The region’s artists and presenters celebrate the holidays with an abundance of concerts, shows, and community events that bring an extra dose of joy to the festive season.
Merry Music
Princeton University Concerts
The Grammy Award-winning vocal ensemble Chanticleer makes its return for a classic holiday program of a cappella choral music, ranging from Renaissance masterworks to spirituals. $30 to $50. Saturday, December 7, 7:30 p.m. Princeton University Chapel. concerts.princeton.edu.
Princeton University Chapel
The Candlelight Service of Lessons & Carols is a service of readings and music of the season featuring the Princeton Chapel Choir and Princeton University a cappella groups. Free. Wednesday, December 4, 7:30 to 8:30 p.m.
A Yuletide Feast for Organ and Brass features University Organist Eric Plutz and Timberdale Brass in a concert highlighting music for brass quintet, organ solo, and combined forces. The program includes several opportunities for the audience to join in singing Christmas carols. Free. Sunday, December 8, 2:30 p.m.
The Messiah Sing, the traditional community singing of Handel’s Messiah, returns, accompanied by organ, strings, and trumpet. 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 9, 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. chapel.princeton.edu.
Also at the Chapel:
Westminster Choir College of Rider University celebrates 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. Groups presenting include Westminster’s Chapel Choir, Symphonic Choir, Concert Bell Choir, Jubilee Singers, and Westminster Choir. $25 to $70. , Friday and Saturday, December 13 and 14, 8 p.m. rider.edu/about/events/evening-readings-carols.
Princeton Symphony Orchestra
“Holiday Pops,” another annual tradition, features Broadway vocalist Andrea Ross, the Princeton Symphony Orchestra conducted by John Devlin, and the Princeton High School Choir. This year’s program includes popular favorites such as “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year,” “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” “The Christmas Song,” “Santa Claus is Coming to Town,” and more in addition to traditional carols and the annual sing-along. $30 to $110. Richardson Auditorium, Princeton University. Saturday, December 14, 3 and 6 p.m. princetonsymphony.org.
Princeton Singers
“A Rose in Winter,” the traditional Christmas performance featuring a range of seasonal works, is conducted by artistic director Steven Sametz. Free. Trinity Church, 33 Mercer Street, Princeton. Friday, December 13, 6 p.m. princetonsingers.org.
Princeton Pro Musica
“A Feast of Carols” features favorites from Handel’s Messiah and the Christmas music of Bach, classic carols in choral-orchestral arrangement, and more. Vocal soloists are Claire Leyden, soprano, and Charles Wesley Evans, baritone. $12 to $81. Richardson Auditorium, Princeton University. Sunday, December 15, 4 p.m. princetonpromusica.org.
New Jersey Symphony
This year’s traditional holiday presentation of Handel’s “Messiah” will be conducted by guest conductor Jeannette Sorrell, founder and artistic director of Apollo’s Fire. Joining the symphony and Sorrell are guest vocalists Sonya Headlam, soprano; John Holiday, countertenor; Ed Lyon, tenor; and Kevin Deas, bass-baritone. Singing the choral sections are the Montclair State University Singers, under the direction of Heather J. Buchanan. $29 to $99. Richardson Auditorium, Princeton University. Friday and Saturday, December 20 and 21, 8 p.m. njsymphony.org.
Voices Chorale
“Sing Out, My Soul!” is the Hopewell-based chorus’ 2024 holiday event. The program includes Vivaldi’s masterful Gloria performed with chamber orchestra, plus contemporary compositions and arrangements that celebrate this season of community and connection. Singers from Capital Harmony Works’ Trenton Children’s Chorus join in the performance. $25. Trinity Church, 33 Mercer Street, Princeton. Livestream available. Saturday, December 14, 4 p.m. voiceschoralenj.org.
New Jersey Capital Philharmonic
The Trenton orchestra invites Philadelphia-area conductor Sebastian Grand to lead its New Year’s Eve concert. The program includes works by Leonard Bernstein, Malcom Arnold, Bedrich Smetana, Johann Strauss, Jr., John Barry, Nino Rota, Ennio Morricone, Debbie Wiseman, and George Gershwin. Arrive early for a pre-concert organ recital at 7:10 p.m. After the concert, indulge in a backstage champagne and dessert reception with a jazz trio featuring orchestra members. $32 to $60. Trenton War Memorial, 1 Memorial Drive, Trenton. Tuesday, December 31, 8 p.m. capitalphilharmonic.org.
Rider University Bell Choir
The internationally known group conducted by Gillian Erlenborn presents its annual holiday concert, “Realms of Glory,” featuring folks tunes and holiday favorites arranged by arrangements by Gramann, Helman, McChesney, Dobrinski and more. $15 to $20. Gill Chapel, 2083 Lawrenceville Road, Lawrenceville. Saturday, December 7, 4 p.m. rider.edu/about/events.
Princeton Society of Musical Amateurs
The community group celebrating its 90th year hosts its traditional Choral Reading of Handel’s Messiah, conducted by Ruth Ochs. All are welcome to join in the sing-along. Vocal scores will be provided. $10. Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Princeton, 50 Cherry Hill Road, Princeton. Sunday, December 22, 4 p.m. musicalamateurs.org.
Music Mountain
The 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. $35. 1483 Route 179, Lambertville. Friday through Sunday, December 20 through 22. Friday and Saturday, 8 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 3 p.m. musicmountaintheatre.org.
Bristol Riverside Theater
“An American Christmas Songbook” is a tradition at the Bristol theater, this year moved to an off-site location due to renovations at the theater. Demetria Joyce Bailey and Philip Chaffin serve as hosts as singers and musicians perform favorite carols and heartwarming holiday songs. $45. St. Ann Church, 357 Dorrance Street, Bristol, Pennsylvania. Wednesdays through Sundays, December 11 through 22. brtstage.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; ticket required. As of press time, all three services were full. Princeton Theological Seminary Chapel, Mercer Street, Princeton. Wednesday, December 11, 3:30, 6:30, and 8:30 p.m. ptsem.edu.
Lawrence Community Concert Band
The all-volunteer, all-ages community band of professional and amateur musicians offers three free, holiday-themed performances.
Princeton Tuba Christmas lets shoppers work through their gift lists with a backdrop of their favorite Christmas carols and opportunities for audience participation along the way. MarketFair, 3535 Route 1, West Windsor. Sunday, December 8, 12:30 p.m.
The band also has two Sounds of the Season concerts at area senior centers. The performances include familiar holiday favorites, complete with an old fashioned sing-along. Hamilton Senior Center, 409 Cypress Lane, Hamilton, Thursday, December 5, 7 p.m. and Lawrence Senior Center, 30 Darrah Lane East, Lawrenceville, Thursday, December 12, 7 p.m. lawrencecommunityband.org.
Orchestra of St. Peter by the Sea
The orchestra led by Father Alphonse from St. Peter’s Church in Point Pleasant Beach, New Jersey, performs “Sounds of Christmas,” a benefit concert for the Mount Carmel Guild of Trenton. Proceeds support the nonprofit’s mission to provide critical services such as food assistance and healthcare to those in need. $45. Immaculate Conception Church, 540 Chestnut Avenue, Trenton. Thursday, December 19, 7 p.m. mtcarmelguild.org/events/sounds-of-christmas-benefit-concert.
New Jersey Gay Men’s Chorus
“Hark, the NJGMC Sings” is the choir’s holiday concert featuring well known Christmas carols, Hanukkah songs, and songs about winter. $25. St. David’s Episcopal Church, 90 South Main Street, Cranbury. Saturday, December 14, 8 p.m. njgmc.org.
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. Free; donations requested. Randy Now’s Man Cave, 119 West Ward Street, Hightstown. Sunday, December 22, 5 p.m. randy-nows-man-cave.ticketleap.com.
Bucks County Playhouse
The New Hope theater offers two holiday-themed cabaret performances in its Playhouse Barn. Edmund Bagnell, internationally touring singer, violinist, and star of Well Strung, presents his heartwarming show, “Home for the Holidays.” The countdown to the holidays is on, and through music and humor Bagnell shares his heartfelt recipe for a perfectly imperfect holiday season. $55 plus $25 drink minimum. 70 South Main Street, New Hope, Pennsylvania. Wednesday, December 4, 7:30 p.m.
Broadway and Lambertville’s Darius de Haas presents his acclaimed holiday show, “Let Me Carry You This Christmas.” De Haas shares his love of the holiday season, along with messages of celebration, love and remembrance, and his musical spin on classics like “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas” and “Silent Night” to more contemporary holiday songs like “This Christmas” “Cold,” and more. $55 plus $25 drink minimum. 70 South Main Street, New Hope, Pennsylvania. Wednesday, December 11, 7:30 p.m., and Thursday, December 12,7 p.m.
As part of its Community Arts Series, the playhouse moves for one night only to Ewing for a presentation of “Seán Heely’s Celtic Christmas.” The band presents ancient melodies from Scotland, Ireland, and beyond, while fusing original compositions and modern tunes. The fiddle and bagpipes evoke Christmastime and Winter Solstice celebrations along with featured dancers from Scottish and Irish traditions. $58. Villa Victoria Academy Theater, 376 West Upper Ferry Road, Ewing. Wednesday, December 18, 8 p.m. bcptheater.org.
Bravura Philharmonic Orchestra
The orchestra, under music director and conductor Chiu-Tze Lin and the Edison Chinese Chorus, conduced by Chunhe Zhang, present a Holiday Concert featuring Christmas and Hanukkah music, selections from Tchaikovsky’s “Swan Lake,” Franz von Suppe’s “Isabella Overture,” and a sing-along. $20 to $50. Princeton Alliance Church, 20 Schalks Crossing Road, Plainsboro. Sunday, December 8, 7 p.m. bravuraphil.org.
Capital Singers of Trenton
The Trenton-based choral group takes its show on the road and joins forces with the Warminster Symphony Orchestra for “A Holiday to Remember.” The program includes popular and classical holiday favorites as well as the Finale from Ralph Vaughan William’s masterwork, the cantata “Dona Nobis Pacem.” $25. William Tennent Auditorium, 333 Centennial Road, Warminster, Pennsylvania. Saturday, December 7, 7:30 p.m. warminstersymphony.org.
The LOTUS Project
The Trenton music and arts group invites audiences to experience the joy of Christmas through an inspiring collection of carols from diverse traditions at “Christmas Journeys: Carols Across Nations.” The concert brings together the sounds of Christmas from Guatemala, Nigeria, America, and Haiti in a moving celebration of music and culture. Featuring performances by The LOTUS Project, St. Mary of the Assumption Guatemalan Choir, and the BITICC Youth Choir, audiences will enjoy a unique journey through each nation’s distinctive musical traditions, highlighting the shared spirit of joy and togetherness.
Following the concert, guests are invited to a reception featuring traditional Christmas dishes. Suggested free-will offering $25. St. Mary Byzantine Catholic Church, 202 Grand Street, Trenton. Sunday, December 29, 4 p.m. thelotusprojectnj.org.
Riverside Symphonia
As part of its 35th season, the symphony performs the concert “Around the World at Christmastime.” This special performance features traditional holiday favorites performed by the orchestra as well individual performers.
Elizabeth Song, winner of the 2024 Caprio Young Artist Competition, performs Antonio Vivaldi’s “Winter” concerto from The Four Seasons and Frederick Chopin’s Nocturnes in an arrangement for violin and string orchestra. Soprano Beautiful Sheriff performs an aria from George Frideric Handel’s Messiah and “A Hymn and Three Spirituals” in an arrangement by Harold Mims. $30 to $60. First Presbyterian Church, 31 North Union Street, Lambertville. Saturday, December 7, 8 p.m. riversidesymphonia.org.
Passage Theatre
The Trenton community theater celebrating its 40th anniversary year hosts a Holiday Sing-Along and fundraiser hosted by John Flynn and emceed by Leticia Williams. Cookies, coffee, and wine will be served at 6 p.m. ahead of the 7 p.m. show. $40. Mill Hill Playhouse, 205 East Front Street, Trenton. Saturday, December 7, 7 p.m. passagetheatre.org.
Setting the Stage
McCarter Theater
“A Christmas Carol” returns with many of the same features as its 2023 production: an 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. $33 to $113. 91 University Place, Princeton. December 10 through 29. mccarter.org.
Bucks County Playhouse
“Anastasia the Musical” transports audiences from the twilight of the Russian Empire to the euphoria of Paris in the 1920s, as a brave young woman sets out to discover the mystery of her past. $39 and up. 70 South Main Street, New Hope, Pennsylvania. Through January 5. bcptheater.org.
Kelsey Theater
“Music and Memories of Christmas” is a one-hour choral revue arranged by Keith Christopher and featuring some of the most beloved carols and Christmas songs of all time, with each section highlighting holiday traditions both old. $20 to $22. Friday, November 29, 7 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday, November 30 and December 1, 1 and 4 p.m.
Kelsey’s own annual presentation of “’Twas the Night Before Christmas” brings Clement Moore’s beloved poem to live in a musical for all ages. $14 to $16. Friday, December 6, 7 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday, December 7 and 8, 1 and 4 p.m.
“The Kelsey Holiday Extravaganza Remixed” is a new addition to the theater’s holiday lineup. Off-Centre Stages presents a concert-style show that brings together the magic of the season, from the heartwarming melodies of Christmas to the vibrant tunes of Hanukkah and beyond. $20 to $22. Mercer County Community College, 1200 Old Trenton Road, West Windsor. Friday, December 20, 8 p.m.; Saturday, December 21, 1 and 7 p.m.; Sunday, December 22, 2 p.m. kelsey.mccc.edu.
Actors’ Net
“Georgiana and Kitty: Christmas at Pemberley” is Lauren Gunderson and Margot Melcon’s third and final play in the Pemberley trilogy, which continues the stories begun in Jane Austen’s classic novel “Pride and Prejudice.”
Georgiana Darcy is an accomplished pianist but wary of romance. Kitty Bennet is a bright-eyed optimist and a perfect best friend. After years of being overshadowed by their older siblings, these two younger sisters are ready for their own adventures in life and love, starting with the arrival of an admirer and secret correspondent. Meddlesome families and out-moded expectations won’t stop these determined friends from forging their own way in a holiday tale filled with music, ambition, sisterhood, and forgiveness. $24. 635 North Delmorr Avenue, Morrisville, Pennsylvania. December 6 through 22. actorsnetbucks.org.
Music Mountain Theater
“A Christmas Carol” with music by Broadway and film writer Alan Menken is MMT’s traditional event. $32. 1483 Route 179, Lambertville. Friday and Saturday, 8 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday, through December 15. musicmountaintheatre.org.
State Theatre of New Jersey
Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland is a spectacle of awe-inspiring acrobatics to gravity-defying aerial feats to bring the magic of the holidays alive for the whole family. $39 to $99. Saturday, December 14, 3 and 8 p.m.
Middlesex County’s Plays-in-the-Park moves from its home at the Stephen J. Capestro Theatre in Edison and travels to the State Theater to do their annual production of “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.” Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s family musical about the trials and triumphs of Israel’s favorite son is a holiday classic. 15 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick. Saturday and Sunday, December 28 and 29, 2 and 7 p.m. stnj.org.
Dance Traditions
American Repertory Ballet
“The Nutcracker,” the company’s annual holiday presentation of Tchaikovsky’s musical journey through an enchanted world, arrives at three locations in the region. The first is McCarter Theater, 91 University Place, Princeton, for five shows. $43 to $73. Friday, November 29, 2 and 7 p.m.; Saturday, November 30, 1 and 6 p.m.; and Sunday, December 1, 1 p.m.
Next the ballet moves to the Trenton War Memorial, 1 Memorial Drive Trenton, for two performances. $15 to $35. Saturday, December 14, 1 and 5 p.m.
The show ends its run in New Brunswick, where the company dances to music provided by the ARB orchestra and the Princeton Girlchoir at the State Theatre of New Jersey, 15 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick. $29 to $69. Friday, December 20, 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, December 21, 2 and 7 p.m.; and Sunday, December 22, 1 and 5 p.m. arballet.org.
Roxey Ballet
The Lambertville-based professional dance company 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. $57 to $65. Villa Victoria Theater, 376 West Upper Ferry Road, Ewing. Saturdays and Sundays, November 30 through December 8, 2 p.m. Sensory friendly performance Saturday, December 14, 4 p.m. roxeyballet.org.
Princeton Youth Ballet
The company’s annual “The Nutcracker” presentation leans into a heartwarming, coming-of-age story, teasing out sparkling and humorous narrative details to enhance the experience of the traditional ballet for children. $30. Princeton High School Performing Arts Center, 16 Walnut Lane, Princeton. Saturday, December 7, 4 p.m., and Sunday, December 8, 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. $18 to $22. Mercer County Community College, 1200 Old Trenton Road, West Windsor. Friday, December 13, 7 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday, December 14 and 15, 1 and 4 p.m. kelsey.mccc.edu.
Festive Films
Princeton Garden Theatre
The theater offers a selection of holiday classics for all ages between Black Friday and Christmas Eve.
For the family, there is a series of matinee presentations, all priced at $5: “Elf,” Friday, November 29, 10 a.m.; “A Christmas Story,” Saturday, November 30, 10 a.m.; “The Muppet Christmas Carol,” Saturday, December 7, 10 a.m.; “The Polar Express,” Saturday, December 14, 10 a.m.; “The Grinch,” Saturday, December 21, 10 a.m.; and “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” Tuesday, December 24, 11 a.m.
As part of its Deep Focus series, the theater presents the 1947 film “It Happened on Fifth Avenue,” a screwball comedy about two homeless men who move into a rich businessman’s New York City mansion while his is away wintering in the South. When the daughter of the businessman shows up, romantic sparks fly. The screening takes place Sunday, December 8, at 1 p.m. This will be followed by a virtual seminar and discussion with TCM writer Hannah Jack on Tuesday, December 17, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets for the film are $13.75; the discussion is free with registration.
Also on the schedule are a handful of beloved holiday films. Tickets are $13.75. “It’s a Wonderful Life,” Wednesday, December 11, 7 p.m., and Sunday, December 22, 1 p.m.; “Home Alone,” Wednesday, December 18, 7 p.m.; and “Diehard,” Friday, December 20, 9:45 p.m.
160 Nassau Street, Princeton. princetongardentheatre.org.
State Theatre of New Jersey
The theater celebrates the 35th anniversary of the comic Christmas film “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” with a special screening of the film followed by a live conversation and Q&A with Chevy Chase, and his wife, Jayni. $45 to $199. Thursday, December 5, 7:30 p.m.
It’s holiday fun for the whole family with the New Jersey Symphony comes to New Brunswick for “Disney’s The Muppet Christmas Carol in Concert” featuring the complete film, with the score performed live to picture. The Muppets perform Charles Dickens’ classic holiday tale, with Kermit the Frog playing Bob Cratchit, the put-upon clerk of stingy Ebenezer Scrooge (Michael Caine), and features many favorite Muppet characters. $69 to $125. Sunday, December 8, 3 p.m. 15 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick. stnj.org.
Kelsey Theater
“White Christmas Movie Sing-Along” features the Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Vera Ellen, and Rosemary Clooney film classic — and a hefty dose of audience participation. $20 to $22. Mercer County Community College, 1200 Old Trenton Road, West Windsor. Saturday, December 14, 8 p.m. kelsey.mccc.edu.
Seasonal Scenes
Palmer Square
Palmer Square kicks off the holiday season with a full afternoon of activities leading up to the Annual Tree Lighting on Black Friday.
Beginning at 2:30 p.m., Ice Sculpture Philly carves a baby grand piano out of ice. The Yankee Doodle Tap Room serves up hot drinks on the Green starting at 3:30 p.m. The lighting starts at 5 p.m., highlighted by a visit from Santa himself, with music from the Flying Ivories, the BSTREETBAND, and the Princeton High School Choir. Friday, November 29.
The annual Holiday Jam & Toy Drive featuring performances by Princeton University a cappella groups is free for all to enjoy. Attendees are asked to bring a toy for ages 10 and under to benefit the Princeton YWCA St. Nicholas project. Thursday, December 5, 5 to 7 p.m.
The Annual Menorah Lighting is on Wednesday, December 18, at 4:30 p.m.
And Santa and festive music can be found in the square every Saturday and Sunday afternoon until Christmas. Seasonal festivities culminate in a Christmas Eve Sing-A-Long on the green led by the Palmer Square Christmas Eve Brass Band and punctuated by a visit from Santa. Tuesday, December 24, 5 to 6 p.m. palmersquare.com/events-calendar.
Mill Hill Holiday House and Window Tour
The 57th 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. Santa and Mrs. Claus will pay a visit, and food trucks and holiday music will add to the festive atmosphere. $20. Tickets can be purchased in advance or day of. The tour begins at Artworks located at 19 Everett Alley and South Stockton Street, Trenton. Saturday, December 7, noon to 5 p.m. trentonmillhill.org/events.
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 December 22, Thursday through Sunday, noon to 6 p.m. artscouncilofprinceton.org.
Kuser Farm Mansion
Winter Wonderland at the Victorian-era farm mansion in Hamilton returns with photos with Santa and other holiday photo opportunities; DIY Magic Reindeer Food and free candy shopping at the Lollipop Stop; a stroll through Candy Land Cottage; pony and wagon rides; mini Candy Land Express train ride; a gingerbread bounce house; character meet-and-greets; firepits; festive music; and food and beverage vendors. The annual tree lighting and holiday sing-along take place at 6 p.m. on Friday Free. 390 Newkirk Avenue, Hamilton. Friday, December 6, 4:30 to 7:30 p.m., and Saturday, December 7, 2 to 7:30 p.m. hamiltonnj.com.
Pennsbury Manor
“Holly Night” is the annual “yuletide of yore”-style celebration at the home of William Penn. The evening includes carolers, bonfires, colonial crafts, and a visit from Father Christmas himself. $16. Thursday and Friday, December 5 and 6, 6 to 9 p.m.
Candlelight Tours of the manor house let visitors take in the themed decorations and see the historic home by the flickering light of candles. Tours are offered Fridays, December 13 and 27, and Saturdays, December 14 and 28, at 3, 5, and 6 p.m. $30. 400 Pennsbury Memorial Road, Morrisville, Pennsylvania. pennsburymanor.org.
Howell Living History Farm
Christmas on the Farm features Christmas crafts, live music, animal visits, a visit to a decorated farmhouse, and a visit with Santa.
Stop by the visitor center to hear the Jugtown Mountain String Band play and find a spot around the craft table to recreate a paper Victorian angel ornament ($5 materials fee). In the barnyard, families can take selfies in the 1800s sleigh pulled by the horses on snowy days and visit the blacksmith working in the farm’s forge. The farmhouse will be open for tours, decked out in all its Christmas finery.
The visitor center offers warm drinks, homemade cookies, lunch, and other light refreshments. The gift shop has unique gifts like Howell Farm honey, handmade straps of sleigh bells, forged items made by the farm’s blacksmith, and other homemade items by the farm’s sewing guild. Toys for Tots is also accepting donations of new, unwrapped toys.
Free. Valley Road, Hopewell, just off Route 29, two miles south of Lambertville. Saturday, December 7, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. howellfarm.org.
Morven Museum
The historic building’s annual Festival of Trees display is up and welcoming visitors with decorated rooms and mantels. The 2024 theme, Traditions & Celebrations, is inspired by Morven’s history and the stories of its residents from the exhibition currently on view, Morven Revealed: Untold Stories from New Jersey’s Most Historic Home (through March 2, 2025), which includes former New Jersey Governor Richard Hughes and his wife, Betty Hughes:
“Nothing makes a house a home more than holiday traditions. A particularly special one began on Christmas Eve 1950 in Trenton. Richard Hughes, who was not yet governor, had suddenly lost his first wife, Miriam, weeks earlier. Hughes did his best to pull Christmas together for his four small children, but nothing seemed right. When his Jewish friends got word of his situation, they arrived on Christmas Eve ready to decorate the tree. The interdenominational Christmas Eve visit became a tradition that continued after Hughes married Betty. She christened the event “Deck the Halls with Matzo Balls!”
The list of 2024 decorators includes American Repertory Ballet/Princeton Ballet School, Arts Council of Princeton/Princeton Nursery School, Contemporary Garden Club of Princeton, Adam Fenstersheim, The Garden Club of Princeton, Historical Society of Princeton, Lawrenceville Main Street Landscape Committee, Katelyn Liepins, Mount Laurel Garden Club, Nottingham Garden Club of Hamilton, Princeton Garden Theatre, Princeton Ski and Sail Club, Stony Brook Garden Club of Princeton, Toobydoo Princeton, The West Trenton Garden Club, Westrick Music Academy: Princeton Girlchoir and Princeton Boychoir, and West Windsor Arts.
$10. 55 Stockton Street, Princeton. Wednesdays through Sundays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., through January 5. morven.org.
Drumthwacket
New Jersey’s official governor’s mansion is opening the 19th-century Greek revival-style house to visitors with holiday displays. Guests view six first-floor public rooms festively decorated by the Garden Clubs of New Jersey, enjoy holiday piano music in the Music Room, and a sweet treat freshly prepared by Greta’s House, Princeton.
Tours are self-guided, but docents are available to answer questions. Interior photography is only permitted in the library. Guests may tour the grounds, weather permitting, and visit the Olden House gift shop on the property.
354 Stockton Street, Princeton. The free one-hour open house tours are set for Wednesday through Saturday, December 4 through 7, and Wednesday, December 11, at 11 a.m., noon, and 1 p.m. Reservations are required. drumthwacket.org.
Trenton City Museum at Ellarslie
Two temporary exhibits mark the holidays at the Trenton City Museum. “Children’s Christmas Toys,” curated by Karl J. Flesch and Deborah Gorczycki, offers “a whimsical look at some children’s Christmas toys from the past” including Trenton’s Horsman dolls, miniature Mercer automobiles, Trenton-made snow globes, Chein metal toys, and more.
“Persian Red Trenton Art China (TAC),” also curated by Flesch, features some of the most famous giftware produced by the Trenton Potteries Company in the early 20th century. Trenton City Museum, Cadawalader Park, Trenton. Both exhibits are on view through January 26, 2025. ellarslie.org.
Holcombe-Jimison Farmstead Museum
Holcombe-Jimison Farmstead Museum presents the fifth annual Christmas on the Farm. Returning this year is the gingerbread house competition. Gingerbread creations can be made on anything 18×11 or smaller and there are several age and experience categories. Rules and sign up links can be found online.
The 1711 House will be decorated for the Christmas season in the theme of Winter Wonderland and Santa will be there to listen to Christmas wishes and to take photos. Live music will be performed by Long Hill String Band on Saturday and Bakersfield Band on Sunday.
A popular highlight of this event is the Crafters in the Kean Barn, featuring a variety of gifts and holiday decorations from craft vendors. Other attractions of include hands-on old time activities, a holiday craft for kids, a scavenger hunt, and the blacksmith shop. Food will be available for purchase. $5 admission. Saturday and Sunday, December 14 and 15, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 1605 Daniel Bray Highway (Route 29), just north of Lambertville. holcombe-jimison.org.
Historic Happenings
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 8. The fun-filled fundraiser that includes visits to the site’s historic buildings runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., with the crossing event at 1 p.m. Charles R. Bowry, Jr., executive director of the U.S. Army Center of Military History, narrates the day’s events. Jason A. Cherry, an independent historian and research consultant, shares his work on William Trent, a notable figure of 18th-century America. Cherry’s latest book, “William Trent: The Factor of Ambition,” offers a fresh perspective on Trent’s complex legacy and his role in shaping early American history $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. washingtoncrossingpark.org.
Washington Crossing State Park, New Jersey
“Washington’s Landing in New Jersey” brings together NJ State Park historians, the Washington Crossing Park Association, and the First Rhode Island Regiment at Washington Crossing State Park in Titusville to welcome Washington’s troops and learn what happened after 2,400 troops, 18 cannons, and 50 horses landed on New Jersey shores.
The encampment takes place at the New Jersey Park’s “Washington’s Grove” on the banks of the Delaware, where visitors welcome Washington and his troops as they enjoy campfires, hot cider, and skilled reenactors who tell tales of the history that took place in Mercer County. Historians narrate the Crossing rehearsal in real time, and activities such as photo-ops on reproduction boats engage young visitors in hopes of sparking their interest in New Jersey history. The event also includes cannon fire and musket drills, and a special wreath-laying by BSA Troop 1776 of Titusville.
The encampment is anchored by members of the First Rhode Island Regiment, who portray the roles of Black soldiers, sailors, artillerists, marines, and musicians. They are supported by members from John Lamb’s Artillery, Motts Artillery, and the 17th Regiment of Infantry, who portray the Hunterdon Militia. Ronald Rinaldi portrays General Nathaneal Greene, who helped lead the troops in their history-changing march to Trenton. All are supported by music from the New Jersey Fifes and Drums.
Just beyond the encampment is a Haybale Theater where historians Leslie Bramlett and Noah Lewis speak on the contributions of New Jersey soldiers and families, with a focus on the contributions of African Americans both free and enslaved.
The event also features a large tent with a series of “Table Top History” exhibits (with artifacts and reproductions for visitors to explore) as well as New Jersey’s “Oh Freedom” display, which chronicles the contributions of African Americans in the Revolution.
Visitors are also welcomed at the nearby Nelson House for free hot cider. A food truck on site sells both breakfast and lunch dishes.
Free; suggested donation of $10 per car. 355 Washington Crossing-Pennington Road, Titusville. Sunday, December 8, 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. 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 Thursday, December 26, and continues through Tuesday, December 31, with historic tours, talks, and reenactments. Most events are free. A full schedule is online. patriotsweek.com.
