Princeton NJ Events

Strolling Entertainment and Santa at Palmer Square

Saturday December 21, 2024
12:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Every Saturday & Sunday afternoon on the Square, enjoy some extra 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 a capella carolers with Santa strolling from corner to corner! Don’t miss all the action between 12pm-2pm!

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A Christmas Carol, McCarter Theatre - Two Showtimes

Saturday December 21, 2024
1:00 PM

1 and 5:30pm

McCarter's annual holiday tradition returns with magic, music, and merriment for all. This year, Joel McKinnon Miller (Brooklyn Nine-Nine) reprises his widely acclaimed performance as Ebenezer Scrooge, leading the audience on a fantastical journey through Christmases past, present, and future. Enjoy this classic story as it comes to life around you, creating magical memories with the ones you love. Let this festive spectacle usher you into the spirit of the season with all the delight, wonder, and generosity that Scrooge himself discovers.

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The Kelsey Holiday Extravaganza (Remixed), Kelsey Theater

Saturday December 21, 2024
1:00 PM

1 and 7pm

Get ready to experience the ultimate holiday celebration like never before at The Kelsey Holiday Extravaganza (Remixed) coming to Kelsey Theatre for three days this December! Dive in as Off-Centre Stages presents an electrifying concert-style show that brings together the magic of the season. From the heartwarming melodies of Christmas to the vibrant tunes of Hanukkah and beyond, our lineup of sensational singers will deliver an unforgettable mix of classic and modern holiday hits that will have you dancing and singing along!

Mercer County Community College, 1200 Old Trenton Road, West Windsor, 609-570-3333. www.kelseytheatre.org

The Nutcracker, American Repertory Ballet @State Theatre of New Jersey

Saturday December 21, 2024
2:00 PM

2 and 7pm

The Nutcracker holds a special place in the hearts of both new and longtime patrons, becoming synonymous with the holiday season. Its endearing story, Tchaikovsky’s brilliant score, and iconic choreography create a memorable experience for the whole family. This holiday favorite tells the magical story of Clara and her Nutcracker Prince as they embark on a journey, battling toy soldiers and larger-than-life mice, and traveling through a whirlwind of dancing snowflakes to the Land of Sweets. Greeted by the Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier, Clara enjoys a suite of brilliant and joyful dances before opening her eyes to the familiar sights of her home, wondering if it was all a dream. This celebrated production includes an outstanding roster of professional artists plus over 100 children from Princeton Ballet School, the official school of American Repertory Ballet.

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Winter Solstice Walk, Tulpehaking Nature Center

Saturday December 21, 2024
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM

The winter solstice is the first day of winter and the shortest day of the year. Celebrate this time of rebirth by venturing outside for a guided walk then warm up in the nature center with hot chocolate.

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Holiday Celebration, Discovery Center at Point Breeze

Saturday December 21, 2024
2:00 PM

Holiday merriment will fill the afternoon on Saturday, December 21 at the Discovery Center at Point Breeze, located at 101 East Park Street, Bordentown, NJ. Brooke McMinn, Lead Gardener for the Historic Garden at Point Breeze, will showcase live historic decorations, available for sale, and talk about the historic holiday decor of the 1800s when Joseph Bonaparte lived on the estate. The Discovery Center is open to the public from noon – 4:00 p.m. with the talk taking place at 2:00 p.m. The gift shop will be open, and refreshments will be served. A donation of $10 is requested.

Holiday Concert, Music Mountain Theater

Saturday December 21, 2024
3:00 PM

3 and 8pm

Song and dance event featuring MMT performers and a 17-piece band playing music in the style of Mariah Carey, Rosemary Clooney, Bing Crosby, Ella Fitzgerald, and others. $35

1483 State Route 179, Lambertville. www.musicmountaintheatre.org. 

Handel's Messiah, New Jersey Symphony, Richardson Auditorium

Saturday December 21, 2024
8:00 PM

Conducted by Jeannette Sorrell, founder and artistic director of Apollo’s Fire. Joining the Symphony and Sorrell are guest vocalists: Sonya Headlam, soprano; John Holiday, countertenor; Ed Lyon, tenor; and Kevin Deas, bass-baritone. Singing the choral sections are the Montclair State University Singers, under the direction of Heather J. Buchanan. $29 to $99.

Richardson Auditorium, Princeton University. www.njsymphony.org