History will take center stage in the New Jersey capital during Trenton Patriots Week, returning Dec. 26–31 with a full slate of free and ticketed events commemorating the city’s pivotal role in the American Revolution.
Held annually between Christmas and New Year’s, Patriots Week draws thousands of visitors to Trenton to mark the anniversary of the Battles of Trenton and to explore the city’s Revolutionary-era sites and stories.
Organizers say this year’s programming is designed to appeal to families, history enthusiasts and heritage travelers alike. The week features free walking tours of Revolutionary landmarks, dramatic battle reenactments, and hands-on living history programs.
Family-friendly offerings include interactive puppet shows, special activities at the New Jersey State Museum and Planetarium, and programs at the New Jersey State Library. One highlight is the popular Firewalk along the Assunpink Creek, where actors portraying Continental soldiers light 13 torches during a dramatic reading of Thomas Paine’s The American Crisis, accompanied by hot chocolate for attendees.
Lectures by noted historians and authors will be offered throughout the week, along with tours of the New Jersey State House and access to the State Library’s genealogical and Jerseyana collections. Colonial-era entertainment is also planned, including a Colonial Ball, a Patriot’s Pub Crawl, musical performances, a Revolutionary tavern talk and a tea tasting.
Historian Ralph Siegel will lead his well known walking tour focused on the Battles of Trenton. Visitors can also attend a Hogmanay celebration of the Scottish New Year at the 1719 William Trent House, tour the 1739 Trenton Friends Meetinghouse, and participate in a New Year’s Eve peace vigil.
Saturday, Dec. 27, is expected to be the busiest day of the week, with reenactments of both Battles of Trenton and a range of citywide activities. New this year is a “Colonial Churches of Trenton” tour offering behind-the-scenes access to the Quaker Meetinghouse, First Presbyterian Church and St. Michael’s Church.
Families can attend a puppet show titled “The Trouble with Trenton” and visit a new pop-up Patriots Week Visitors Center at the Corner Historic site.
Patriots Week 2025 is presented by a coalition of local and state heritage organizations in partnership with the Old Barracks Museum, the City of Trenton, Crossroads of the American Revolution, RevNJ and the Trenton Downtown Association.
A full schedule of events is available at patriotsweek.com.