Going Places Monthly: December 2024

GP DEC24

Art Happenings

Oct. 14 - Dec. 18

Black Drawings and Other Things You Didn't Know About - a Tim McFarlane Exhibition 

The Gallery at Mercer County Community College (MCCC) - 1200 Old Trenton Rd, West Windsor 

(609) 570-3589 | gallery@mccc.edu | mccc.edu 

McFarlane's work reflects a lifelong dedication to artistic exploration, where memory, time, and the transformation of human-made environments shape his vivid, multi-layered creations. His paintings and drawings offer intricate reflections of urban decay, anonymous graffiti, and the ever-shifting landscapes of our surroundings, blended with personal experiences and imagined spaces.

Gallery Hours: 

  • Mon., Wed.: 12:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
  • Tue., Thur.: 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
10x10

Dec. 14 - Jan. 4

The Red Dot 10x10 Fundraising Exhibition

Artworks Trenton, 19 Everett Alley, Trenton

(609) 394-9436 | info@artworkstrenton.org | artworkstrenton.org

The 10×10 Red Dot Fundraising Exhibition is an opportunity for the novice to test the waters of original art, for the experienced artists to help Artworks fund continued programming, and for the collector to build their art collection. Red Dot + Artwork = Support.

The Red Dot shows support of Community Arts in Trenton. Over 100 Trenton area artists create art on a 10”x10” canvas. The works are dynamic, diverse and all created specifically for Artworks. Experienced and novice artists create works in oil, acrylic, mixed media, photography, pastel, watercolor and more. All works sell for $100.00. There will be a 50/50 split on proceeds with the artist. Give the gift of original art to loved ones for the holidays. Artwork purchased at the 10×10 show can be taken home that night.


History Happenings

Dec. 8, 11 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Washington's Landing in New Jersey

Washington Crossing State Park - 355 Washington Crossing Pennington Rd, Titusville

(609) 737-0623 | wcpa-nj.com

The Washington Crossing Park Association and the First Rhode Island Regiment invite all to Washington Crossing State Park in Titusville this December. Welcome Washington’s troops from Pennsylvania's "First Crossing" rehearsal, and learn what happened after 2,400 soldiers, 18 cannons and 50 horses landed on New Jersey shores. The encampment will take place on the banks of the Delaware, where visitors can enjoy campfires, hot cider, and skilled reenactors who will captivate all with tales of the history that took place in Mercer County. NJ historians will narrate the Crossing rehearsal in real time, and we will feature activities — such as photo-ops on reproduction boats — that will engage the youngest of visitors in hopes of sparking their interest in New Jersey history. The event will include cannon fire and musket drills, and a special wreath-laying by BSA Troop 1776 of Titusville New Jersey. 

*Free Event


Holiday Happenings

festival of Trees 2024

Nov. 20 - Jan. 5

Festival of Trees 

Morven Museum & Garden - 55 Stockton St, Princeton

(609) 924-8144 | info@morven.org | morven.org

This cherished annual tradition welcomes visitors from far and wide. Stroll the exquisite displays of creativity in our galleries, presented by community nonprofits, schools, garden clubs, and local groups. Since its inception in 2005, Morven's welcomed over 40,000 people. 

This year’s theme, Traditions & Celebrations, is inspired by Morven’s history and the stories of its residents, from our current exhibition Morven Revealed: Untold Stories from New Jersey’s Most Historic Home, that include former Governor Richard Hughes and his wife Betty Hughes. 

*Ticket Cost: $12 Adult; $10 Senior, Student, Military/Veteran and Children 7-18. Children 6 and under are free.

patriots week 2024

Dec. 26 - 31

Patriots Week! 

Trenton, NJ - Various Locations

patriotsweek.com

Patriots Week, celebrating Trenton’s crucial role in the nation’s war for independence, returns to New Jersey’s Capital City from December 26–31, 2024. Visitors can enjoy popular events from past years, including Revolutionary walking tours, the Colonial Ball and battle reenactments, along with a lineup of exciting lectures, activities, family fun, and historic happenings in downtown Trenton.

Patriots Week brings to life some of the historic figures, places and events that helped shape the birth of our nation. The event attracts thousands of visitors to Trenton the week between Christmas and New Year’s. 

The Old Barracks Museum will be bustling with activity all week with tours of the Barracks, reenactments of the Battles of Trenton, musket demonstrations, a Colonial Ball, and more. Men and women in period garb share the stories of the brave soldiers and citizens who were there during those historic Battles of Trenton. 

Historian Ralph Siegel returns to offer his popular Trenton walking tour of the battles, the 1719 William Trent house hosts tours and invites visitors to warm up at a traditional Hogmanay celebration of the Scottish New Year. The City of Trenton will present the ceremonial Firewalk on the banks of the Assunpink Creek, with a colorful cast of Continental soldiers lighting the 13 torches during a dramatic reading of Thomas Paine’s “The American Crisis.”

Heritage visitors can also participate in tours of colonial and Revolutionary significance, attend special lectures and book talks, or take a free tour of the historic New Jersey Capitol building. Family-friendly opportunities include Tucker’s Tales delightful interactive puppet shows, a chance to make your own quill pen at St. Michael’s, and a special “comfort station” where visitors can warm up and enjoy programming at the Trenton War Memorial building, presented as part of the City’s Kwanzaa celebration.

Dec. 7, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. 

Christmas on the Farm! 

Howell Living History Farm - 70 Woodens Ln, Hopewell. 

(609) 737-3299 | info@howellfarm.org | howellfarm.org

Santa is coming to Howell Farm…not in a sleigh, but on a steam tractor! Visit Howell Farm this Saturday for Christmas crafts, live music, farm animal visits, and an opportunity to stroll through a decorated historic farmhouse – before meeting Santa when he arrives at 12:30 p.m.

Stop by the visitor center to hear the Jugtown Mountain String Band play inside the barn...then find a spot around the craft table to recreate a paper Victorian angel ornament ($5 materials fee). Next, walk up to the barnyard, where families can take selfies in the 1800s sleigh pulled by the horses on snowy days, and visit the blacksmith working in the farm’s forge. The farmhouse will be open for tours, decked out in all its Christmas finery.

Stop back at the visitor center for warm drinks, homemade cookies, lunch, and other light refreshments. While you're inside, be sure to check out the gift shop for unique gifts like Howell Farm honey, handmade straps of sleigh bells, forged items made by the farm’s own blacksmith, and other homemade items by the farm's sewing guild. Toys for Tots is also accepting donations of new, unwrapped toys to help bring joy to America's less fortunate children this holiday season.

Dec. 7, 6 - 9 p.m. 

Once Upon a Christmas in Puerto Rico - Stage Play by Edna E. Roman 

New Jersey State Museum Auditorium, 205 West State St, Trenton 

eventbrite.com

Come join us for a magical holiday celebration filled with Puerto Rican tradition at the New Jersey State Museum Auditorium! Immerse yourself in the rich culture of Puerto Rico. Get ready to experience all things Puerto Rico! Don't miss out on this special event that will transport you to the enchanting island of Puerto Rico during the holiday season!

*Ticket Cost: $40

History Open House

Dec. 7 & 8, 1 - 4 p.m. 

West Windsor History Museum Open House 

West Windsor History Museum - 50 Southfield Rd, West Windsor 

(609) 751-4061 | westwindsorhistory.com

Enjoy the last West Windsor History Museum open house of the year with two days of festive fun!

  • Tour several historical buildings at the 18th-century Schenck Farmstead.
  • Bring your kids to meet Santa.
  • Bring your kids to listen to a Seasonal story time (1-1:45 p.m. each day).
  • Enjoy Holiday Music from 2-3 p.m. each day by Surabhi Fusion: Christmas carols, Hanukkah songs, Sanskrit, and more.
  • Learn about Volunteer Opportunities for kids & adults alike.
  • ​And much more!

*Free Event

Dec. 18, 4:30 - 5:30 p.m.

Annual Menorah Lighting 

The Jewish Center of Princeton - Nassau Inn Patio, 10 Palmer Sq, Princeton 

palmersquare.com

It has been a tradition for many years to celebrate Hanukkah in Palmer Square and we invite everyone to join us for this ceremonial festivity. There will be great music, and great fun!

Kwanzzaa

Dec. 28, 11 a.m. - 6:30 p.m. 


Annual Kwanzaa 365 Celebration


The Smith Family Foundation at Patriots Theater at the War Memorial, 1 Memorial Dr, Trenton 

(609) 888-6300| sffnj.org/events

 


The Smith Family Foundation will be hosting its Annual Kwanzaa 365 at the Trenton War Memorial Building. The Kwanzaa principle being observed is Umoja (Unity: to strive for and maintain unity in the family, community, nation, and race). Be sure to stop by the front steps of Trenton's City Hall a few days before, on Dec. 23 at 4:30 p.m. to witness the lighting of the Kinara. 

Dec. 30, 4 a.m. - 5 p.m. 

Celebrate Kwanzaa!

Trenton Free Public Library - 120 Academy St, Trenton 

(609) 392-7188 | info@tfplibrary.org | trentonlib.org

Join us for a special event featuring the renowned storyteller Queen Nur. Experience a vibrant Kwanzaa celebration that explores the holiday’s principles and symbols. Enjoy engaging lessons through call and response, songs, stories, drumming, and dance. The event will also feature African drumming by percussionist Dwight James. All ages welcome!

Refreshments and fellowship in the Poetry Cafe to follow.

*Free Event


Literature

MCLS

Dec. 11, 2 p.m. 

On Pulse-Pounding, Family Driven Mysteries: A Conversation with Laura Dave

Mercer County Library System (MCLS) - Virtual Presentation

(609) 882-9246 | libraryc.org/mcl

Join MCLS for a captivating conversation with #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Last Thing He Told Me, Laura Dave, as she chats with us online about her newest book The Night We Lost Him

The Night We Lost Him focuses on estranged siblings who discover their father has been keeping a secret for over fifty years, one that may have been fatal...

Liam Noone was many things to many people. To the public, he was an exacting, self-made hotel magnate fleeing his past. To his three ex-wives, he was a loving albeit distant family man who kept his finances flush and his families carefully separated. To Nora, he was a father who often loved her from afar - notably a cliffside cottage perched on the California coast from which he fell to his death.   

The authorities rule the death accidental, but Nora and her estranged brother Sam have other ideas. As Nora and Sam form an uneasy alliance to unravel the mystery, they start putting together the pieces of their father's past—and uncover a family secret that changes everything.

With Laura Dave's trademark combination of soulful suspense and evocative family drama, The Night We Lost Him is a riveting page-turner. Register now to learn about this book and so much more! 
*Free Event. Registration Required. 


Mercer County