Princeton NJ Events

Holiday French Market - Flower Sale, The Garden Club of Princeton

Friday December 5, 2025
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Mercer Island - cnr Nassau st. and University Pl (across from Sotheby's) 

Bundle up and come shop a variety of holiday arrangements, amaryllis, wreaths and other Christmas gifts. The sale is hosted by The Garden Club of Princeton and all proceeds support The Garden Club of Princeton's Community Trust projects, like the ongoing maintenance at All Wars Memorial Park, a veteran's memorial in downtown Princeton.

ACP'S Artist Winter Village at Hinds Plaza

Friday December 5, 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!

Click here for more information

ACP'S Artist Winter Village at Hinds Plaza

Friday December 5, 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!

Click here for more information

Christmas Parade & Tree Lighting, City of Trenton

Friday December 5, 2025
3:00 PM

Parade travels through all four wards, spreading Christmas cheer with carolers and music, holiday-themed floats, and gifts from Mr. and Mrs. Claus for any child who is outside during the parade. Tree lighting, gift distribution, and photos with Santa once parade reaches City Hall.

Winter Wonderland, Kuser Farm Mansion

Friday December 5, 2025
4:30 PM - 7:30 PM

390 Newkirk Avenue, Hamilton, 609-890-3630. www.hamiltonnj.com.

Photos with Santa and other holiday photo opportunities; meet and greet with Hamilton's Grinchie, Cindy Lou, Elsa, and Olaf; fire pits around the park; ride on the Holiday Express to see the light display; tour the mansion decorated for the holiday season; and visit the Jersey Valley Model Railroad Club train display. Free. Food trucks on site. Tree lighting at 6 p.m.

Holly Folly Film Festival, Passage Theater

Friday December 5, 2025
5:00 PM

Mill Hill Playhouse, 205 East Front Street, Trenton. www.passagetheatre.org.

"National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation," rated PG-13. $10.

Holiday Jam & Toy Drive with Princeton University, Palmer Square

Friday December 5, 2025
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Celebrate the season with joyful performances by Princeton University’s talented a cappella groups, while helping spread holiday cheer by bringing a new toy to donate. Stay cozy and festive with delicious food and beverages from your favorite local vendors. This event is free and open to all!

*Toy donations benefit the YWCA Princeton St. Nicholas Project. Toys for children 10 and under are preferred. Toys may be donated during the event or dropped off in advance at 313 Morrison Hall, Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.

Click here for more information

Sip and Shop Holiday Market, The Watershed Institute

Friday December 5, 2025
6:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Enjoy light refreshments while you shop from amazing local craft sellers offering beautiful one-of-a-kind creations and products. Leave the kids at home, relax, and shop! This event is free and no registration is required

Twas the Night Before Christmas, Kelsey Theatre

Friday December 5, 2025
7:00 PM

The excitement and wonder of the long-awaited midnight visit by Santa Claus, made famous in Clement Moore’s beloved poem, is brought to life in a fun and enchanting musical perfect for even the littlest ones. Bring the whole family for this joyous Kelsey holiday tradition. Stay and take a photo with Santa! $16/$14 G

Click here for more information

Ebenezer Scrooge's Big Jersey Christmas Show, George Street Playhouse

Friday December 5, 2025
7:30 PM

Arthur Laurents Theater, 11 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick. www.georgestreetplayhouse.org.

This fast, funny, and full-of-surprises reimagining of A Christmas Carol takes Dickens’ classic tale and gives it a fresh, local twist. Expect all the traditional ghosts — Past, Present, and Future — along with plenty of Garden State spirit, unexpected laughs, and a dash of holiday magic. $35 and up.