is this candle? I love picking out meaningful gifts and this one is perfect for the woman in your life who can't help but plan another trip. Or, maybe this is you and this candle needs to make its way into your own stocking! The LEADO store on Amazon actually has several unique gifts and it's worth checking out. Where to Buy Them: Shop this candle and more on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 Bonus: Manager of Editorial Megan Shute swears by these rechargeable USB lighters – add one to your favorite candle lover's stocking, and they will not be disappointed.
Why We Love It: We've tried some pretty spiffy eye masks, but have you ever experienced an eye massager? The Bob & Brad EyeOasis 2 is as relaxing as it gets. With adjustable pressure & heat settings, this is a must-have if you want to tune out the world and treat yourself. It's the first thing we reach for when we feel a migraine coming on! Where To Buy It: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $59.99 (normally $74.99)
Why We Love Them: It's safe to say I am in my sneaker era and I know I'm not alone. When I discovered Kizik shoes, especially their sneakers, I felt like I discovered gold at the end of the rainbow. I love that the brand is size inclusive (I have big feet) and you literally just slip these on and go. Hands-free shoes! This makes them perfect for travel and the fact that these go with everything means no over-packing necessary. Where to Buy Them: Check out the Milan sneaker and several other styles (boots, too!) on the Kizik website. Price (at time of publication): $149
Why We Love Them: I discovered Frankie Jean while in Austin with my daughter and once I saw the Y'ALL Baseball Cap, I knew it would make the perfect souvenir -- and travel hat! I always travel with a baseball hat; they're handy for post-plane hair and offer protection from the elements. Frankie Jean has an array of adorable caps for non-y'allers, too, with all 50 states represented in the web store. Where to Buy It: Visit Frankie Jean online for this hat and many others! Price (at time of publication): $32
Why We Love Them: The Yoto Mini is an excellent gadget for kids on the go. Physical cards allow children to expand their imagination through audiobooks, music, activities, and educational audio. Manager of Editorial Megan Shute purchased the mini-player for her daughter's 4th birthday earlier this year ahead of an overseas move and has been endlessly impressed: "Not only did it replace her standard sound machine with its white noise options, but it has given us another portable screen-free entertainment option for at home and while traveling. The Yoto is also perfect for anyone who asks what your child wants for the holidays — cards for their new Yoto collection, please!" Where to Buy Them: Yoto is available on their website and Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $69.99 for player
Why We Love Them: The Vuori Performance Joggers might just be the most comfortable piece of clothing we own. The buttery-soft, stretchy material is the perfect weight, and the slim yet relaxed fit is one of the most universally flattering styles we've tried. Engagement Editor Meg Archer has gifted these to many people over the last few years: "I have yet to hear anything but rave reviews (and a bit of friendly shaming for spawning new obsessions). Don't be surprised if these just so happen to, umm... multiply... in your closet. I couldn't stop at just one pair." Bonus: The matching Vuori Halo Performance Hoodie is one of our favorite lightweight layers for all types of travel! Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From Vuori Price (at time of publication): $94
Why We Love Them: If you have a friend or family member who loves to travel and loves bags (who doesn't?), then this Calpak tote bag is the ultimate gift. When I say ultimate, I mean it, because this is the ultimate bag. My own tote bag is pictured above, when used on an overnight trip. I've also used it as a carry-on bag on flights, to tote sports equipment around for my kids, and for a weekend getaway. It is much larger than it looks in this photo and keeps everything organized. It also wipes clean! Where to Buy Them: Calpak has countless travel bags, but you can find this particular one on their website. Price (at time of publication): $131.75
Why We Love Them: I've purchased two of these portable hammocks with lightweight frames throughout the years — one as a gift for my father and one for myself after realizing how fantastic the hammock was. While it's not a travel product, per se, it has made my everyday life feel more like a vacation, something we could all use a bit more of these days. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $69.99
Why We Love Them: All of the staff at Only In Your State loves to represent their roots and Wear Your Roots allows you to do that in a fashionable - and comfortable - way. We love the wears from this Montana-based company and we happen to believe that these hoodies, shirts, hats, and more make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: Shop now on the Wear Your Roots website Price (at time of publication): Varies by Product
Why We Love It: It's taken several trips for me to figure out my perfect "weekender bag that's TSA approved," but I've found my perfect carry on with the TOBIQ Colorado 30L. An Instagram ad caught my eye during a late-night scroll session and I was intrigued by the colorful compartments and versatility of the bag, which can be carried as a duffle or as a backpack (I prefer the backpack for even weight distribution and airport navigation.) Made of durable, weather-resistant recycled materials, I've stashed this bag under my seat and in the overhead compartment; it's easy to maneuver and the top zip pocket is perfect for easy phone/ID access. Bonus: I loved this carry on bag so much, I purchased TOBIQ's Toiletry Bag; it fits perfectly inside one of the Colorado's four compartments and has a smart, intuitive design with the brand's signature "plethora of zippered pouches and pockets."
Where to Buy Them: Visit tobiqtravel.com to purchase the Colorado 30L and/or Toiletry Bag. Price (at time of publication): $199 (Colorado 30L)/$69 (Toiletry Bag)
Why We Love Them: The Zestt Dreamsoft Travel Scarf doubles as a blanket, making it the perfect travel accessory for year-round adventures – especially on airplanes! Made from organic cotton and easy to wash and care for, we have even used this piece as a makeshift picnic blanket while traveling. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $50
Why I Love It: This raincoat is absolutely perfect: it's light (12.4 ounces!) and super packable, "self stuffing" into one of its pockets in a Houdini-like feat. The hood is generously sized to fit over a hat and has a cord-and-hook design that keeps rain out (seriously -- this photo was taken after a trip to Portland, Oregon, where its water resistance was put to the test!). I purchased my Torrentshellfive years ago and it still looks brand new, the fabric has never snagged or ripped despite being put through the ringer! Bonus: The Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Rain Jacket comes in men's sizes, too! Where to Buy It: Buy it now on REI. Price (at time of publication): $179 (both men's and women's)
Why We Love Them: I love gifting books. Maybe it's the writer in me or the nostalgia I feel every time I sit down and open up an actual book. Coffee table books make for great gifts and I absolutely love this collection of photography of New York City. Whether you know someone who loves NYC or has a wanderlust for the Big Apple, this gorgeous book just needs a bow on top and it's ready to gift. Where to Buy Them: Buy this book and others in the collection on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $19.78
Why We Love Them: A well-stocked first aid kit is essential for any traveler, and we love these small Welly kits. They're the perfect option to keep in your car, diaper bag, or carry-on for accidents on the go. Another excellent stocking stuffer for anyone in your life. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Walmart Price (at time of publication): $9.70
Why We Love Them: The OluKai Pehuea Lī Sneaker is lightweight and breathable, but also extremely comfortable and surprisingly supportive. It's our go-to shoe when we know we're going to be on our feet all day! We love that they can be worn as either sneakers or slides, so they're easy to slip off when going through TSA checks. Plus, the style goes with just about everything. Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From OluKai Price (at time of publication): $110
Why I Love It: Fact: Airplanes are notoriously dry, dry, dry. No matter how much water I drink both before and during the flight, I always find myself in a hydration deficit for days. My skin feels so tight and parched during flights, and while I've been known to slap on a sheet mask at 12,000 feet, my 11 year old's mortification on a recent trip had me rethinking this strategy. My solution? BioRepublic's Lost Baggage biocellulose eye masks. These mini moisturizers contain an uber-hydrating cocktail of peptides, hyaluronic acid, squalene, rose water, and vitamin E that feel oh-so-refreshing on parched skin. Bonus: Each of these little masks has enough moisture that I'm able to massage the excess into the rest of my face after my brief, in-flight spa moment. Where to Buy It: I have a BioRepublic Lost Baggage Under Eye Emergency Repair Mask Subscribe & Save order through Amazon -- you'll get a slight discount if you set this up! Price (at time of publication): 3/$15.00
Why I Love It: I am a dedicated Stanley girl, but when I travel, I like to keep things as light and portable as possible. A recent trip to Washington D.C. had me singing the praises of my Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle, especially after paying $6 for a tiny bottle of water the afternoon we arrived and embarked sans water. I love the bottle's muted color options (I have the Hydaway in Twilight), sturdy handle, and fuss-free cleaning; fully extended it holds 17 ounces of water, making this smart little number perfect for filling up on the go. Where to Buy Them: The Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle is available at several online merchants; I purchased through REI. Available here on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $27.95.
Why We Love Them: This is one of those things that we don't know how we traveled without them. Packing cubes keep things organized, save space in a suitcase, and take the pain out of the packing process. If you know and love someone who travels, this set would make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: There are so many options for packing cubes on Amazon, but we particularly LOVE this set. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 for 8 cubes
Why We Love Them: I've been a fan of Beis for years now, starting with the Weekender (it’s my absolute favorite travel bag for short car trips or flying and is surprisingly roomy). I recently purchased another Beis item — the backpack. With a padded interior sleeve, two water bottle pockets, and plenty of organization built-in — we’re talking zippered interior pockets, pen slots, a key leash, and more — this is the best backpack I’ve ever owned. It also has a full-zip opening, so it’s easy to pack, and the trolley pass-through makes it the perfect carry-on companion. This olive beauty is officially my new favorite personal item while traveling, and I’ve already brought it on several trips. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Beis Price (at time of publication): $88
Why We Love Them: We bought this set of two accessory organizers for a recent trip and think they would make a fun stocking stuffer filled with all sorts of small and useful travel goodies — chapstick, hair ties, mini lotions, bandaids, etc. The gift recipient can then use the organizers for travel. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $17.66
Why We Love It: The sleek style of the Away Everywhere Zip Backpack looks at home in just about any environment, making it a great transition bag if you need to hop right from a flight into a work meeting (or want to start exploring as soon as you land). It's water-resistant, has a padded laptop sleeve to keep your devices safe, and the full wrap-around zipper makes it incredibly easy to grab what you need in a cramped airplane seat. I love it! Where To Buy It:Buy Now From Away Price (at time of publication): $195
Why We Love It: Engagement Editor Meg Archer recently travel-testedthis high-end aluminum travel case, and it can only be described as the Lamborghini of Luggage: "The Sterling Pacific 40L Travel Case is hands down the best I've ever owned or reviewed. It's stunning inside and out, timelessly stylish, and rolls like a dream. Honestly, I didn't know luggage could move like this." It's undeniably a splurge, but if you're looking for a piece of eye-catching yet understated luxury-tier luggage, this is it. Where To Buy It: Buy Now From Sterling Pacific Price (at time of publication): $2,150
Why We Love It: Throw out all your assumptions about generators. The Anker Power Bank Portable Generator is all-electric (so it's totally silent), super compact, and has a massive 60,000 mAh capacity that can power multiple devices dozens of times on a single charge. It also retains an impressive 85% charge after a whole year of non-use, making it absolutely vital during emergencies. This bad boy kept us in touch with family during a multi-day blackout, but we also love it for camping trips and off-grid adventures. Where To Buy It:Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $149.99
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If you need anymore ideas for the best travel gifts of the season, we have you covered. Check out more of our travel-themed gift guides...
