✨ Your River Edge Weekly Update
The holiday season has officially arrived in River Edge, and you can feel it all around town — the lights going up, Santa’s schedule filling out, long-standing traditions returning, and neighbors finding new ways to celebrate together. This is one of the best times of the year to live here, and this week’s lineup of events brings back everything we love about the season.
Whether you’re ready for music by candlelight at Historic New Bridge Landing, excited to hear the fire trucks rolling through for Santa Sunday, or gearing up for this year’s decorating contest, there’s something for every family to enjoy. Add in the annual holiday lighting, a festive breakfast at Applebee’s, and the library’s gingerbread competition, and you’ve got a week full of small-town magic.
Here’s what’s happening in and around River Edge — and how you can make the most of the season ahead.
Upcoming Events
42nd Annual Candlelight Concerts at Historic New Bridge Landing
What it is:
A festive evening inside the Historic Steuben House featuring Linda Russell & Companie. This long-running holiday tradition fills the 18th-century home with music, candlelight, and seasonal warmth. Many families return year after year as part of their holiday celebrations.Why you should attend:
Enjoy an enchanting, historically immersive holiday concert in one of River Edge’s most beloved landmarks.
Perfect for a memorable night with family or friends.
Optional tavern-style food available before or after the concert at the Black Horse Tavern/Campbell-Christie House (no reservation needed for tavern).
Ideal for anyone who loves local history, live music, or unique holiday traditions.
Date & Location:
December 13 & 14, 2025
Historic New Bridge Landing – Steuben House, River EdgeLink for reservations & details:
https://BergenCountyHistory.orgTo order tickets by mail:
BCHS, PO Box 55, River Edge, NJ 07661
Include your preferred concert date & time, plus first and second choices.
🎅 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!
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].
2025 River Edge Home Holiday Decorating Contest
What it is:
The annual town-wide holiday decorating contest hosted by the River Edge Recreation Department. Residents decorate the exterior of their homes for a friendly competition judged entirely by the community. Only outdoor and window decorations visible from the street are considered.Why you should participate:
A fun way to show your holiday spirit and brighten up the neighborhood.
Open judging by River Edge residents makes it a true community event.
Unique designs, creative themes, and great curb appeal have a real chance to shine.
First, second, and third place winners will be celebrated on social media and receive a congratulatory lawn sign.
Key Details:
Registration Deadline: December 15
Judging Period: December 16–22
Judging Criteria:
Creative use of lights and decorations
Clear storyline or theme
Overall display and placement
Strong curb appeal from the street (judges do not enter properties)
Winners Announced: December 23 on Facebook and Instagram
Location:
Judging is done from the street at each participating River Edge home (corner homes viewed from both streets).Questions?
Contact the Recreation Department:
Phone: 201-599-6295
Email: [email protected] or [email protected]
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.
Friends of the River Edge Library Gingerbread House Contest
What it is:
A fun and festive gingerbread house contest hosted by the Friends of the River Edge Library. All entries support fundraising efforts that help provide programs and events for the community.Why you should participate:
A creative holiday activity for individuals, families, or teams.
Your entry directly supports library programming.
A great way to get involved and show off your decorating skills.
Winners are announced the same day entries are dropped off.
Key Details:
Entry Fee: $10 per entry (individuals or teams).
Registration: Register online or in person at the River Edge Library through December 7, 2025.
Drop-Off: Bring your gingerbread house to the library on December 13, 2025, from 10 AM to 1 PM.
Prizes Awarded: December 13, 2025 at 3 PM.
Thank you for supporting the
Thank you for once again supporting our Annual Jersey Cares Coat Drive in its 8th year!
We will be dropping the coats off early next week so they can be distributed to New Jerseyans in need. If you still have coats to be donated respond to this email or contact Ryan Gibbons at 201-446-8190.
River Edge Real Estate Update: September–November 2025 vs. 2024
The fall market in River Edge was noticeably stronger this year, with several key metrics pointing to increased demand and continued confidence from local buyers. While the rise in sale prices is influenced by a handful of larger homes selling, the overall story is one of steady movement and healthy activity in town.
Homes spent slightly less time on the market, averaging 21 days in 2025 compared to 23 days last year—a sign that well-priced homes are still finding buyers quickly even as rates and broader market conditions fluctuate.
Inventory ticked up modestly, with 28 new listings hitting the market this fall compared to 26 in 2024. That small boost in supply helped fuel more activity, but demand clearly kept pace: closed sales jumped from 18 to 24, a meaningful increase for a town our size.
Prices saw the biggest shift. The average sale price rose from $852,050 to $1,052,094, and the median price increased from $762,500 to $982,000. While this looks dramatic on paper, it’s important to note that a few higher-end sales pushed those numbers up. Even so, the data reinforces what many River Edge homeowners already know—our market continues to hold strong, and well-maintained homes across all price ranges are performing.
If you want to dive deeper into the numbers, explore property photos, or get a feel for what buyers are paying across different parts of town, you can view every home sold recently right here:
https://thisisriveredge.com/sold-homes-in-river-edge-nj/
Helpful Resources
