✨ Your River Edge Weekly Update
The holiday season is officially in full swing, and this week’s newsletter is packed with events, community traditions, local deals, and helpful guides you won’t want to miss. Santa is popping up all over town — from Santa Sunday to Breakfast with Santa — and more than 115 children have already signed up for personalized letters from the Big Guy himself.
There’s also a great way to support local students with River Dell’s Project Graduation breakfast, plus details on the 8th Annual Coat Drive, the Holiday Lighting, and the return of River Dell Basketball Alumni Night.
If you’re hungry, you’ll want to check out this week’s local spotlight on Ay Chihuahua! — along with their Black Friday burrito deal where you can buy two burritos and get the third free.
And for something a little different, we’re sharing two helpful reads: a guide to historic towns within three hours of Bergen County for your next easy getaway, and a deep dive into commuting from River Edge to Manhattan, perfect for current or future commuters.
Lots to explore — let’s get into it.
Upcoming Events
Get Your Child a Personalized Santa Letter
We currently have over 115 kids signed up to get a letter from Santa! Don’t miss your chance to join.
Something magical is coming to River Edge!
This year, we’re bringing a little extra holiday cheer with personalized letters from Santa — delivered right to your doorstep! Families can sign up to receive a special note from the Big Guy himself, customized with your child’s name and details.
Sign up by December 7 at ThisIsRiverEdge.com/santa-letter.
🎅 Santa Sunday Returns to River Edge!
One of the most loved traditions in town is right around the corner. Santa Sunday rolls out on Sunday, December 7th, when the River Edge Fire Department will escort Santa through every neighborhood starting at 12:00 PM.
If you hear the sirens, step outside — Santa will be handing out candy canes and waving to families all across town. It’s one of those small-town moments that makes this time of year feel extra special.
And if you want a little more Santa time, there’s a Meet and Greet on December 14th from 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM at Company 2 Firehouse, 55 Ackerson Street. Bring the kids, grab a photo, and enjoy a fun, relaxed evening with the big guy in red.
More holiday magic coming soon as events continue to roll in!
Breakfast with Santa
Support River Dell Project Graduation
Here’s a fun way to kick off the holiday season while supporting the River Dell High School Class of 2026 Project Graduation. Applebee’s in Hackensack is hosting a Breakfast with Santa that includes pancakes, sausage, eggs, coffee and orange juice. Families can also take photos with Santa, his elves and the Winter Princess.
Date: Sunday, December 7
Time: 8 to 10 AM
Location: Applebee’s, 450 Hackensack Avenue, Hackensack
Cost: $15 per person (payment required via Venmo; no refunds)
It is a nice local event for families and a great way to support the seniors.
🌯 Spotlight: Ay Chihuahua! — Bold Mexican Flavor in River Edge
Ay Chihuahua! brings a vibrant, fresh take on Mexican-style dining to River Edge. The menu spans from hearty burritos and flavorful street tacos to quesadillas, bowls, loaded nachos, and aguas frescas.
Signature dishes like the “California Burrito,” loaded with fries, guacamole, cheese, crema, and signature sauces, reflect the restaurant’s blend of hearty Tex-Mex comfort and bold flavor.
Customers also appreciate the variety — whether you’re craving a classic burrito, a creative bowl, or shareable combos with friends. The spot works well for quick take-out or a casual meal out.
Learn more about Ay Chihuahua: https://thisisriveredge.com/listing/ay-chihuahua/
🎉 Black Friday Burrito Deal — Don’t Miss It
Just in time for Black Friday, Ay Chihuahua! is offering a special deal: buy two burritos and get the third one free. This offer is available in store only, so it’s a perfect excuse to swing by.
Locations:
637 Kinderkamack Rd, River Edge
213 Main Ave, Passaic
Call ahead if you like: (201) 952-3764 (River Edge) or (973) 685-7318 (Passaic)
Breakfast with Santa
Support River Dell Project Graduation
Here’s a fun way to kick off the holiday season while supporting the River Dell High School Class of 2026 Project Graduation. Applebee’s in Hackensack is hosting a Breakfast with Santa that includes pancakes, sausage, eggs, coffee and orange juice. Families can also take photos with Santa, his elves and the Winter Princess.
Date: Sunday, December 7
Time: 8 to 10 AM
Location: Applebee’s, 450 Hackensack Avenue, Hackensack
Cost: $15 per person (payment required via Venmo; no refunds)
It is a nice local event for families and a great way to support the seniors.
Calling All River Dell Basketball Alumni
River Dell is bringing back the Alumni Basketball Games, and they are looking for former players to join in. If you would like to play on Friday, December 27, you can reserve your spot using the sign-up link below. Feel free to share this with any River Dell alumni who might want to take part.
Sign up: https://forms.gle/GBqaSLcdq5X8PnkQ7
8th Annual Coat Drive
North Jersey Partners 8th Annual Coat Drive to benefit Jersey Cares is happening on December 3 from 2:00 to 4:00 pm in the River Edge Community Parking Lot next to the library (enter on Continental Avenue).
Last year, our community donated 120 coats, helping NJ residents stay warm throughout the winter. Jersey Cares collected more than 20,000 coats statewide, and we are hoping to do even better this year with your help.
If you cannot make it to the drop-off event, feel free to reach out to Ryan Gibbons or Christine Alexiou and we will arrange a convenient drop-off or pickup. Your support truly makes a difference for families in need across New Jersey.
2025 River Edge Recreation Ornament Contest for Kids
River Edge Recreation is inviting all River Edge children up to 18 years old to take part in the 2025 Ornament Contest. Each participant may submit one handmade ornament, which must include the year “2025,” measure at least five inches, and have a loop or hook so it can be hung. Ornaments should also be weather proof, as they will be displayed outdoors on the town tree.
Submission Deadline:
All entries must be submitted by 11:59 pm on Tuesday, December 2, 2025.
Winner Information:
The winner will be contacted on December 4 and must be present at the Holiday Tree Lighting on December 6, 2025, where the prize will be awarded.
Full rules and the contest entry form are available here: https://forms.gle/yGNvoAQ8Rqz51Mib9
For additional questions, contact River Edge Recreation at 201-599-6295 or email [email protected] or [email protected].
🧭 Discover Great Getaways: Historic Towns Within 3 Hours of Bergen County
If you live in Bergen County and have ever said, “I want a quick escape this weekend,” this post is your ticket. The article “Historic Towns Within 3 Hours of Bergen County, NJ | Best Day Trips & Weekend Getaways” showcases a rich lineup of towns just a short drive away — from riverside hamlets in the Hudson Valley to charming colonial towns in New Jersey and Pennsylvania.
Imagine wandering the antique-lined Main Street of Cold Spring, NY, hiking scenic trails along the Hudson, or stepping into nearly 250 years of history at Morristown, NJ, where George Washington once wintered with his troops.
For couples looking for romance, families wanting a fun bonding day, or history lovers seeking a living-history experience — there’s literally something for everyone. From restored mansions and antique shops to lakeside walks and mountain views, each town brings its own flavor and story.
Whether you’re planning a spontaneous Saturday outing or a longer weekend away, this guide gives you options that feel like a mini vacation without the hassle of long travel.
👉 Ready to start exploring? Read the full post and start planning your next escape: Historic Towns Within 3 Hours of Bergen County, NJ
Holiday Lighting
Kick off the holiday season with River Edge Recreation at the 2025 Annual Holiday Lighting. The event will be held on Saturday, December 6, 2025, from 4:00 to 6:00pm at River Edge Borough Hall, located at 705 Kinderkamack Road.
Families can enjoy photos with Santa, cookies and cocoa, and a variety of holiday crafts and carols. The evening will also feature performances by the River Edge Girl Scouts, the River Dell Marching Band and Hawkapella, BCP Carolers, and Bach to Rock River Edge.
This event is rain or shine. Please remember to bring your own camera for Santa photos.
For additional information, contact the Recreation Department at 201-599-6295 or email [email protected] or [email protected].
River Dell High School Holiday Movie Night – Featuring Elf
River Dell High School is hosting a festive Holiday Movie Night on Friday, December 5, featuring a screening of Elf.
Doors open at 6 pm and the movie begins at 7 pm at 55 Pyle Street in Oradell.
Admission is five dollars per person, with cash concessions available for popcorn, hot cocoa, and cookie decorating and craft stations.
Cash tickets may be purchased at the door, or you can Venmo @arlakk (6587). If paying via Venmo, include the number of tickets and your email address for confirmation.
Attendees are encouraged to wear holiday apparel or pajamas. All proceeds support the Class of 2029 and St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.
🚆 Thinking of Commuting From River Edge to Manhattan? This Guide Breaks It Down
If you’re living in River Edge and commuting to New York City, the post “Commuting from River Edge to Manhattan” is the go-to resource — it outlines every major commuting option, compares convenience and cost, and helps you decide what works best for your lifestyle.
Here’s what you’ll discover when you read it:
Train access — Residents can use either the River Edge Station or the New Bridge Landing station — both on the Pascack Valley Line — making rail a flexible and efficient option depending on where you live.
Multiple transit methods — The guide covers not only trains but also buses (including express lines), ferry, and driving, giving you multiple ways to commute depending on your schedule and destination.
Real-world commute times and costs — For example, riding the train via Secaucus into Midtown Manhattan can take about 50–60 minutes total.
Parking and permit info — If you drive to a station, the guide explains how commuter-lot permits work and where you can park — useful if you don’t live within walking distance of a train stop.
Bus and jitney alternatives — For those not using the train, local bus routes or smaller jitney vans offer other commuting options, sometimes with favorable pricing or quicker travel depending on your destination.
Whether you commute daily, occasionally, or are planning a move to River Edge — this post gives a comprehensive, honest look at what to expect.
👉 Ready to simplify your commute? Read the full guide and start planning here: Commuting from River Edge to Manhattan
Helpful Resources
