Princeton NJ Events

The Polar Express, Princeton Garden Theatre

Saturday December 20, 2025
10:00 AM

160 Nassau Street, Princeton. www.princetonlibrary.org.

On Christmas Eve 1959, a young boy wanders outside and happens upon a train called 'The Polar Express' headed for the North Pole. On his adventure, he meets a colorful cast of characters on their way to see Santa, and learns about friendship and the spirit of Christmas. $5.

Saturday Canal Walk

Saturday December 20, 2025
10:00 AM

Saturdays (Year Round) 10:00 AM

Three mile walk on the towpath, year-round. Free. Meet at Turning Basin Park, Alexander Road, Princeton, at the end of the parking lot near the road. Register to get notice of cancellations due to weather by emailing canalwalkers@googlegroups.com.

Holly Jolly Holiday Market @MarketFair

Saturday December 20, 2025
11:00 AM - 6:00 PM

A wonderland of local creativity, artisan crafts, unique gifts and specialty items for the holidays!

Join us under the warm lights as Santa's reindeer barn sets the backdrop for this amazing showcase of over 30 local talented, artisans and craftspeople. Live music will be featured 3:30-6pm on Saturday and 2-5pm on Sunday with complimentary hot cocoa. Holiday movies for the kids and family will be featured all weekend long and for added fun and delight, kids can write a letter to Santa at the Santa Letter Writing & Craft Center.

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Frosty & Rudolph, Music Mountain Theater

Saturday December 20, 2025
11:00 AM

11 and 1pm

School is out, and the neighborhood children decide to build a snowman. When they place an enchanted hat on his head, he springs to life! To be sure he doesn’t melt, the kids take Frosty to the North Pole where he meets Rudolph, and they hatch a plan to save Christmas by using the reindeer’s incredible red nose to guide Santa’s sleigh. Join us for a jolly new take on traditional holiday stories!

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Holiday Children’s Workshops, Terhune's

Saturday December 20, 2025
11:00 AM

Celebrate the season with festive fun at Terhune Orchards! Each children’s workshop includes a holiday story, a hands-on decorating activity, and a cozy cup of hot chocolate.

• Dec 13: Let’s Get Ready – Ornament Making

• Dec 20: Sweet & Festive – Cookie Decorating

Registration is $10 per child and available online. Stay after the program to meet Santa from 12–2pm!

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Benefit for Princeton Mobile Food Pantry, Princeton Makes Studio

Saturday December 20, 2025
12:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Princeton Makes, an art cooperative established in 2021, is holding a festive holiday event benefitting the Princeton Mobile Food Pantry (PMFP). Since its founding in 2010, PMFP has provided food and other support to nearly 300 Princeton families - almost 1,500 infants, school-aged children, their parents, and seniors. The volunteer-led organization delivers fresh produce, fresh protein, and other household staples right to their doorstep.

On Saturday, December 20, from noon to 4 p.m., local artists, musicians, and community members will gather at the Princeton Makes artist space nestled in the Princeton Shopping Center. Fundraising activities include raffles for donated artwork, gift certificates, and other treats from local businesses. There will be live music - jazz, soul, pop - and a tip jar with donations going to PMFP. An “open studio” event, visitors will see artists at work and experience the creative process firsthand. Visitors can drop off food and make financial contributions.

Princeton Makes is located at 301 N. Harrison Street, Princeton, NJ 08540.

ACP'S Artist Winter Village at Hinds Plaza

Saturday December 20, 2025
12:00 PM - 6:00 PM

Our artist winter village makes local shopping easier and more creative than ever! These festive pop-up shops, run by talented regional creatives, offer fun and unique gifts in cozy textiles, jewelry, hand-poured candles, charming children’s wear, pottery, wood, and so much more. Shop directly from makers working to bring us small business-driven joy!

Hours: From November 13 through December 21, four Chalets will be open for business Thursday through Sunday, 12-6pm. In addition to the Chalets, ten additional artists will join the village on Saturdays and Sundays from 10am-4pm. Vendors change each week!

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Winery Weekend Music Series, Terhune's

Saturday December 20, 2025
12:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Spend November weekends at Terhune Orchards Vineyard & Winery, Saturdays and Sundays from 12–5 p.m. Enjoy award-winning Terhune wines by the glass or in a tasting flight, paired with light fare and café favorites. Starting November 21st, we’ll have the fire pits out and hot mulled wine available. Kids can join the fun too with s’mores and hot cocoa kits. From 1–4 p.m., relax to live music by local artists, with styles ranging from jazz and blues to folk and rock. A perfect way to savor autumn afternoons.

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'A Christmas Carol', McCarter Theatre

Saturday December 20, 2025
1:00 PM

1 and 5:30pm

The holiday tradition you love is back—filled with music, magic, and the timeless spirit of generosity. And this year, McCarter is proud to welcome acclaimed actor Cameron Knight in the role of Ebenezer Scrooge.

Gather your friends and loved ones to experience this timeless classic, brought to life in an immersive celebration of joy and generosity. A Christmas Carol is the perfect way to kick off the season—full of wonder, warmth, and the spirit of togetherness.

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Holiday Strolling Entertainment at Palmer Square

Saturday December 20, 2025
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM

Our beloved Holiday Strolling Entertainment is back this year to fill Palmer Square with holiday cheer! While you’re here doing your holiday shopping, dining, and crossing off all the gifts on your list…you just might run into joyous carolers with Santa strolling from corner to corner! Enjoy festive performances every weekend from November 29th through December 21st.

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