Get Your Child a Personalized Santa Letter

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.

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].

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].

St. Peter’s Turkey Drive

St. Peter’s will be holding its Annual Turkey Drive on Saturday, November 22, 2025, from 9 AM to 3 PM in the St. Peter’s parking lot at 445 Fifth Avenue. Turkey donations will be collected and distributed to local families in need. This event has always been supported generously by the community, and every donation helps make Thanksgiving brighter for those who need it most.

Dine With Washington – A Historic Evening at New Bridge Landing

Step back in time for a special fundraiser supporting the new museum at Historic New Bridge Landing. On Saturday, November 22, 2025, at 6:00 pm, guests will enjoy an evening with “General George Washington,” portrayed by John Koopman, along with two of his generals, at Sanzari’s New Bridge Inn in New Milford.

A limited number of reserved seats are available at Washington’s table. Those seated with the General will also receive a signed copy of John Koopman’s book George Washington at War – 1776. The event includes a plated dinner followed by dessert, with a cash bar.

Each dinner reservation also includes admission to the Retreat to Victory event the following day, where Washington will lead the troops across the bridge in a reenactment described by Thomas Paine in The American Crisis.

For reservations, visit BergenCountyHistory.org.

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.