As we march forward towards the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, I can’t NOT devote December’s column to a round-up of some of the events which are celebrated here each year at this time. Yes, this column is highlighting such events this year due to the 250th.
But this column also features history in Ewing and the surrounding area every year, and December and early January boast such great historical celebrations that they just can’t be overlooked!
There are events to attend, tours to take, places to visit during vacations, and experiences to “gift” to others. I have learned so much from visiting these places and events, and participating in their activities.
I invite you to enjoy them again, or for the first time. They are well worth it! Events and related websites include:
Washington’s Crossing Reenactments — the history surrounding Washington’s crossing of the Delaware and the march to Trenton to surprise the British troops on Christmas night in 1776 is key to the birth of our nation. Both the Pennsylvania and the New Jersey sides of the Delaware host events reenacting the Crossing and interpreting its significance and context. The following events are planned for December. However, weather may have a possible impact:
First Crossing – hosted by Friends of Washington Crossing Park in PA, this event on Sunday, Dec 14, from 10 am to 3 p.m., with the actual crossing at 1 p.m,. is a fund-raising event for the free (and much more crowded!) crossing reenactment, held later in the month. Tickets can be purchased online, or in person the day of the event. There are all sorts of demonstrations of Colonial life and military activities suitable for all ages, in addition to a speech by Washington and the crossing of the river by reenactors. More information can be found at www.washingtoncrossingpark.org/cross-with-us.
73rd Annual Christmas Day Crossing Reenactment (free – occurs from Noon to 3 p.m. on Christmas Day, with the actual crossing at 1 p.m. Thousands of people gather each year to hear Washington address the troops, and watch the hundreds of reenactors portray the event live, crossing the river in replica Durham boats, but foregoing the dark of night and ice storm. Everyone in the area should attend this at least once! It is an amazing event, and emphatically reminds 21st century minds of the significance of this ultimately world-changing historical event. The crossing starts on the Pennsy side, and events continue on the Jersey side. Even if the river does not cooperate for the actual crossing, speeches, celebrations, explanations, and demonstrations will still be held, and are still worth viewing. Information on the Christmas Day crossing is also available on the website listed for the First Crossing above, and on several others as well.
Patriot’s Week in Trenton — the modern-day location of the battle which “turned the tide of the Revolution” and set us all on a path to independence celebrates the history surrounding the Battle of Trenton and all things Colonial each year, Dec. 26 through Dec. 31. Expertly hosted and supported by Trenton organizations, Patriot’s Week attracts thousands of visitors who come and experience historical tours, lectures, pub crawls, demonstrations, films, art, music, dance and so much more. Information is available on their website — patriotsweek.com/events — as to what is happening at what time on which day. Many events are family friendly; all are informative and worth a visit. Go for one day, a few, or even the entire week!
Battle of Princeton — hosted by the Princeton Battlefield Society at the Princeton Battlefield, Jan. 4, 2026 at 9:30 a.m. to noon, when reenactors bring to life the Battle of Princeton, fought on January 3, 1777.
TenCrucialDays.org highlights, interprets, and celebrates the critical history that happened right here in our area, offering personal tours, bus tours, self-driving tours, books and extensive listings of commemorative events, as well as references to extensive research related to the timeframe.
RevolutionNJ (revnj.org) is a new website listing upcoming N.J. “revolutionary” events and activities.
The Crossroads of the American Revolution National Heritage Area includes New Jersey and many places in our area. Visit revolutionarynj.org for lots of information.
Enjoy celebrating our area’s significant past!
Helen Kull is an Advisor with the Ewing Township Historic Preservation Society.