Your Complete Guide to Easter 2026 in Allendale, NJ
Everything Bergen County families need to know — egg hunts, spring brunches, sunrise services, local fun, and practical tips for making Easter Sunday unforgettable.
Explore below
Easter 2026 falls on Sunday, April 5 — and with early-April warmth, Bergen County is shaping up to be a wonderful backdrop for egg hunts, family gatherings, and spring celebrations. Whether you’re a lifelong Allendale resident or visiting family in our corner of northern New Jersey, this guide rounds up everything you want to do, everything you need to do, and a few things you’ll be glad someone reminded you about.
From Crestwood Lake to Paramus and beyond, here’s how to make the most of Easter 2026 in the Allendale, NJ area.
Things You Want to Do for Easter 2026 in Allendale, NJ
The classic egg hunts, brunch spots, and spring outings that make Bergen County Easter magic.
Allendale Easter Egg Hunt at Crestwood Lake
The beloved annual egg hunt returns to Crestwood Lake, Allendale — a cherished tradition for Bergen County families. Open to Allendale residents only, it’s for kids ages 12 and under, plus a special egg hunt just for mothers. Peter Cottontail makes a live appearance and music keeps the energy high.
Bergen County Zoo Eggstravaganza
A fan-favorite at Van Saun Park in Paramus — just a short drive from Allendale. Collect eggs, treats, and prizes while the animals put on their own spring show. Perfect for families with little ones who love animals as much as chocolate.
Easter Brunch Around Bergen County
From Ramsey to Ridgewood, area restaurants and diners dress up their menus for Easter Sunday. Many popular spots book out weeks in advance — plan early! Look for prix-fixe Easter brunches at local favorites, and for a fun family detour, consider picking up fresh-baked treats to round out your spread.
Easter in the Park – Ridgewood, NJ
Head to Memorial Park at Van Neste Square in Ridgewood (about 10 minutes from Allendale) for an Easter celebration featuring a bonnet parade, live music by School of Rock, ice cream, local vendors, arts & crafts, and a chalk walk. The Easter Bunny puts in an appearance, too.
Easter Bunny Train Ride
For a truly memorable outing, the Easter Bunny Train Ride at Delaware River Railroad (Phillipsburg) departs scenic Phillipsburg along the Delaware River to a historic egg patch near the Lime Kilns. Perfect for train-loving kids and grandparents who want a seated adventure.
Breakfast with the Easter Bunny – Ramsey Fire Dept
Just five minutes up the road in Ramsey, NJ, the local fire department hosts a beloved community Easter breakfast — bagels, doughnuts, juice, coffee, and a visit from the Easter Bunny himself. A warm neighborhood tradition that’s hard to beat.
Things You Need to Do Before Easter 2026
These practical to-dos ensure your Easter Sunday goes off without a hitch — from reservations to egg-hunt registration, don’t let these slip through the cracks.
- Mar15
Register for the Allendale Egg Hunt
The Allendale Easter Egg Hunt is resident-only and runs like clockwork — but it requires knowing it’s happening. Check with the Holiday Observers ([email protected]) or the borough’s community calendar to confirm 2026 details as they’re released.
Free · Residents Only - Mar20
Book Your Easter Brunch Reservation
Bergen County restaurants fill up fast for Easter Sunday brunch. Call your favorite spot — or explore new ones in Ramsey, Ho-Ho-Kus, or Ridgewood — and lock in a reservation before mid-March to avoid disappointment.
Reservations Required - Mar21
Buy Tickets for Bergen County Zoo Eggstravaganza
The zoo event uses timed entry slots on Eventbrite, and they sell out. Purchase at least 2–3 weeks in advance at $6/person for ages 2 and up. Plan to also budget for the train and carousel ($2 per person, per ride).
$6 per person · Eventbrite - Mar25
Order Your Easter Basket Goodies
Allendale and surrounding towns have terrific local bakeries, candy shops, and specialty markets to stock your baskets with. Rohsler’s Allendale Nursery is also a wonderful stop for spring flowers and decorations. Shop local, shop early.
Local Shopping - Apr1
Check the Weather & Pack Smart
Early April in northern New Jersey can swing from sunny and 60°F to chilly and breezy in the same day. Layer up for outdoor egg hunts, bring a light jacket, and keep an eye on the weekend forecast — especially if you’re planning a sunrise service or outdoor brunch.
Practical Tip - Apr3
Confirm Church Service Times
Holy Week services in Allendale and surrounding Bergen County parishes often require pre-registration for Easter Sunday given high attendance. Check with your church in March, or explore one of the many welcoming congregations in the area if you’re looking for a Good Friday or Easter sunrise service.
Pre-registration Advised
Things Families Forget They Want to Do
These Easter and spring experiences in Allendale, NJ are easy to overlook — but always remembered fondly once you do them.
Easter Bunny Photo Opportunities
Photos with the Easter Bunny are a spring milestone that kids (and grandparents) treasure. Check local malls like Westfield Garden State Plaza in Paramus, as well as community events in Ramsey and Ridgewood, for dedicated photo opportunities. Some are free; others charge a small fee. Lines form early on the big day — arrive when doors open.
Spring Walks Along the Saddle River
Easter weekend in early April often coincides with the first real bloom of the season along the Saddle River County Park Trail. A gentle walk through Allendale or into Ramsey with baskets and grandparents in tow is a deeply satisfying spring ritual — and no reservations required.
Egg Dyeing & Craft Workshops
Several local libraries and art studios around Bergen County host egg-dyeing and spring craft workshops for kids in the days leading up to Easter. These low-key activities are often free or very affordable, and they keep little ones occupied on the Thursday or Friday before Easter weekend while you handle logistics.
A Family Trip to a Local Farm
Northern New Jersey has several working farms that come alive in spring with petting zoos, hayrides, and family photo ops. Heaven Hill Farm and similar Bergen-area farms offer activity zones and seasonal extras that keep kids busy long after the last egg is found. A full farm day pairs wonderfully with an egg hunt morning.
Things Families Forget They Need to Do
These practical Easter essentials often hit people the week before — avoid the scramble by planning ahead now.
Stock Up on Easter Basket Supplies Early
Target, CVS, and local party shops in the Allendale–Ramsey corridor sell out of popular basket fillers (especially the good chocolate) fast. Shop by late March.
Plan Your Parking in Advance
Events like the Ridgewood Easter celebration and Bergen County Zoo draw big crowds. Identify parking areas ahead of time, or plan to park-and-walk a few blocks to beat congestion.
Bring Your Own Basket
Many egg hunts in Bergen County — including the Allendale hunt at Crestwood Lake — explicitly ask kids to bring their own baskets or containers. Don’t get caught without one on the day.
Know the Rain Date Policy
Early April weather in NJ can be unpredictable. Most egg hunts announce a rain date — check the organizer’s social media or website the morning of the event before heading out.
Follow Local Social Media
Borough of Allendale, Allendale Moms groups on Facebook, and the Bergen County Parks Commission often post last-minute updates, date confirmations, and bonus events. Follow them in March.
Pre-Order Easter Treats
Local bakeries around Allendale and Ramsey often take advance orders for Easter chocolates, hot cross buns, and decorated cookies. Call in your order by late March to guarantee availability.
Outdoor Activity Checklist
For spring egg hunts: sunscreen (yes, even in April), water bottles, comfortable shoes, wet wipes for muddy hands, and a snack for hungry post-hunt kids who don’t want to wait for brunch.
Start Times Are Firm
The Allendale egg hunt starts at 10 AM sharp. Many Bergen County events are the same — late arrivals often miss the hunt entirely. Set two alarms and leave early.
Looking for a Fun Easter Treat This Year?
After the egg hunt excitement, one popular local stop is Allendale Pretzel Factory (Philly Pretzel Factory) at 49 W Allendale Ave — the neighborhood’s go-to spot for freshly baked, hand-twisted soft pretzels, pretzel dogs, and party trays. Whether you’re grabbing a post-hunt snack or adding something fun to your Easter spread, it’s one option worth checking out this spring. They also offer catering for family gatherings and celebrations.
View Menu & Order Online