Fall in Bergen County is one of those seasons that reminds you why you live here. The air turns crisp, the Palisades cliffs blaze with color, and the entire region fills with harvest festivals, farmers markets, and community events that bring neighbors together. Whether you've lived in Fort Lee for decades or you're just considering the move, autumn in Northern NJ has a way of making the area feel like home.
I've spent 33+ autumns in Bergen County, and every year I discover something new. Here's my curated guide to the best fall activities from September through November 2026 — the events, traditions, and hidden gems that make this season special.
September: Harvest Season Kicks Off
September in Bergen County means the return of outdoor markets, the last warm weekends of the year, and the beginning of harvest festival season.
Apple Picking and Orchard Visits
Apple picking is a fall rite of passage in Northern NJ. While Bergen County itself is mostly suburban, several excellent orchards are within a short drive:
- Demarest Farms in Hillsdale (demarestfarms.com) — One of the closest orchards to central Bergen County. Pick-your-own apples, a farm market, and weekend activities for visitors.
- Alstede Farms in Chester, NJ — A larger operation about an hour west, with apple picking, corn mazes, hayrides, and a full farm market. Worth the drive for a full day trip.
- Orchard Road Apple Farm in Glen Rock area — A smaller, more intimate picking experience closer to home.
Most orchards open for picking in early to mid-September and run through October. Call ahead or check their websites for peak picking dates — the best varieties go fast.
Farmers Markets Go Into High Gear
Fall is peak season at Bergen County's farmers markets, with the last of summer tomatoes giving way to apples, pumpkins, squash, and fresh cider. Key markets include:
- Ridgewood Farmers Market — Saturdays at the Ridgewood Train Station. Local produce, baked goods, and artisanal products.
- River Edge Farmers Market — A community market with seasonal produce and prepared foods.
- Englewood Farmers Market — Along the Palisade Avenue corridor with diverse vendors.
For the full list, see our guide to Bergen County farmers markets.
October: Peak Fall Foliage and Festivals
October is Bergen County's busiest fall month. The foliage peaks, every town has a festival, and the community calendar fills up fast.
Leaf Peeping: Where to See Fall Colors
Bergen County's best fall foliage spots are along the Palisades and in the county parks:
- Palisades Interstate Park — The cliff-top trails along the Hudson River offer some of the most dramatic fall color in the region. The autumn views of the river, framed by reds and golds, are spectacular. See our hiking trails guide for trail details.
- Van Saun County Park in Paramus — A 347-acre park with walking paths, a zoo, and abundant tree canopy. Popular with visitors of all ages.
- Overpeck County Park — One of the largest parks in the county, with miles of paved paths along Overpeck Creek. The tree-lined trails put on a strong showing in mid-to-late October.
- Ridgewood Duck Pond and Saddle River County Park — Scenic walking paths along the Saddle River with lovely fall color. A favorite for locals who want a quiet, uncrowded leaf-peeping walk.
Peak foliage in Bergen County typically arrives in mid-to-late October, depending on the year. Bergen County Parks releases an annual fall foliage report — check bergencountyny.gov/parks for updates.
Harvest Festivals and Fall Events
Nearly every Bergen County town hosts some version of a fall festival. A few standout annual events:
- Bergen County Fall Harvest Festival — An annual county-wide celebration featuring local vendors, live music, food trucks, and community activities. Usually held at a county park venue in early-to-mid October.
- Ridgewood Halloween Parade — A beloved community tradition that draws hundreds of costumed residents through the Ridgewood downtown each October. It's the kind of event that captures what village life is all about.
- Fort Lee Fall Festival — Fort Lee hosts seasonal events including outdoor concerts and community gatherings in its parks through the fall.
- Englewood Night Market — While the main season runs summer, some vendors extend into early fall with special evening markets along Palisade Avenue.
- Teaneck Street Fair — Teaneck typically hosts a fall street fair with local businesses, food vendors, and community activities along Cedar Lane.
For the latest event listings, check our community events page — we update it regularly with new events as they're announced.
Halloween Events for All Ages
Halloween in Bergen County is a genuine community affair — not just a one-night event. Highlights include:
- Haunted house attractions at various locations throughout the county, ranging from playful to genuinely scary.
- Trick-or-treating in walkable downtowns — Leonia, Ridgewood, and Cliffside Park all have active trick-or-treat events in their commercial districts.
- Pumpkin patches and corn mazes at farms throughout the region, with Demarest Farms and Alstede Farms being the closest options.
Many Bergen County parks and dog runs also host pet-friendly Halloween events — costume contests and parades for the four-legged residents.
November: Holiday Markets and Pre-Season Shopping
November marks the transition from fall to holiday season, and Bergen County's walkable downtowns lead the way.
Holiday Markets and Craft Fairs
The holiday market season kicks off in mid-November across Bergen County. A few to watch for:
- Ridgewood Holiday Walk-Through and Village Lighting — Ridgewood's downtown comes alive with festive lights, carolers, and shop visits as the village kicks off the holiday season. One of the best holiday events in Bergen County.
- Englewood Holiday Market — The downtown features seasonal vendors and holiday decorations along Palisade Avenue.
- Fort Lee Holiday Events — Fort Lee hosts seasonal shopping events and community celebrations in its parks and commercial areas.
- Various church and community craft fairs — Nearly every Bergen County town has at least one holiday craft fair in November, featuring local artisans, homemade goods, and community fundraising.
Thanksgiving Weekend
The day after Thanksgiving is traditionally the kickoff to the holiday shopping season, and Bergen County's retail corridors come alive. But the real gems are the small-business shopping events:
- Small Business Saturday — Downtowns in Ridgewood, Englewood, Teaneck, and Leonia typically feature special promotions, extended hours, and community events for Small Business Saturday.
- Paramus shopping — Bergen County's Blue Laws mean most Paramus stores are closed on Sundays, making Black Friday and the surrounding weekdays the primary shopping days. If you're new to Bergen County, the Blue Laws are something to understand — they shape the rhythm of weekends in the area. See our complete living guide for details.
Fall Dining: Seasonal Menus and Comfort Food
Bergen County's restaurant scene shifts to fall flavors in September and October. Look for seasonal menus featuring butternut squash, apple cider, pumpkin, and hearty comfort food at local favorites:
- Steel Wheel Tavern in Ridgewood — Craft cocktails and elevated comfort food that transitions to fall-inspired dishes.
- CZEN in Englewood — Modern Japanese-Korean cuisine with seasonal specials.
- Local Italian spots throughout the county — Fall is prime season for hearty pasta, braised meats, and wine pairings at Bergen County's many Italian restaurants.
For more dining recommendations, see our coffee shops guide and local business spotlights.
Why Fall in Bergen County Matters
Beyond the specific events and activities, fall in Bergen County represents something deeper about life in Northern NJ. The seasons here aren't just weather patterns — they shape community identity. The farmers markets, the parades, the orchard visits, the holiday walk-throughs — these are the shared experiences that turn a neighborhood into a community.
If you're considering a move to Bergen County, plan a visit in October. Walk through Ridgewood's downtown on a crisp Saturday morning. Hike the Palisades cliff trail when the leaves are at peak color. Attend a town festival and watch how neighbors interact. You'll understand why people who move here tend to stay.
I've helped many clients find their place in these communities, and I'd love to help you find yours. Whether you're moving from another part of New Jersey, relocating from New York City, or planning the eventual NJ-to-Florida transition, I'm here to help you find the community that fits your life.