A polar express ride, Santa's Workshop and ice skating are coming to Van Saun Park this holiday season. Watch video
PARAMUS -- A Winter Wonderland is coming to North Jersey, complete with Santa's workshop, ice skating and a holiday train ride.
Winter Wonderland at Van Saun Park is set to open Friday with a tree lighting ceremony set for 6:30 p.m. on Saturday.
"Instead of people from Bergen County going to Rockefeller Center or Bryant Park they can come to Van Saun in Bergen County," County Executive James J. Tedesco said.
On Wednesday, Tedesco gave a tour of the almost four-acre site as workers put on finishing touches. The executive, a former firefighter, pitched in to get the ice skating rink ready by helping to spray the water from a high powered hose.
For $15, entrants will get access to activities including ice skating with rental, a polar express train ride and unlimited carousel rides. Children 5-years-old and younger are free.
The site also features a Santa's workshop and ice skating rink for kids, and a beer garden for adults. Food trucks, such as Callahan's hot dogs and Waffle de Lys, will also be available.
County officials said the site can hold up to 2,000 people at a time. As of Tuesday, more than 750 tickets had been sold, according to Tedesco.
Tedesco did not give specific numbers on cost and estimated revenue, although the county is working with an operator to split proceeds. Corporate sponsors already signed on to the attraction include Hackensack University Medical Center and Valley Health System.
"My goal is not to make money," Tedesco said. "The role of government is to provide services and the needs of people."
The winter attraction is part of the county administration's park plan, which Tedesco said is about about gaining more park land and maximizing what is already available.
The county is also looking to have a zip line attraction at Campgaw Mountain by next summer, Tedesco said.
The park is open to the public Thursday through Sunday until Jan. 15. More information including specific hours are available at the attraction's website.
Fausto Giovanny Pinto may be reached at fpinto@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @FGPreporting. Find NJ.com on Facebook.