Those wishing for a bright holiday season can thank regional cultural organizations, coordinators, and artists and historians for providing of a bounty of holiday happenings – with many free and great for families.
That includes the following events related to something unique to the region: George Washington’s decision to use Christmas Day to launch the Battles of Trenton and Princeton.
Washington Crossing the Delaware
The annual reenactment of General Washington’s historic Revolutionary War river crossing to take Trenton and Princeton from the British takes place at the very spot the event happened. The one-of-a-kind attraction’s main event is at 1 p.m. on Christmas Day, but visitors can arrive early and march with the troops, tour buildings, and join fellow festival lovers waiting for the cannon shot to signal the launching of the boats. And take warning: An early arrival also helps to secure a parking place or a good viewing spot.
Washington Crossing Historic Park, Routes 32 and 532, Washington Crossing, Pennsylvania. 215-493-4076 or www.washingtoncrossingpark.org.
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 Monday, December 26, and continues through Sunday, December 31, with historic tours, talks, and reenactments.
The schedule is as follows:
Tuesday, December 26
Trenton Battlefield Tour with Ralph Siegel. Free. Meet at Starbucks, corner of Front and Warren streets. 10 a.m. to noon.
NJ State House Tours. Join a guided tour of the General Assembly and Senate chambers and discover the storied history of New Jersey’s State House. Free. 145 West State Street. Advanced reservations required. Call 609-847-3150. Also December 27, 28, and 29. 10 a.m., 11 a.m., noon, 1 p.m., 2 p.m., and 3 p.m.
Hidden History Tour. St. Michael’s Episcopal Church presents a free tour of the building with Colonial-era structures, catacombs, and the burial spot of David Brearley, founder of the Electoral College and signer of the Constitution. 140 North Warren Street. Also December 27, 28, and 29. 1 p.m.
Tea, Sugar, and Chocolate in 18th Century America. Stick around at the church and join Michael and Deborah Raab of Tea-For-All to learn how tea, coffee, sugar and chocolate were vital to the diets of colonial Americans. How do sugar, tea, coffee and chocolate relate to one another? What effects did these commodities have on pre-industrial, industrial, and post-industrial society? Explore the light and dark sides of each. Selected tastings included. Free. 2 p.m.
New Jersey State Museum Planetarium, Stars of 1776 and Holiday Star Shows. $5, 12 and under, $10, adults, 205 West State Street. Also December 27 through 30. 11 a.m., 2 p.m., and 3 p.m.
Wednesday, December 27
Old Barracks Museum. Tours of the historic structure built by Britian during the French and Indian Wars and the Barracks for British forces during the Revolutionary War. Includes musket demonstrations at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.$8 to $10, 101 Barrack Street. Also December 28 and 29. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
A Revolutionary Conversation: Whose freedom anyway? A “living museum” project featuring students from Sprout U School of the Arts sharing the perspectives of African Americans on the Revolutionary War and its meaning for enslaved people. Trenton students will portray real-life African-Americans living during the Revolutionary War and excluded from the ideals espoused by founding fathers that “all men are created equal” and “endowed with certain inalienable rights…” Students selected characters from biographies featured in the book Answering the Cry for Freedom by Gretchen Woelfle. Free. Trenton Free Public Library, 120 Academy Street. Noon to 2 p.m.
Alexander Hamilton and the 24 Cannon at the Battle of Trent-Town. Examining the critical ingredient in the December 26, 1776, battle, American cannons and how General Washington and his artillery commander deployed them, which unlike muskets could fire in rain, sleet, or snow. The discussion features a 9-foot-by-12-foot tabletop map to provide a birds-eye view of individual fighting units. Presented by David Bosted and co-sponsored with the Trenton City Museum Society at Ellarslie. Free. Trenton Free Public Library, 120 Academy Street. 2 p.m.
Make A Quill Pen: Try Your Handwriting. Free. St. Michael’s Episcopal Church, 140 North Warren Street. Also December 28. 2 p.m.
Hessians: German Soldiers in the American Revolutionary War. A discussion led by Friederike Baer, PhD, associate professor of history at Penn State Abington College. Free. Masonic Temple, 100 Barrack Street. 4 p.m.
Thursday, December 28
Tavern Beverages of the American Revolution. Historian and mixologist David Emerson’s exploration of Colonial-era drinking customs. Free. Trenton Free Public Library, 120 Academy Street. 2 p.m.
Revolutionary-era Trenton. A virtual walking tour led by Dr. Sharon Ann Holt, historian and Trenton resident. Free. Trenton Friends Meeting House, 142 East Hanover Street. 2:30 p.m.
Patriots’ Pub Crawl. A downtown Trenton pub experience for groups or individuals. Pay on your way. Location TBA. 5 p.m.
Civil War Flag Unveiling. Historian Dr. David Martin and New Jersey State Museum cultural history curator Nicholas Ciotola unveil five new flags in the exhibition “The Civil War Flag Collection of New Jersey.” Free. State Museum, 205 West State Street. 10 a.m.
Friday, December 29
A Burial Ground Comes to Life. First Presbyterian Church and Cemetery presents a talk and walking tour with archaeologist Richard Hunter of the Trenton-based Hunter Research. $5 donation requested. Refreshments included. 120 East State Street. 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.
A Cappella Hopewell Hall Ensemble. A presentation of Colonial-era songs from the grand to the everyday, including American shape note, British West Gallery, and folk songs. Free. Trenton Friends Meeting House, 142 Hanover Street. 3 p.m.
Colonial Ball. The annual event to return to 1776, mingle with Revolutionary War soldiers, and learn dance steps of the era. Period dress is neither discouraged nor required. $40. Masonic Temple, 100 Barrack Street. 7 p.m.
Saturday, December 30
Battle of Trenton Reenactment/First Battle. An on-the-spot recreation of Washington’s December 26, 1776, surprise attack on British forces in Trenton. Free. Broad Street. 11 a.m.
Battle of Trenton Reenactment/Second Battle. On-the-spot recreation of Washington’s January 2, 1777, return to Trenton. Free. Mill Hill Park. 3 p.m.
Colonial Town Walking Tour. Dr. Sharon Holt, historian and Trenton resident, will lead participants along seven or eight blocks where Revolutionary history happened. Approximately 45-60 minutes. The tour concludes with refreshments and conversation. Free. Trenton Friends Meeting House, 142 Hanover Street. 1 p.m.
Hogmanay. A Scottish New Year’s celebration recreated in memory of Scottish immigrant and founder of Trenton, William Trent. The celebration includes bagpiper, period shortbread cooking lessons, and Scottish folktales and treats. It also includes the Scottish ritual of using the writing and burning of personal messages to start the new year fresh. Free. William Trent House, 15 Market Street. 2 p.m.
Puppet Show: The Trouble With Trenton. Marionettes and rod puppets recreate the story of the Battle of Trenton. Free. Warren Street Plaza (corner of Warren & Hanover streets). 2 p.m.
Assunpink Firewalk and Reading of “The American Crisis.” Featuring traditional music, warm beverages and cookies, the lighting of 13 torches along the waterside, and a reading from Thomas Paine’s spirited pro-Revolutionary War pamphlet. Free. Mill Hill Park Iron Bridge and Canal Walk. 5 p.m.
Sunday, December 31
Peace Sing-along with Solidarity Singers. Featuring the Solidarity Singers of the NJ Industrial Union Council, led by guitarist Bennet Zurofsky. Known for its support of workers, unions, peace, and justice, the group will feature familiar songs they have performed in picket lines and demonstrations as well as coffee houses and concert halls. A candlelight peace vigil and light dinner follow. Free. Trenton Friends Meeting House, 142 Hanover Street. 4 p.m.
Other Area Attractions
Meanwhile, the region’s art and history centers and theaters are offering events that will can make the holidays merry and bright. Here are some of the nearby attractions:
Grounds For Sculpture
Night Forms, the after-hours multimedia event created by the Philadelphia-based Klip Collective, uses light, animation, and sound to transforms the grounds and sculptures at the noted art center. On view through February. $14 to $28, Thursdays through Sundays, with viewing sessions from 5 to 9:30 p.m. 126 Sculptors Way, Hamilton. 609-586-0616 or www.groundsforsculpture.org.
Morven
The historic building’s annual Festival of Trees display greets 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. Wednesdays through Sundays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., through January 7. $8 to $10.
55 Stockton Street, Princeton. 609-924-8144 or www.morven.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. www.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. www.brtstage.org.
State Theater
“The Hip Hop Nutcracker” uses dancers, visuals, and digital graffiti to reset the magical story of the 19th century ballet to 21st century New York City. $39 to $69. 15 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick. www.stnj.org.
And let’s not forget a few easy daytrips:
New York City
A quick train ride and a brisk stroll is the ticket to an internationally known holiday destination: The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree.
The journey starts with a Mid-Town stroll where visitors can stop and gaze at the artful window shop displays at Bergdorf Goodman, Macy’s, Bloomingdale’s, and others. Not to be outshined, other venues are offering light and animation displays and shows.
Yet in the big city heart of things is the tree at Rockefeller Plaza. It features more than 50,000 multi-colored LED and is crowned with a 900-pound, 3 million-crystal star created by the internationally known Swarovski Crystal Company.
The tree trees lights are on from 5 a.m. to midnight daily, 24 hours on Christmas Day, and 5 a.m. to 9 p.m., New Year’s Eve. The lights go out for the season at 10 p.m., January 13.
Philadelphia
Downtown Philadelphia has several holiday attractions that are close to one another and to the downtown train or subway stop.
City Hall is a good place to head. There, around the 1871 French empire-styled structure, visitors will find a 55-foot tall holiday tree, a rink for ice skating, a Christmas Village, and quick access to two other holiday venues.
The first is the National Historic Landmark Wanamaker Building, now Macy’s. There in the grand court is the Christmas Light Show. Entertaining audiences since 1956, the revamped yet old-style short show — narrated by Broadway and musical film performer Julie Andrews — is a romp through Christmas land, where twinkling lights conjure up images of Christmas trees, the Nutcracker ballet, Frosty the Snowman, and more. The show also includes a recital by the magnificent Wanamaker Organ. Five free shows take place Mondays through Saturdays at 10:30 a.m., noon, 2 p.m., 4 p.m., and 6 p.m. On Sundays, three shows run at noon, 2 p.m., and 4 p.m. The Wanamaker Organ is played live during the noon and 6 p.m. showings each day (except Sundays). Recorded music accompanies all other shows.
Also in the building is another Philadelphia tradition, the Dickens Village, featuring a retelling of “A Christmas Carol.” The attraction had been a Christmas favorite at another Philadelphia department store, Strawbridge & Clothier, until it closed. It was reopened in Macy’s in 2006. The village is free, but reservations are required.
The other attraction is the Comcast Center’s annual free super high-res LED holiday show. Appearing like magic on the walls, the 15-minute 3-D production features ballet presentations, flying snowflakes, and a virtual sleigh ride over and around Philadelphia. Comcast Center, 1701 John F. Kennedy Boulevard.
Radio Daze
Those wanting to be home for the holidays can still celebrate with others through a simple flip of a radio or computer dial to tune in as radio personalities and groups take to the air.
Once again, Princeton’s nonprofit radio station WPRB will fill the air with the following long-running seasonal events.
Jon Solomon’s annual Holiday Radio Show, a 25-hour marathon, begins on Christmas Eve, Sunday, December 24, at 5 p.m. and ends Christmas Day, Monday, December 25, at 6 p.m.
The annual event that started in 1988 includes an unpredictable mix of radio offerings that include listener-submitted original Christmas stories and songs as well as what Solomon calls “marathon touchstones like “Snaildartha: The Story of Jerry the Christmas Snail”; all-Misfits-inspired sets; Ramones-o-Clock; Lindstrom’s epic 42-minute-long rendition of “Little Drummer Boy”; the all-Fall Christmas set; the all-Sabbath set; new VU/Lou Reed mixes; Joel Phelps’ myriad pieces; the Sonics, the Wailers, and the Galaxies; and other annual favorites.”
Then stay tuned for Marvin Rosen’s “VIVA 21st CENTURY: 50/50.”
The 19th of Rosen’s annual 24-hour radio music marathon celebrating new composers, this year’s event has a New Year’s flavor and starts noon on Saturday, December 30, and continues to noon, Sunday, December 31.
According to Rosen, who hosts the weekly award-winning Classical Discoveries program, the 2023 broadcast includes more than 100 new works with an approximate equal representation of both men and women composers — hence the 50/50 subtitle). The event has also included interviews and discussions with composers.
WPRB is a nonprofit radio station housed in Princeton University. The independently financed and student-managed station reaches listeners in central New Jersey; South Philadelphia; eastern Pennsylvania; Wilmington, Delaware; and parts of the Jersey Shore. It can be heard on the radio at 103.3. FM or on live internet stream at wprb.com.
This year, the Delaware Valley Radio Association ham radio club is also getting into the spirit of history with special event programming on the Battles of Trenton and Princeton.
Broadcast from the club’s station on Bear Tavern Road in West Trenton, along the route George Washington and his troops took to reach Trenton, DVRA members will commemorate the Battle of Trenton from December 26 to 31, 2023, and the Battle of Princeton, January 1 to 7, 2024.
The event is part of their annual pop-up activities organized to honor holidays, battles, anniversaries, lighthouse lightings, fund raisers and other activities.
During such events, radio operators from around the world communicate with the stations, while local members bring the region to the world.
The Delaware Valley Radio Association is a nonprofit organization devoted to the promotion and preservation of the amateur radio hobby. With more than 150 members and a fully equipped radio station, the Delaware Valley Radio Association is one of the nation’s oldest radio clubs, having been founded in 1930. For more information, go to W2ZQ.com.
New Year’s Eve
Those looking for easy ways to see the old year out may consider some of the following regional events:
The Lawrenceville Historical Society
The annual Hogmanay features a huge bonfire at the 1761 Brearley House. The family-friendly event with bagpipes, hot beverages, and donuts is a Scottish tradition where you write down your woes and toss them in the blaze to prepare for a new year. 5:30 to 7 p.m. Free. Brearley House, 100 Meadow Road, just past the lights at Lenox Drive and Lewisville Road in Lawrence. www.thelhs.org.
New Jersey Capital Philharmonic
The Trenton orchestra presents its 10th anniversary New Year’s Eve celebration featuring a world premier by composer John Dickson, Richard Strauss’ “Don Juan,” and music by Johan Struass, George Gershwin, and Richard Rogers. Trenton War Memorial, 1 Memorial Drive, Trenton. Saturday, December 31, 8 p.m. www.capitalphilharmonic.org.
State Theater
Strauss Symphony of America returns with its annual “Salute to Vienna” New Year’s concert. It features European singers, a full orchestra, and dancers from Europaballett (Austria) and International Champion Ballroom Dancers. Gregory Vajda from Budapest is the conductor and master of ceremonies. 5 p.m. $39 to $129. State Theater, 15 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick. 732-246-7469 or www.statetheatrenj.org.
Crossroads Theatre
New Year’s Eve Party, featuring a presentation by Trenton’s Grace Little Band, dancing with celebrity DJ tunes, champagne, a soulfood dinner prepared by the New Brunswick Delta’s Restaurant, and firework watching. Held at the New Brunswick Performing Arts Center, 11 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick, $150, 8 p.m. www.crossroadstheatrecompany.com/new-years-eve-party.
New Year’s Day
Celebrate the New Year with one of the “First Day Hikes” that the State Park Service holds across the state. These free guided hikes in state parks, forests, and historic sites are part of America’s State Parks First Day Hikes program. There are many to choose from, so contact leaders for information after the hikes are posted by the NJ Department of Environmental Protection. nj.gov/dep/parksandforests/firstdayhikes.
A quick New Year’s Day trip to either New York or Philadelphia (or maybe both) provides a direct link to two one-of-a-kind cultural events to start off 2024:
The Saint Mark’s Poetry Project’s 50th Annual New Year’s Day Marathon is a celebration of voice and vision featuring approximately 150 presenters. This year’s event is divided into two sessions, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and 6 p.m. to midnight. The event will also be livestreamed. Tickets are $30. 131 East 10th Street, New York City. www.poetryproject.org/marathon.
The annual Mummers Parade — the oldest folk-art event in the nation — returns with more than 10,000 costumed musicians and marchers to celebrate the art of mummery. The longtime event tied to early European settlers starts at 9 a.m. at Philadelphia’s City Hall, at the intersection of Broad and Market streets, and then follows a 1.1-mile path down South Broad Street. The free festivities continue to approximately 5 p.m., but earlier is better. Public transportation from Trenton to Philadelphia’s Suburban Station is a good idea, but brave drivers should be able to find free parking. www.phlvisitorcenter.com/Mummers or www.facebook.com/mummersparade.
