Culture & Heritage DECEMBER News Monthly

new jersey mercer county - the capital county
December News Monthly

Concerts

DECEMBER 8, 4 pm
WINTER SONGS XIII Moods of Christmas

Capital Singers of Trenton
Sacred Heart Church, 343 South Broad St., Trenton

(609) 434-2781 | capitalsingers.org
Adults in advance – $20 ($22 at the door); seniors $15; children $15; under 12 free.

DECEMBER 13, 7:30 pm
HOLIDAY CONCERT: RESOUNDING JOY

Hopewell Valley Chorus
St James Church, 115 E. Delaware Ave., Pennington
hvchorus.wordpress.com
Tickets are $15, $10 for seniors and students.

DECEMBER 14, 3 pm & 6 pm
PRINCETON SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA HOLIDAY POPS 

Princeton Symphony Orchestra
Richardson Auditorium, Princeton University

(609) 683-5122 | princetonsymphony.com

DECEMBER 15, 3 pm
WINTER 2018 SMALL ENSEMBLE

Youth Orchestra of Central Jersey
Kendall Hall, The College of New Jersey
yocj.org

DECEMBER 18, 7 pm
RAY VALENTINO SINGS FROM “AMERICA'S SONG BOOK”

Mercer County Library, Hickory Corner Branch
138 Hickory Corner Road, East Windsor
(609) 448-1330  | mcl.org
Local crooner Ray Valentino will entertain us with songs that have stood the test of time, such as “Night and Day,” “I've Got You Under My Skin,” and “Pennies from Heaven.” With a nod to the season, he’ll also sing “White Christmas” and “The Christmas Song.” All are welcome! Sponsored by The Friends of the Hickory Corner Library. Registration is under way. Register online at www.mcl.org (Adult Programs), or call (609) 448-0957 for assistance.

DECEMBER 20, 8 pm
OUT OF DARKNESS INTO LIGHT
(Pennington Presbyterian Church)

DECEMBER 21, 4 pm
OUT OF DARKNESS INTO LIGHT (Trinity Episcopal Church)

Trinity Episcopal Church, 22 Mercer St., Princeton
Voices Chorale NJ
225 Pennington-Hopewell Road, Hopewell

voiceschoralenj.org 
Works by Chilcott and Pederson, plus a premiere by Assistant Conductor Laurel Christensen.

DECEMBER 21, 2 pm
RHYTHM N’ SOUND: A HOLIDAY & POP MUSIC CONCERT

Mercer County Library, Lawrence Headquarters Branch
2751 Brunswick Pike, Lawrenceville
(609) 883-8294 | mcl.org
Rhythm N’ Sound is a New Jersey band and the program will cover a varied genre of Classic Oldies, Rock n' Roll, Classic Rock, Motown, Disco, and Classical songs from the great American song book, including some holiday songs. Registration is suggested. Call (609) 883-8294 or email lawprogs@mcl.org.


Exhibits

NOW - DECEMBER 20
OFF THE WALL: AN AFFORDABLE ART SALE

West Windsor Arts Council
952 Alexander Road, Princeton Junction
(609) 716-1931 | westwindsorarts.org
Now presenting the work of over 100 artists in “Off the Wall,” an Affordable Art Sale. This juried exhibition is open to the public through Friday, Dec. 20, 2019. A two-day opening reception will be held in conjunction with the WWAC Artisan Market. As an affordable art sale, artwork will be offered at prices from $50 to $400. Artworks may be literally taken off the wall at the time of purchase.


NOW - MAY 10
DREAMING OF UTOPIA: ROOSEVELT, NEW JERSEY

Morven Museum & Garden
55 Stockton Street, Princeton
(609) 924-8144 | morven.org
The first of its kind, this show examines the history of Roosevelt, from its early days as an antidote to the Great Depression to a 21st century arts community.


DECEMBER 7 - JANUARY 11

ARTWORKS ANNUAL 10 x 10 EXHIBITION

Artworks Trenton
19 Everett Alley, Trenton
(609) 394-9436 |  artworkstrenton.org 
The Red Dot 10 x 10 Fundraising Exhibition is a chance for the novice to test the waters of the world of original art, experienced artists to help Artworks fund continued programming, and an opportunity for the collector to build their art collection.  Everyone wins!


Festivals

NOW - JANUARY 5
FESTIVAL OF TREES

Morven Museum, 55 Stockton St., Princeton
(609) 924-8144 | morven.org

DECEMBER 7, 12 pm
MILL HILL HOUSE TOUR

The Old Mill Hill Society
19 Everett Alley and South Stockton Street, Trenton

trentonmillhill.org
Now entering its 53rd consecutive year, the House Tour is Mill Hill’s signature event and a Trenton tradition. This year’s tour will take place from noon-5 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 7, 2019. About 15-20 homes and churches in the neighborhood will swing open their doors and invite people to come in from the cold to take a look around. The tour begins at Artworks located at 19 Everett Alley and South Stockton Street, Trenton. Advance sale tickets are $20 (tickets are $25 at Artworks on the day of the tour).


Historical Activities

DECEMBER 4, 7 pm
The HOPEWELL VALLEY HISTORY PROJECT

Hopewell Public Library
Hopewell Train Station  (2 Railroad Place, Hopewell NJ)
redlibrary.org
Come learn more about a new volunteer effort to collect and organize important sources of our local heritage in digital form – and make them available online for open and convenient access (HopewellHistoryProject.org).  All Hopewell Public Library community talks are free and open to the public. For more information, check the HPL website at www.redlibrary.org, Facebook, or call the library at (609) 466-1625. 

DECEMBER 6-7
GREENS SALE AND OPEN HOUSE

The 1719 William Trent House
15 Market Street, Trenton
(609) 989-3027 | williamtrenthouse.org

DECEMBER 10, 7 pm
Battle of the Bulge, December 1944: Greatest American Battle 

Mercer County Library, Robbinsville Branch
42 Robbinsville-Allentown Road, Robbinsville
(609) 259-2150 | mcl.org
Adolf Hitler’s final counter surprised the Allies and caused an immediate command crisis. This presentation will cover how the crisis was overcome, how the offensive was thwarted and why the battle was called by Winston Churchill the “greatest American battle of the war.” Presented by Paul Zigo, Military Historian and Founder of the World War II Era Studies Institute. Registration is required.

DECEMBER 19, 7:30 pm
A COLONIAL CHRISTMAS – Winter with Washington’s Army

Mercer County Library, Lawrence Headquarters Branch
2751 Brunswick Pike, Lawrenceville
(609) 883-8294 | mcl.org
Local historian and historical re-enactor Mike Jesberger will discuss the military movements of the Continental Army led by George Washington in the Pennsylvania / New Jersey area in the winter of 1776 during the American Revolution, and also how Christmas was celebrated in the colonial period versus the many differences of how the holiday is celebrated today. Registration is suggested. Call (609) 883-8294 or email lawprogs@mcl.org.

DECEMBER 8, 10 am  & DECEMBER 25, 12 pm
CHRISTMAS DAY RE-ENACTMENT

Washington Crossing Historic Park - Visitor Center
1112 River Road, Washington Crossing PA
washingtoncrossingpark.org
Witness American History Come to Life! Each December, thousands of people gather on the banks of the Delaware River to watch the re-enactment of George Washington’s daring 1776 Christmas night river crossing. During the event, several hundred re-enactors in Continental military dress listen to an inspiring speech by General Washington and then row across the river in replica Durham boats.

 

DECEMBER 28, 11 am & 3 pm
BATTLES OF TRENTON RE-ENACTMENT

The Old Barracks Museum
101 Barracks St., Trenton

(609) 396-1776 | barracks.org 

DECEMBER 28, 1 pm
HAPPY HOGMANAY

The 1719 William Trent House
15 Market Street, Trenton

(609) 989-3027 | williamtrenthouse.org


DECEMBER
29, 9 am
BATTLE OF PRINCETON

Princeton Battlefield State Park
500 Mercer Street, Princeton

(609) 389-5657 | theprincetonbattlefieldsociety.com
Historical tour of the Battle of Princeton, led by local historian William L. Kidder, author of TEN CRUCIAL DAYS: Washington's Vision for Victory Unfolds, will be joined by other re-enactors of various Congressional regiments to show us exactly where, when, and why events unfolded that chilly morning in 1777. We will experience the battle, minute by minute, at the same time of day, and in similar weather conditions. Learn how the Battle of Princeton, as it occurred, was not at all what Washington was expecting. Learn from where the Continental Line approached the battle. Learn how these momentous events transpired and were the culmination of the Ten Crucial Days Campaign that changed history. Donations for this event: $15 for each adult; $5 for veterans and children 12 and under. 


Holiday

DECEMBER 5, 7 pm
CHRISTMAS TRADITIONS

Mercer County Library, Robbinsville Branch
42 Robbinsville-Allentown Road, Robbinsville
(609) 259-2150 | mcl.org
'Tis the Season for a joyous new historical slideshow by author, photographer, and musician Kevin Woyce. Explore favorite Christmas traditions from the First Christmas to the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree. Learn how historical figures like Queen Victoria and Charles Dickens helped shape the way we celebrate the season. Registration is required.


DECEMBER 7, 3 pm
VISIT WITH SANTA

Mercer County Library, Hightstown Memorial Branch
114 Franklin St., Hightstown
(609) 448-1474 | mcl.org
Listen to Santa tell a story and sing songs. Then get your chance to visit with him and share your
Christmas wish list. Make a holiday-themed craft while you wait for your turn to visit with Santa. Suggested for children ages 18 months and older. Registration required at www.mcl.org.


DECEMBER 6 &13, 5:30 pm; DECEMBER 8 &15, 4 pm
CHRISTMAS LIVE!

Tourchristmaslive.org
FREE guided walking tour. Watch Christmas come alive through interactive scenes. Enjoy free refreshments, crafts and family photo. Bilingual Spanish tours available.


DECEMBER 16, 7 pm & DECEMBER 18, 2 pm
CANDY WINTER WONDERLAND 

Mercer County Library, Hightstown Memorial Branch
114 Franklin St., Hightstown
(609) 448-1474 | mcl.org
Create a tasty winter scene with ice cream cones for trees and various candies & frostings for
winter landscapes. Please register for only one session. Ages 2-18: Monday, Dec. 16 at 7 p.m.
Ages 2-5: Wednesday, Dec. 18 at 2 p.m. Registration required at www.mcl.org.


DECEMBER 23, 2 pm & 3:30 pm
GINGERBREAD TREES

Mercer County Library, Hollowbrook Branch
320 Hollowbrook Drive, Ewing
(609) 883-5914 | mcl.org
For ages 3 and up. Come and decorate a “gingerbread” tree using an ice cream cone, icing and candy. Registration is required and space is limited. Please sign up for either the 2 p.m. session OR the 3:30 p.m. session.


Theater

DECEMBER 7 - 8
'TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS

Kelsey Theatre, 1200 Old Trenton Road, West Windsor
(609) 570-3333 | kelseyatmccc.org
Tickets are $12, $10 for children/seniors.


DECEMBER
10 - 29
A CHRISTMAS CAROL

McCarter Theatre
91 University Place, Princeton

(609) 258-2787 | mccarter.org


DECEMBER 13 - 15
THE NUTCRACKER

Kelsey Theatre, 1200 Old Trenton Road, West Windsor
(609) 570-3333 | kelseyatmccc.org
Tickets are $16, $14 for children/seniors.


Workshops

DECEMBER 7, 10 am
ADULT HOLIDAY CRAFT: FESTIVE GIFT TAGS 

Mercer County Library, Lawrence Headquarters Branch
2751 Brunswick Pike, Lawrenceville
(609) 883-8294 | mcl.org
Add a personal touch to this year’s holiday gifts that will be truly appreciated by those receiving them. Registration is suggested. Call (609) 883-8294 or email lawprogs@mcl.org.


DECEMBER 7, 10 am
ADOBE PHOTOSHOP FOR PHOTOGRAPHERS

Princeton Photo Workshop
(609) 921-3519 princetonphotoworkshop.com 
Learn Photoshop in a small group setting, with lots of opportunity for questions and discussion.


DECEMBER 16, 7 pm
ADULT CRAFT: GIFT BAGS

Mercer County Library, Hollowbrook Branch
320 Hollowbrook Drive, Ewing
(609) 883-5914 | mcl.org
Use a variety of materials to decorate gift bags for the holidays or any occasion. All materials will be provided. Registration is required at https://www.mcl.org and space is limited.

Mercer County