Discover the joy of the holidays in Trenton with our comprehensive guide. From festive lights to historical celebrations, Trenton has it all this season.
Begin your holiday festivities with the enchanting Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, where the city sparkles with thousands of twinkling lights. Experience a unique taste of history with traditional celebrations and reenactments at the Colonial Christmas at the Old Barracks. And definitely don't forget the Festival of Trees, showcasing beautifully decorated trees that will leave you in awe. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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The Top Christmas Events in Trenton
See these and even more events listed below!Trenton Holiday Light Displays
Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
What to Expect:
Community-driven tree decorating
Description:
Trenton's Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony transforms the heart of the city into a beacon of holiday spirit. Residents contribute ornaments, each telling a unique story of the community. As the mayor flips the switch, thousands of twinkling lights illuminate the towering evergreen. This tradition dates back to 1911, making it one of New Jersey's oldest public tree lighting events. You can join in decorating a smaller community tree with your own meaningful ornament. The air fills with the aroma of hot cocoa as local choirs serenade the crowd with carols.
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Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
Trenton Other Holiday Activities
Colonial Christmas at the Old Barracks
What to Expect:
Authentic 18th-century holiday experience
Description:
Step back in time at the Old Barracks Museum for a Colonial Christmas celebration. This immersive experience recreates holiday traditions from the 1700s, offering a glimpse into New Jersey's revolutionary past. Costumed interpreters demonstrate period crafts and share stories of colonial winter life. The Old Barracks, built in 1758, played a crucial role in the American Revolution. Visitors can try their hand at making traditional pomander balls, filling the air with the spicy scent of cloves and oranges. Live fife and drum performances echo through the historic halls, bringing the spirit of the era to life.
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Colonial Christmas at the Old Barracks
Nearby Events
Festival of Trees (Princeton)
What to Expect:
Diverse tree designs from local organizations
Description:
Princeton's Festival of Trees showcases a forest of uniquely decorated evergreens, each reflecting the creativity of local businesses, schools, and community groups. This dazzling display transforms the Morven Museum & Garden into a gallery of holiday artistry. The event highlights the cultural diversity of Princeton, with trees representing various traditions and heritages. Visitors can vote for their favorite tree, supporting local charities in the process. The festival originated in 1990 as a way to bring the community together during the holiday season. Admire the intricate details of each tree, from handcrafted ornaments to innovative lighting techniques.
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A Christmas Carol Production (Princeton)
What to Expect:
Interactive elements involving the audience
Description:
Princeton's production of "A Christmas Carol" breathes new life into Dickens' classic tale. This innovative adaptation incorporates audience participation, blurring the lines between spectator and performer. The McCarter Theatre, known for its cutting-edge productions, has been staging this holiday favorite since 1980. Theatergoers may find themselves unexpectedly cast as Victorian-era extras or joining in a rousing chorus of "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen." The play's set design utilizes state-of-the-art projection mapping, creating a visually stunning backdrop that transports you to 19th-century London.
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Winter Wonderland at Liberty Lake (Bordentown)
What to Expect:
Outdoor winter activities on a lake
Description:
Liberty Lake transforms into a hub of winter recreation, offering a unique outdoor experience in Bordentown. This sprawling park features ice skating on the frozen lake, a first for the region since the 1970s. Visitors can warm up by roaring bonfires or test their skills on the newly installed curling rink. The park's history dates back to the early 1900s when it was a popular summer resort. You'll hear the laughter of children sledding down gentle slopes, adding to the joyful atmosphere. The event also showcases local ice sculptors, who create intricate frozen artworks throughout the park.
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Winter Wonderland at Liberty Lake
Christmas Parade (Bordentown)
What to Expect:
Incorporation of local history in parade floats
Description:
Bordentown's Christmas Parade marches through time, featuring floats that celebrate the town's rich history alongside holiday themes. This unique procession highlights key moments from Bordentown's past, including its role in the American Revolution. Local schools and organizations compete to create the most innovative historically-themed float. The parade route passes by the former home of Thomas Paine, adding a touch of revolutionary spirit to the festivities. Spectators can enjoy the sounds of antique fire engines, their bells ringing out holiday cheer. You'll spot costumed characters from different eras mingling with traditional holiday figures.
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Peddler’s Village Christmas Festival (Lahaska)
What to Expect:
Artisanal gift-making workshops
Description:
Peddler's Village Christmas Festival in Lahaska elevates holiday shopping to an art form. This charming colonial-style village hosts a series of artisanal workshops where visitors can craft their own unique gifts. Master craftsmen guide participants in creating everything from hand-blown glass ornaments to personalized wooden toys. The village, established in 1962, maintains its commitment to preserving traditional craftsmanship. Stroll through the beautifully decorated streets and savor the aroma of freshly baked gingerbread wafting from the village bakery. You can also witness the intricate process of candy cane making at the on-site confectionery.
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Peddler’s Village Christmas Festival
Washington Crossing Reenactment (Washington Crossing)
What to Expect:
Participatory elements for visitors
Description:
The Washington Crossing Reenactment brings a pivotal moment in American history to life with unparalleled authenticity. This year, visitors can actively participate in select parts of the reenactment, donning period-appropriate attire and assisting with rowing the Durham boats. The event takes place at the actual site where Washington crossed the Delaware in 1776. Expert historians provide in-depth commentary, offering insights into the strategic importance of this daring maneuver. The sound of oars cutting through icy water and the calls of reenactors create an immersive atmosphere. You'll gain a newfound appreciation for the challenges faced by Washington's troops during this crucial campaign.
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Washington Crossing Reenactment
Holiday Open House at Historic Strawberry Mansion (Philadelphia)
What to Expect:
Exploration of multicultural holiday traditions
Description:
The Holiday Open House at Historic Strawberry Mansion in Philadelphia offers a unique perspective on diverse holiday traditions. Each room of this 18th-century house museum is decorated to represent different cultural celebrations, from Kwanzaa to Hanukkah to Christmas. The mansion, built in 1789, has witnessed the evolution of holiday customs over two centuries. Visitors can sample traditional foods from various cultures, experiencing a global feast for the senses. You'll discover the origins of familiar holiday symbols and learn about lesser-known traditions. The event also features live performances of holiday music from around the world, filling the historic halls with a tapestry of melodic traditions.
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Holiday Open House at Historic Strawberry Mansion
Princeton Christmas Village (Princeton)
What to Expect:
Fusion of technology and traditional holiday elements
Description:
Princeton Christmas Village reimagines the classic holiday market by integrating cutting-edge technology with traditional festive elements. This innovative event features augmented reality stations where visitors can virtually "try on" winter fashions or see how holiday decorations would look in their homes. The village pays homage to Princeton's legacy of scientific innovation, with interactive displays showcasing the intersection of science and holiday traditions. Local artisans demonstrate how they use 3D printing and laser cutting to create unique ornaments and gifts. You can experience the harmonious blend of carols performed by a robotic orchestra alongside human musicians. The event also hosts a "smart" Santa's workshop, where children can design their dream toys using AI-assisted software.