Photo of the Day: Children’s Zoo Entrance, Van Saun Park, Paramus NJ

This past weekend, at the suggestion of a close relative, I took a walk in Van Saun Park, several miles from where I live in Bergen County, NJ.

Over the years, I’ve strolled frequently through this 130-acre-plus park. Although the picnic areas that are used most often in the summer (and the more temperate days of spring and fall), were quiet, as one might expect this time of year, the part where I entered was anything but.

That was because of holiday events that day or lasting throughout the season. On Sunday, the Friends of the Bergen County Zoo and the Bergen County Parks Department held “Holiday With the Animals,” in which the creatures received presents and kids got their pictures taken with Santa.

From November 10 to January 15, the Friends are also presenting “Let It Glow!”, featuring larger-than-life, hand-constructed lanterns that celebrate culture, animals, and the holidays.

Christmas is best seen through the eyes of a child—and outdoors remains the best spot to experience a winter wonderland.