The region’s artists and presenters celebrate the holidays with an abundance of offerings of sounds, spectacles, and community engagements that can lift spirits and create memories.
To get started, let’s look at what our region’s music venues and organizations are providing.
Princeton University Chapel
The Messiah Sing, the traditional community singing of Handel’s Messiah, returns with conductor Nicole Aldrich, organist Eric Plutz, and a chamber ensemble. Those wishing to join the chorus can bring a score or borrow one at the door. Others can just sit back and listen. Admission is free. Monday, December 11, 7:30 to 8:30 p.m.
A Wreath of Carols is University Organist Eric Plutz’s solo organ concert overflowing with seasonal works of Christmas. The program includes “A Wreath of Carols” by contemporary American composer, organist Margaret Sandresky. Free admission. Friday, December 1, 8 p.m.
The Candlelight Service of Lessons & Carols is a service of readings and music of the season featuring the Princeton Chapel Choir, Early Music Princeton Singers, and Princeton University a cappella groups. Free. Wednesday, December 6, 7:30 to 8:30 p.m.
For more on the chapel offerings, go to chapel.princeton.edu.
Also at the Chapel:
Westminster Choir College of Rider University will celebrate An Evening of Readings and Carols, the annual event created by WCC faulty members James Jordan and Kathleen Ebling Shaw. Based on the King’s College service in England, the event features Bible texts, hymns, prayers, and other musical and spoken expression from around world. $25 to $70. Princeton University Chapel, Friday and Saturday, December 8 and 9, 8 p.m.
Find out more at rider.vbotickets.com.
Princeton Symphony Orchestra
“Holiday Pops,” another annual tradition, features Broadway and recording singer Morgan James, the Princeton Symphony Orchestra conducted by John Devlin, and the Princeton High School Choir. They present a lush rendering of seasonal favorites — including its annual sing-along. $5 to $100, Richardson Auditorium, Princeton University. Saturday, December 16, 3 and 6 p.m. princetonsymphony.org.
Princeton Singers
“A Rose in Winter,” featuring a range of seasonal works, marks the organization’s 40th anniversary. Artistic director Steven Sametz conducts the annual presentation. $20 to $40. Trinity Church, 33 Mercer Street, Princeton, Saturday, December 16, 6 p.m. princetonsingers.org.
Princeton Pro Musica
“A Feast of Carols” featuring contemporary composer John Rutter’s 1972 “Gloria” and festive arrangements by Ryan Brandau with organ, brass, and percussion, $12 to $65, Princeton University Chapel, Sunday, December 16, 4 p.m. princetonpromusica.org.
Bravura Philharmonic Orchestra
Music director and conductor Chiu-Tze Lin and the Edison Chinese Chorus present a holiday concert featuring Christmas and Hanukkah music, selections from Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake, and a sing-along, $20 to $30, Princeton Alliance Church, 20 Schalks Crossing Road, Plainsboro, Sunday, December 3, 7 p.m. www.bravuraphil.org.
New Jersey Symphony
This year’s traditional holiday presentation of Handel’s “Messiah” will be conducted by guest conductor Nicholas McGegan and features Montclair State University’s Prima Voce. $25 to $97. It’s set for Richardson Auditorium, Princeton University, Princeton, Friday, December 15, 8 p.m. njsymphony.org.
Voices Chorale
“Joyful Reflections” is the Hopewell-based chorus’s 2023 holiday event. The program includes Camille Saint-Saëns’ “A Christmas Oratorio” and fresh arrangements of holiday traditional holiday songs. $25. Trinity Church, 33 Mercer Street, Princeton. Livestream available. Saturday, December 9, 4 p.m. voiceschoralenj.org.
New Jersey Capital Philharmonic
The Trenton orchestra marks its 10th anniversary New Year’s Eve concert with a world premiere by film composer John Dickson, Richard Strauss’ “Don Juan,” and music by Johan Strauss, George Gershwin, and Richard Rogers. $10 to $60. Trenton War Memorial, 1 Memorial Drive, Trenton. Sunday, December 31, 8 p.m. capitalphilharmonic.org.
Rider University Bell Choir
The internationally known group founded by Kathleen Ebling Shaw presents its annual holiday concert, “Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing Day!” Gill Chapel, 2083 Lawrenceville Road, Lawrenceville, $15 to $20, Saturday, December 2, 4 p.m. More information at rider.edu/about/events.
Mercer County Community College
The Mercer County Community College Jazz Band Winter Concert swings in on Wednesday, December 13, 7:30 p.m., followed by the Mercer County Community College Symphonic Band Holiday Concert, Wednesday, December 20, 7:30 p.m. Both events are free. Kelsey Theater, Mercer County Community College, 1200 Old Trenton Road, West Windsor. kelsey.mccc.edu.
Music Mountain
The Big Band Holiday Concert is a song and dance event featuring MMT performers and a 17-piece band playing music in the style of Mariah Carey, Rosemary Clooney, Bing Crosby, Ella Fitzgerald, and others. $25. 1483 Route 179, Lambertville. Friday through Sunday, December 15 through 17. Friday and Saturday, 8 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 3 p.m. musicmountaintheatre.org.
State Theatre of New Jersey
“Mannheim Steamroller Christmas” returns to New Brunswick on Sunday, December 10, 2 and 7:30 p.m. $49 to $129. 15 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick. www.stnj.org.
Theoria
The a cappella group specializing in Eastern European sacred music performs its Christmas Concert at the Assumption of the Virgin Mary Byzantine Catholic Church in Trenton. The group was founded by Andrew Skitko, a Westminster Choir College graduate who sings with the Opera of Philadelphia Chorus and serves as the cantor of the church currently celebrating its 130th anniversary. Donations accepted. Saturday, December 9, 4 p.m. Assumption of the Virgin Mary Byzantine Catholic Church, 202 Grand Street, Trenton. stmarybyzcatholictrenton.org.
Capital Singers of Trenton
“Winter Songs XVII” with conductor Vinroy D. Brown, Jr., continues a Trenton holiday tradition with a seasonal concert featuring music by Peter, Paul and Mary, Sweet Honey in the Rock, Sergei Rachmaninoff, and Camille Saint-Saëns’ “Oratorio de Noël.” Sacred Heart Church, 343 South Broad Street, Trenton, $20 to $25, Sunday, December 3, 4 p.m. www.capitalsingers.org.
Hopewell Valley Chorus
The holiday program features familiar and much-loved songs from Ira and George Gershwin, Irving Berlin, Billy Joel and more, creating “The Many Moods of December.” Sunday, December 3, 5 p.m. $15. St. James R.C. Church, 115 East Delaware Avenue, Pennington. www.hopewellvalleychorus.org.
Boheme Opera of NJ
The region’s opera company celebrates its 35th season with a traveling presentation of American composer Gian Carlo Menotti’s “Amahl and the Night Visitors.” The first opera created especially for television, the work focuses on a woman and her disabled son’s encounter with the Three Wise Men as they follow the guiding star.
The opera premiered on December 24, 1951. Boheme will present the production on Sunday, December 3, Mary, Mother of the Church Parish, Bordentown; Sunday, December 10, Church of St. Gregory the Great, Hamilton Square, NJ; Saturday, December 16, St. David the King Parish, Princeton Junction, $30 (children 12 and under free). All performances are at 6 p.m. For more information, visit www.bohemeopera.org.
McCarter Theater
“Un-Silent Night,” the Canadian-based Choir! Choir! Choir! music organization’s holiday sing-along, involves “two nice Jewish boys leading you the audience through some of the greatest songs of all time to ring in the holidays.” $25 to $45. 91 University Place, Princeton. Saturday, December 16, 7 p.m. www.mccarter.org.
Princeton Theological Seminary
“Carols of Many Nations” is the Chapel Choir and Seminary Singers’ annual welcoming of the Christmas season with a service featuring scripture readings, anthems, and carols in various languages representing the diversity of the seminary’s community. Free with required registration. Wednesday, December 6, 3:30, 6:30, and 8:30 p.m. Princeton Theological Seminary Chapel, Mercer Street, Princeton. www.ptsem.edu.
Mancave
The annual “Christmas With Ed Hamell / Hamell On Trial” features the New York-based musician who blends of a mix of personal storytelling, gritty wit, rock ‘n’ roll, and punk. Sunday, December 17, 6 p.m., $15. Randy Now’s Man Cave, 119 West Ward Street, Hightstown. randy-nows-man-cave.ticketleap.com.
Meanwhile, area stages will come to life with holiday traditions and new fun works.
McCarter Theater
“A Christmas Carol” returns with a new adaptation written and directed by New York-based theater artist and former Guthrie Theater associate producer Lauren Keating and starring “Brooklyn Nine-Nine’s” Joel McKinnon Miller as Ebenezer Scrooge. $35 to $80. December 6 through 24.
Also at McCarter is “The Ultimate Christmas Show (Abridged),” a show that calls itself a “send-up of your average holiday production” and a “raucous display of physical comedy and absurdist humor,” not recommended for children under 12. Thursday, December 14, 7:30 p.m. $25 to $65. 91 University Place, Princeton. mccarter.org.
Crossroads Theater
“Ella — A Musical Tribute to Ella Fitzgerald,” starring Freda Payne and written and directed by the Audelco Award winner, Lee Summers, warms up the company’s December schedule. $25 to $45, New Brunswick Performing Arts Center, 11 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick. December 20 through 22. crossroadstheatrecompany.org.
Bucks County Playhouse
“Irving Berlin’s White Christmas,” based on the 1954 classic Hollywood movie musical, through December 31. $32 to $133. 70 South Main Street, New Hope, Pennsylvania. bcptheater.org.
Bristol Riverside Theater
“A Christmas Story: The Play” is a stage adaptation of the 1981 film by Jean Shepherd, Leigh Brown, and Bob Clark. Through December 31, $15 to $65. 120 Radcliffe Street, Bristol, Pennsylvania. brtstage.org.
Kelsey Theater
“A Very Kelsey Christmas Cabaret” is a festive one-night interactive presentation. Saturday, December 9, 8 p.m., $20 to $22; “White Christmas Movie Sing-Along,” featuring the Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Vera Ellen, and Rosemary Clooney film classic, Saturday, December 16, 8 p.m. $20 to $22; and Kelsey’s own annual presentation of “’Twas the Night Before Christmas,” Friday, December 8 through 10, $14 to $16. Mercer County Community College, 1200 Old Trenton Road, West Windsor. kelseyatmccc.org.
Actors’ Net
“The Wickhams: Christmas at Pemberley” by Lauren Gunderson and Margot Melcon is a Jane Austen-inspired holiday slice of 18th century English life. $24, 635 North Delmorr Avenue, Morrisville, Pennsylvania. December 1 through 17. actorsnetbucks.org.
Music Mountain Theater
“A Christmas Carol” with music by Broadway and film writer Alan Menken is MMT’s traditional event. $25. 1483 Route 179, Lambertville. Friday and Saturday, 8 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday, on stage through December 10. musicmountaintheatre.org.
And let’s not forget all the magic of dance:
American Repertory Ballet
“The Nutcracker,” the company’s annual holiday presentation of Tchaikovsky’s musical journey through an enchanted world, arrives at two locations. The first is the Trenton War Memorial, 1 Memorial Drive Trenton. $25 to $55. Saturday, December 9, 1 and 5 p.m.
The second is New Brunswick, where the company dances to the music provided by the ARB orchestra and the Princeton Girlchoir at the State Theatre of New Jersey, 15 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick. $68 to $102. Friday through Sunday, December 15 through 17. arballet.org.
State Theater
Set in modern day New York City, “The Hip Hop Nutcracker” also makes a stop in New Brunswick. Directed and choreographed by Tony® and Olivier Award-nominated Jennifer Weber, this contemporary dance spectacle is a re-mixed and re-imagined version of the classic. Friday, December 29, 8 p.m. $39 to $69. 15 Livinston Avenue, New Brunswick. www.stnj.org.
Roxey Ballet
The Lambertville professional dance continues its annual production of the beloved classic “The Nutcracker,” choreographed by the company’s founder Mark Roxey and featuring 150 dancers and hundreds of costumes from December 1 through 3, $37.95 to $59.95, Villa Victoria Theater, Route 29, Ewing, 609-397-7616 or www.roxeyballet.org.
Princeton Youth Ballet
The company’s annual “The Nutcracker” presentation features 60 young artists and screen-projected backdrops. $25 to $30. Princeton High School Performing Arts Center, 16 Walnut Lane, Princeton. Saturday, December 9, 4 p.m., and Sunday, December 10, noon and 4 p.m. princetonyouthballet.org.
Kelsey Theater
The Dance Connection once again presents its abridged and narrated “The Nutcracker,” designed for young audiences and presented by young performers. $14 to $16. Mercer County Community College, 1200 Old Trenton Road, West Windsor. Friday, December 15, 7 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday, December 16 and 17, 1 and 4 p.m. kelseyatmccc.org.
The season also offers an opportunity to get out and surround yourself with spectacle offered by the following:
Palmer Square
Palmer Square in Princeton is getting into the seasonal swing by resuming Skating on the Square at its outdoor skating rink behind the Nassau Inn. Skating hours are Thursdays and Fridays, 4 to 7 p.m., and Saturdays and Sundays, noon to 3 p.m. and 4 to 7 p.m. Bring your own skates or rent them there.
Other events at the square include live holiday music and a strolling Santa, noon to 2 p.m., weekends through December 24. And the Annual Menorah Lighting is on Tuesday, December 12, at 4 p.m. palmersquare.com/holidays.
Mill Hill Holiday House and Window Tour
The 56th annual House Tour of 19th century homes in Trenton’s historic downtown district is a tradition featuring window displays and special decorations, with some of the homeowners hosting visitors with holiday music, refreshments, and insightful conversation on their stoops and sidewalks.
Capital Harmony Works singers perform at 2:30 p.m. at Artworks, with Elisa’s Catering food truck on hand throughout the day. Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus will also be paying a visit. $20. Tickets available for advance sale or can be purchased day of. The tour begins at Artworks located at 19 Everett Alley and South Stockton Street, Trenton. Saturday, December 2, noon to 5 p.m. www.eventbrite.com/e/2023-mill-hill-holiday-house-tour-tickets-739320295907
Arts Council of Princeton
The arts organization’s Artist Chalet Winter Village outdoor project features artisans and artists selling artwork, cards, jewelry, handcrafts, and more. Each week features a different roster of artists and crafters. Look for the village at Hinds Plaza, next to Princeton Public Library. Active through Christmas Eve, Thursday through Sunday, noon to 6 p.m. For more information, call 609-924-8777 or visit www.artscouncilofprinceton.org.
Kuser Farm Mansion
Winter Wonderland at the farm mansion in Hamilton returns with rides on a holiday express train, walks through Santa’s Village and workshop, a petting zoo, photo sessions with Santa, the Jersey Valley Model Railroad Club display, and tours of the period decorated Victorian-era Kuser Mansion. Free. Friday, December 1, 4 to 7:30 p.m., and Saturday, December 2, 2 to 7:30 p.m. 390 Newkirk Avenue, Hamilton. 609-890-3630 or www.hamiltonnj.com.
Grounds For Sculpture
Night Forms, the after-hours multimedia event created by the Philadelphia-based Klip Collective returns for its third year to use immersive light, animation, and sound for an event that transforms the grounds and sculptures. On view through February. $14 to $28, Thursdays through Sundays, with viewing sessions from 5 to 9:30 p.m. Grounds For Sculpture, 126 Sculptors Way, Hamilton. 609-586-0616 or www.groundsforsculpture.org.
Pennsbury Manor
“Holly Night” is the annual candlelight tour of the home of William Penn. It also includes open fires, yule logs, hot cider, colonial crafts, and historic reenactors, $6 to $14, December 7 and 8, 6 to 9 p.m. 400 Pennsbury Memorial Road, Morrisville, Pennsylvania. 215-946-0400 or www.pennsburymanor.org.
Howell Living History Farm
Christmas on the Farm with Christmas crafts, live music, animal visits, a visit to a decorated farmhouse, and a visit with Santa (arriving on a steam tractor). Free. Saturday, December 2, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Valley Road, Hopewell, just off Route 29, two miles south of Lambertville. 609-737-3299 or www.howellfarm.com.
Morven Museum
The historic building’s annual Festival of Trees display is up and welcoming visitors with decorated rooms and mantels. This year’s displays were developed in partnership with the Contemporary Garden Club of Princeton, HomeFront’s SewingSpace Program, Lawrenceville Main Street The Landscaping Committee, Mount Laurel Garden Club, Neshanic Garden Club, Nottingham Garden Club of Hamilton Township, Princeton First Aid & Rescue Squad, SAVE — A Friend to Homeless Animals, Stony Brook Garden Club, Garden Club of Princeton, Present Day Club, Princeton Garden Theatre, West Trenton Garden Club, and ToobyDoo Princeton. $8 to $10. 55 Stockton Street, Princeton. Wednesdays through Sundays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., through January 7. 609-924-8144 or morven.org.
Drumthwacket
New Jersey’s official governor’s mansion is opening the 19th-century Greek revival-style house to visitors with holiday displays. The free open house tours are set for Sundays noon to 3 p.m., and other days, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tours dates are Friday, December 1; Saturdays, December 2 and 16; Sundays, December 3 and 17; and Tuesday, December 19. Entry is free but reservations are required. For more information, go to drumthwacket.org.
Discovery Center at Point Breeze
The new center in a structure created by Joseph Bonaparte, former King of Spain and brother to Napoleon, is celebrating its first holiday season with an open house that includes tours and the opportunity to create Fleur de Lis ornaments for the holiday tree. Free. Saturday, December 2, 2 to 4 p.m. 101 South Park Street, Bordentown. drgreenway.org.
Meanwhile, historic groups and reenactors continue to recreate the region’s historic moments with the following:
Washington Crossing Historic Park, Pennsylvania
Get set for the annual reenactments of George Washington’s Christmas Day crossing of the Delaware River to take Trenton — at the very location where the major historical event occurred.
The first is the dress rehearsal crossing on Sunday, December 10. The fun-filled fundraiser that includes visits to the site’s historic buildings runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., with the crossing event at 1 p.m. $5 to $9.
The second is the annual Christmas Day crossing taking place at 1 p.m. Visitors can also march with the troops, tour buildings, and join fellow festival lovers waiting for the cannon shot to signal the launching of the boats.
Washington Crossing Historic Park, Routes 32 and 532, Washington Crossing, Pennsylvania. 215-493-4076 or washingtoncrossingpark.org.
Washington Crossing State Park, New Jersey
“Washington’s Landing in New Jersey” is a day featuring a visit with the First Rhode Island Regiment, a group of African-American reenactors who tell the stories of the historically underrepresented men and women who fought in the Revolutionary War, and other reenactment groups demonstrating life of the Revolutionary War Soldiers during the time of Washington’s famous 1776 crossing of the Delaware. Other attractions include tours of the historic Johnson Ferry House and a talk by area-based historian and writer Larry Kidder. Free. Sunday, December 10. www.wcpa-nj.com.
Patriots Week
The week-long commemoration of the Battle of Trenton, the event that put the American colonists on the path to victory, returns to downtown Trenton on Tuesday, December 26, and continues through Sunday, December 31, with historic tours, talks, and reenactments. Most events are free. See more at www.patriotsweek.com.
And, finally, for those looking to combine a bit of art viewing with last minute shopping, check out the following exhibitions — and gift giving opportunities:
Artworks Trenton
The annual “10X10 Red Dot Fundraising Exhibition 2023,” featuring works by regional artists for sale for $100, is a chance for the novice to test the waters of original art, experienced artists to help Artworks fund continued programming, and an opportunity for the collector to build their art collection. The exhibition opens with a reception on Saturday, December 9, 6 to 9 p.m., and continues through January 6. Artworks, 19 Everett Alley and South Stockton Street, Trenton. www.artworkstrenton.org.
West Windsor Arts Council
The annual Off the Wall Holiday Market features a variety of fine arts and crafts created by local artists and artisans. Framed and ready-to-hang affordable fine art is available for viewing and purchase through December 23. Open daily, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturdays and Sundays, 12:30 to 5:30 p.m. through December 17. West Windsor Arts Council, 952 Alexander Road in Princeton Junction. westwindsorarts.org.
D&R Greenway
D&R Greenway’s Johnson Education Center hosts a holiday open house on Saturday, December 9, from 1 to 4 p.m. at One Preservation Place.
The two-story renovated barn will be full of holiday spirit and unique art as shoppers are invited to enjoy cookies, hot chocolate, and mulled cider while perusing artworks by four area artists — Patrick McDonnell, Deb Brockway, Liz Cutler, and James Fiorentino — whose work showcases the great outdoors. More information: www.drgreenway.org.
So, there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy the season, demonstrating again that this is one of the richest cultural regions between New York City and Philadelphia — and a wonderful place for the holidays.
