Warmth. Joy. Anticipation. Gratitude. Hope. Peace. This is what holiday magic feels like.

 

From the sweet smell of gingerbread cookies, to the sounds of holiday music, to the twinkling of holiday lights and children’s eyes, holiday magic surrounds us with Christmas things to do in the Princeton-Mercer region. Here is a small sampling of events, experiences, and attractions that will fill your heart and soul with the magic of the holiday season!

 

Strolling Entertainment and Santa at Palmer Square

 

While you’re holiday shopping and grabbing lunch at Palmer Square in downtown Princeton, you may see acapella carolers and Santa strolling from corner to corner. Look for Strolling Entertainment and Santa, Saturday and Sunday afternoons from noon to 2 from November 30 – December 22.

 

Holiday Jam and Toy Drive with Princeton University

 

Acapella groups will perform during a magical evening on the Green at 40 Nassau Street during the annual Holiday Jam and Toy Drive on Thursday, December 5 from 5 pm – 7 pm. Enjoy live entertainment and refreshments from local establishments and donate toys to the Princeton YWCA St. Nicholas Project. Toy donations will be accepted during the event or in advance at 313 Morrison Hall.

 

Once Upon a Christmas in Puerto Rico

 

Celebrate the season with a spectacular stage play featuring the rich cultural traditions of Puerto Rico! Once Upon a Christmas in Puerto Rico will be held Saturday, December 7 at 6:30 pm at the New Jersey State Museum Auditorium in Trenton.

 

Chanticleer Vocal Ensemble: A Chanticleer Christmas

 

Enjoy acapella choral music ranging from Renaissance masterworks to roof-raising spirituals as this Grammy-winning vocal ensemble returns to Princeton! Get your tickets for Chanticleer Vocal Ensemble: A Chanticleer Christmas, presented by Princeton University Concerts, on Saturday, December 7 at 7:30 pm at Princeton University Chapel.

 

You’re also invited to enjoy an ugly sweater party for beautiful people, followed by a holiday concert, during Do-Re-Meet: LGBTQIA+ and Allies Mingle and A Chanticleer Christmas Concert. This event will be held Sunday, December 8 at 5:30 pm at the Maclean House on Nassau Street in Princeton.

 

Holiday POPS!

 

Broadway vocalist Andrea Ross, the Princeton High School Choir, and conductor John Devlin present festive melodies that capture the magic of the holidays for two performances of Holiday POPS! – Sunday, December 14 at 3 pm and 6 pm at Princeton University’s Richardson Auditorium in Alexander Hall.

 

Princeton Holiday Trolley Tours

 

Princeton Tour Company will chauffeur guests on a newly expanded route through decked out neighborhoods while an expert guide shares fascinating tales from various historic sites. Princeton Holiday Trolley Tours will be held Saturday and Sunday, December 14 and 15 from 10 am – 5 pm, starting and ending at Palmer Square.

 

Annual Menorah Lighting

 

The Jewish Center of Princeton invites you to the Annual Menorah Lighting on Wednesday, December 18th at 4:30 pm on the Nassau Inn Patio at Palmer Square in Princeton! As always, this annual tradition will feature great music and family activities as you celebrate Hanukkah.

 

Festival of Trees Exhibition

 

Morven Museum and Garden on Stockton Street in the heart of Princeton will host its annual Festival of Trees holiday exhibition from November 20 – January 5. This year’s theme, Traditions & Celebrations, is inspired by Morven’s history and the stories of its residents, featuring creative and whimsical displays throughout Morven galleries, mantels, and porches.

 

Local Theatre

 

Create magical holiday memories as The McCarter Theatre in Princeton presents the Charles Dickens classic, A Christmas Carol, December 10 – 29.

 

Passage Theatre Company presents a 40th Anniversary Special: Holiday Sing-Along with John Flynn, co-hosted by Leticia Williams, Saturday, December 7 at the Mill Hill Playhouse in Trenton.

 

The Kelsey Theatre at Mercer County Community College presents:

 

  • The Best Time of the Year: Music and Memories of Christmas, November 29 – December 1
  • ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas, December 6 – 8
  • The Nutcracker, December 13 – 15
  • White Christmas Movie Sing-Along, December 14 (one night only!)

 

The Visit Princeton-Mercer Convention & Visitors Bureau wishes you and yours a magical holiday season!