Princeton NJ Events

Winter Solstice History/Nature Hike, Historical Society of Princeton

Sunday December 21, 2025
1:30 PM - 4:00 PM

Princeton Battlefield parking lot

500 Mercer Street, Princeton

Join us on a hike through the treasured Institute Woods to explore bits of history, as well as the sites and sounds that form this unique and serene setting. Hear stories about the Woods’ origin and the ways IAS mathematicians, physicists, and other members have engaged with it. Stops along the way will highlight the history of early Stony Brook, the Battle of Princeton, the Old Trolley trail, the establishment of the Institute for Advanced Study, and Founders Rock. We will make a special stop at the infamous Swinging Bridge, then hike over to the observation decks at the adjacent Rogers Wildlife Refuge. Along the way, there will be moments to observe, engage, and identify the different varieties of birds, plants, trees, and everything in between!

Please note: This is a moderate to advanced hike with uneven terrain. Trails may be muddy/slippery. Comfortable hiking boots/shoes, water, and insect repellent are recommended.

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Princeton History Walking Tour, Historical Society of Princeton

Sunday December 21, 2025
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Princeton Battle Monument, 1 Monument Drive, Princeton

Enjoy a walk around downtown Princeton and the University campus as you learn about historic sites in the area, including Nassau Hall, University Chapel and Palmer Square. Hear some of the classic history and lesser-known stories of Princeton’s diverse past. Tickets are $20. Advance purchase is required; use the form below. Tour starts in the courtyard of the Princeton Battle Monument (GPS address: 1 Monument Drive).

Please note: Space on this tour is limited to 25. Tickets are required for all participants. Questions? E-mail: eve@princetonhistory.org

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Winter Solstice Celebration at Herrontown Woods

Sunday December 21, 2025
3:30 PM - 4:30 PM

Honor the land and the changing season at an intimate celebration of the Winter Solstice at Herrontown Woods. Limited to 25 people. Free but must RSVP to attend - Veblen House @ the Herrontown Woods, 452 Herrontown Road, Princeton, NJ 08540

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Let's Just Sing! Choral Reading of Handel's Messiah, Princeton Society of Musical Amateurs

Sunday December 21, 2025
4:00 PM

Princeton Society of Musical Amateurs (http://musicalamateurs.org)

Conductor: James Splond

Location: Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Princeton, Rt 206 at Cherry Hill Road, Princeton NJ

The Princeton Society of Musical Amateurs welcomes singers of all levels to participate. Vocal scores provided. $10 admission for singers (or annual membership for our monthly sings). Free for students and non-singing guests. Members of the community gather together for the common and joyful enterprise of making music for their own pleasure, singing through the great works in choral literature with chorus, orchestra, and soloists as the works require. There are no separate rehearsals and no auditions. Walk-in singers and listen-only guests are welcome at all sessions. Conductors may do some light preparation with the chorus before the sing-through. Orchestra members participate by invitation, based on the instrumental needs of the work. Light refreshments are available during the break and participants are encouraged to mingle and socialize. For further information email musical.amateurs@gmail.com

Winter Solstice Jazz Concert at the Cathedral

Sunday December 21, 2025
4:00 PM

The Cathedral Arts Series at Trinity (CAST) welcomes noted jazz violinist and composer Gwen Laster and her ensemble bringing eclectic sounds of jazz, improvisation and music of the season in celebration of Winter Solstice—the start of a new solar year. Joining Gwen are pianist Manu Koch, bassist Damon Banks, and drummer Harvey Wirht. Laster is an award-winning violinist and was recently named a Guggenheim fellow for her extensive work in performance, recording, and teaching.

The performance begins at 4:00PM on Sunday, December 21 at Trinity Cathedral (801 West State Street, Trenton, NJ). Doors open at 3:30PM. Tickets (adults:$30/students:$10) may be purchased at the door or pre-ordered by calling (609) 392-3805 ext. 100. Free parking in the Cathedral parking lot and on streets around the Cathedral.