Last updated: November 11, 2024
Feel the joy of the holiday season in Princeton! Discover all the festive events with our guide. Whether you're a Princeton resident or a holiday explorer, this guide reveals hidden gems and popular attractions.
Popular events include the enchanting Holiday Christmas Tree Lighting & Visit By Santa, where the community gathers to witness the twinkling lights illuminate the town while Santa makes a special appearance. The Princeton Tree Lighting Ceremony offers a delightful evening filled with caroling and seasonal cheer. And don't forget the Annual Festival of Trees, showcasing beautifully decorated trees that celebrate the spirit of the season. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Princeton Holiday Light Displays
Princeton Tree Lighting Ceremony
- What to Expect
- Live music and Santa lighting a giant tree with 32,000 lights.
- Description
- The Annual Palmer Square Tree Lighting in downtown Princeton features a giant live spruce tree adorned with 32,000 sparkling string lights. Enjoy live music performances by The Sensational Soul Cruisers, Flying Ivories, McCarter Theatre, and the Princeton High School Choir. Santa Claus will light the tree, making it a special evening for families and holiday shoppers.
- Where
- Princeton | More Info : Princeton Tree Lighting Ceremony
Holiday Christmas Tree Lighting & Visit By Santa
- What to Expect
- Live music and Santa visit amidst a 32,000-light tree lighting.
- Description
- Join us for the Annual Palmer Square Tree Lighting on November 29th at 5pm. This festive event kicks off the holiday season with live music, a visit from Santa, and a beautifully lit 32,000-light spruce tree. Come early for Black Friday shopping and park conveniently in our garages.
- Where
- Princeton | More Info : Holiday Christmas Tree Lighting & Visit By Santa
Kick off the Holiday Season Weekend
- What to Expect
- Live music and Santa visit amidst a 32,000-light tree lighting.
- Description
- Join us at Palmer Square for a festive holiday celebration featuring live music, a visit from Santa, and the lighting of a 32,000-light spruce tree. Enjoy family-friendly activities and kick off your holiday season with friends and family.
- Where
- Princeton | More Info : Kick off the Holiday Season Weekend
Princeton Holiday Markets and Shopping
Sauce for the Goose Market
- What to Expect
- One-day market featuring local artisans and handmade gifts.
- Description
- The Sauce for the Goose Outdoor Art Market in Downtown Princeton, NJ, celebrates its 30th year with 100 artisans showcasing ceramics, textiles, jewelry, printmaking, drawing, painting, apparel, and home decor.
- Where
- Princeton | More Info : Sauce for the Goose Market
Princeton Holiday Shows and Entertainment
A Christmas Carol
- What to Expect
- Ebenezer Scrooge's transformative journey with the ghosts of Christmas.
- Description
- McCarter Theatre Center presents A Christmas Carol, a classic tale by Charles Dickens, adapted and directed by Lauren Keating. This year, Joel McKinnon Miller reprises his acclaimed performance as Ebenezer Scrooge, leading the audience on a journey through Christmases past, present, and future. The show features magic, music, and merriment, creating memorable moments for all.
- Where
- Princeton | More Info : A Christmas Carol
Holiday POPS
- What to Expect
- Broadway vocalist Andrea Ross performs with the Princeton High School Choir in a festive holiday concert.
- Description
- Join the Princeton Symphony Orchestra for their annual Holiday POPS concert featuring Broadway vocalist Andrea Ross. The program includes popular holiday favorites and traditional carols, culminating in a cheerful carol sing-along led by the Princeton High School Choir. John Devlin conducts this special event.
- Where
- Princeton | More Info : Holiday POPS
Palmer Square’s Eco-Friendly Outdoor Skating Rink
- What to Expect
- Live music performances by local bands in a picturesque outdoor setting.
- Description
- Palmer Square hosts a series of outdoor concerts featuring live music by talented bands, including acoustic covers, classic rock, country, and jazzy favorites. The events take place on the Green at Palmer Square, offering a lively atmosphere perfect for a crisp autumn weekend. Grab a seat on a picnic table or haybale and enjoy the fall afternoon concert.
- Where
- Princeton | More Info : Palmer Square’s Eco-Friendly Outdoor Skating Rink
Princeton Other Holiday Activities
Annual Festival of Trees
- What to Expect
- Community-driven holiday decorations in a historic setting.
- Description
- Morven Museum & Garden presents the Annual Festival of Trees, featuring elegantly decorated galleries, mantels, and porches by local businesses, garden clubs, and non-profit organizations. This cherished tradition showcases community creativity and holiday spirit.
- Where
- Princeton | More Info : Annual Festival of Trees