FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

November 22, 2021

MEDIA CONTACT:

Derek Alan Sands, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Director of Communications

VAN SAUN COUNTY PARK WILL BE NEW JERSEY’S PREMIER DESTINATION FOR WINTER FAMILY FUN

Bergen County’s Winter Wonderland & New Holiday Lantern Spectacular Open on November 26

 

(PARAMUS, NJ) – Bergen County Executive Jim Tedesco and the Bergen County Board of Commissioners are excited to announce that Van Saun County Park in Paramus will soon become New Jersey’s premier destination for winter family fun.

Starting on Friday, November 26 at 4 p.m., Bergen County’s Winter Wonderland is set to make its triumphant return to Van Saun County Park with open air ice skating, a non-ice children’s beginners rink, a heated hospitality tent, games, activities, food trucks, an indoor/outdoor beer and wine garden, carousel rides, and rides on the Bergen County Express Train. From the giant tinsel candy canes framing the entrance of the event grounds, to the festive decorations throughout, families will have the chance to be transported to a winter paradise this holiday season right here in Bergen County.

Simultaneously, right across the street, Van Saun County Park will also host the first ever Let It GLOW! A Holiday Lantern Spectacular at the Bergen County Zoo. The spectacular, sponsored by the Friends of the Bergen County Zoo in partnership with Tianyu Arts & Culture, Inc., will feature traditional Chinese lanterns with a modern twist, including dozens of hand-painted, larger-than-life structures that celebrate culture, animals, and the warmth of the holidays. With over 30 different scenes, each hand-made, artistic wonder is more breathtaking than the last. Festivities are also set to begin on Friday, November 26 at 4 p.m.

“Between Bergen County’s Winter Wonderland and the new holiday lantern spectacular, skip the GWB toll this year and head down to Van Saun County Park, New Jersey’s premier destination for winter family fun,” said Bergen County Executive Jim Tedesco. “This marks the realization of my administration’s commitment to better utilize the best park system in the state across all four seasons.”

“Our parks are the pride of the County government,” said Commissioner Chair Steve Tanelli. “I am proud of the expansion of opportunities for our residents to utilize our parks during the winter, and can’t wait to see families across the county enjoy the magic of Winter Wonderland and this spectacular lantern display.”

“We are beyond excited to sponsor this unique event,” said Catherine Ross, President of the Friends of the Bergen County Zoo. “The display is truly magical, and we’re providing a once-of-a-kind opportunity for families to enjoy the Zoo during the winter and create memories that they’ll cherish for a lifetime.”

 

Bergen County’s Winter Wonderland Hours of Operation and Upcoming Events

November 26 through January 2

The hours of operation are Fridays, 4 p.m. – 9 p.m.; Saturdays, 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.; and Sundays, 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. Monday-Thursdays, the ice rink will be open for skating from 4 p.m. – 8 p.m. Winter Wonderland will have adjusted hours on Christmas Eve (12/24) and New Year’s Eve (12/31) and operate 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. From December 2 – January 2, Winter Wonderland will operate 11 a.m. -9 p.m. Winter Wonderland will be closed on Christmas (12/25).

For more information about Winter Wonderland, including online ticket sales and the full 2021-2022 Event Calendar, visit www.BergenCountyWinterWonderland.com.

Prices

General admission: $15 + online service fee

Seniors, Veterans, & Active Military: $10 + online service fee

Age 3 & under: FREE

Upcoming events

Friday, November 26, 2021 – Winter Wonderland Officially Opens at 4 p.m.

Sunday, November 28, 2021 – The Winter Wonderland Menorah Lighting at 6 p.m.

Saturday, December 4, 2021 –Winter Wonderland Tree Lighting at 6:30 p.m.

Sunday, December 26, 2021 – The Winter Wonderland Kinara Lighting (more info to come)

 

Bergen County’s Winter Wonderland is sponsored by Bergen New Bridge Medical Center, NJ Devils, Field Station: Dinosaurs, Rockland Electric Company, the Bergen County Education Association, Hackensack Meridian Health, TD Bank, and ConnectOne Bank. For additional sponsorship opportunities, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Bergen County’s Winter Wonderland in partnership with the New Jersey Devils is also proud to host Learn to Play Hockey this season! Learn to Play is designed to teach your child the fundamentals of ice hockey. On-ice sessions are run by USA Hockey certified coaches as well as New Jersey Devils Alumni and are structured to be both instructional and FUN! Registration includes a full set of CCM hockey equipment. For further details visit www.bergencountywinterwonderland.com/learn-to-play-hockey.

 

 

Let It GLOW! A Holiday Lantern Spectacular Hours of Operation

November 26 through January 30

Every Thursday to Sunday, 4pm-9pm (closed Christmas)

Prices

Adult: $15

Child (3-17): $7.50

Children 2 and under: FREE

Tickets are available for purchase through Eventbrite and for more information, please visit http://www.friendsofbergencountyzoo.org/.

Let It Glow is available for corporate events Monday through Wednesday. To inquire about a private, one-of-a-kind event, please contact Catherine Ross at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Sponsorship opportunities are also available. If your business is interested in becoming a sponsor, please contact Marianne Vella at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Other information: members of the media are invited tour both event sites in anticipation of the grand opening on Friday, November 26. To coordinate, please reach out to Derek Sands, Director of Communications for the County of Bergen at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

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