Princeton NJ Events

Breakfast with Santa in the Tap Room

Sunday December 21, 2025
8:15 AM - 10:00 AM

Santa Claus is coming to… breakfast!

Naughty or nice, everyone’s invited to enjoy a festive morning in the Yankee Doodle Tap Room, complete with delicious bites, holiday cheer, activities and a visit from Santa himself. Strike a pose with the big guy in red, cameras welcome! Tickets: $7 per guest (non-refundable) Reservation holds your seat only; food & beverage not included in ticket price

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Holly Jolly Holiday Market @MarketFair

Sunday December 21, 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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ACP'S Artist Winter Village at Hinds Plaza

Sunday December 21, 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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The Nutcracker, American Repertory Ballet @State Theatre of New Jersey

Sunday December 21, 2025
1:00 PM

1 and 5pm

A tradition for sixty years, American Repertory Ballet’s THE NUTCRACKER is one of the longest continuously running productions in the nation and a perfect holiday treat for all ages! With thrilling choreography set to Tchaikovsky’s magnificent score, ARB’s professional company will be joined by students from Princeton Ballet School to tell the story of Clara, a young girl who receives a magical Christmas gift and embarks on an enchanted journey. The Nutcracker holds a special place in the hearts of both new and longtime patrons, becoming synonymous with the holiday season.

Performances will take place from Friday, November 28 through Sunday, December 21, 2025 in Princeton, Red Bank, and New Brunswick.

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'A Christmas Carol', McCarter Theatre

Sunday December 21, 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

Sunday December 21, 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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The Nutcracker, Kelsey Theater

Sunday December 21, 2025
2:00 PM

1 and 4pm

The adventurous Clara sneaks downstairs on Christmas Eve to play with her favorite present from Uncle Drosselmeyer – a nutcracker, when a menacing Mouse King suddenly confronts her. Saved by her Nutcracker Prince, she is whisked away to the magical Land of The Sweets. Family and friends of all ages can celebrate the holiday season together at this enchanting show, and stay and meet the performers after the show. $22/$18 G

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Pairing Wine & Chocolate, Crossing Vineyards & Winery

Sunday December 21, 2025
2:00 PM

Chocolate has grown up, and we’re all about it. From Fair Trade to Single Origin, 55% to 85%, taste some of the most amazing products the cacao bean has to offer from Naked Chocolate of Newtown. Along the way, sip on an assortment of our award-winning wines. Includes wine tasting and a selection of gourmet chocolates. An antioxidantrich indulgence!  Cost: $40pp

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Holiday Concert, Music Mountain Theatre

Sunday December 21, 2025
3:00 PM

A Music Mountain Theatre tradition! 

Join us at Music Mountain Theatre for this festive evening of song and dance combining quintessential holiday music in the style of Mariah Carey, Rosemary Clooney, Bing Crosby, Ella Fitzgerald, and more! This concert is played live by a 17-piece big band and performed by some of your favorite MMT personalities. This annual event is the perfect way to share in the holiday spirit with our wonderful community.

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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.