The annual series of events commemorating the Trenton region’s role in the American Revolution runs from Friday, December 26, through Wednesday, December 31, in locations throughout Trenton. The schedule is as follows.
Friday, December 26
Trenton Battlefield walking tour. This 10-block interpretive walk brings to life the two battles of Trenton. Broad and Warren Streets are once again “Queen” and “King” Streets as Washington’s shivering troops approach from two directions to strike and defeat the German regiments. The tour includes stops at the historic Trenton Battle Monument and the Assunpink Creek in Mill Hill Park. Veteran tour guide Ralph Siegel leads the tour, which starts with a one-hour discussion and Q&A at the Capital Center 2nd floor food court, 50 East State Street, Trenton. 9 a.m. to noon. Free.
NJ State House Tours. Visit the home of the New Jersey State Legislature. Join a guided tour of the General Assembly and Senate chambers and discover the storied history of New Jersey’s State House. Advanced reservations required by calling 609-847-3150.145 West State Street. 10 and 11 a.m. and 1 and 2 p.m. Free. Also December 29 and 30.
The Stars of 1776. Explore the night sky as it would have been seen in 1776 by George Washington and his troops, then stay for special Planetarium shows. Tickets required. New Jersey State Museum Planetarium, 205 West State Street, Trenton. Noon, 1, and 2 p.m. Also December 27, 28, 30, and 31.
Colonial Churches of Trenton walking tour & Revolutionary Tea Party. The tour starts at 1 p.m. at Trenton Free Public Library. At 2 p.m., join certified tea specialists Deborah and Michael Raab for a special presentation on some of the history and rituals connected to the subject of colonial-era tea parties in the Colonies. A tea tasting is included. 120 Academy Street, Trenton. 1 to 3 p.m. Free.
Colonial Ball. Mingle with the soldiers of the Battle of Trenton and learn their favorite dance steps while enjoying live music from the Colonial era! Period dress is neither discouraged nor required. Tickets required. Old Barracks Museum, 100 Barrack Street, Trenton. 7 to 10 p.m.
Saturday, December 27
Quakers: Choose a Side! The Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) believed in the renunciation of war. This tenet was sorely tested with the onset of the American Revolution. How did the Trenton Quakers feel about Philemon Dickinson, a slave-owning Quaker who fought in the Battle of Trenton as a general in the Colonial army? How did they react when the British Dragoons took over their meetinghouse as a barrack? Did they continue to meet during the War? Learn more from lecturer Fred Millner, Ph.D. at the Trenton Meetinghouse, probably the oldest surviving house of worship in Trenton. Refreshments and conversation afterwards at the Meetinghouse. Trenton Meeting of Friends, 142 East Hanover Street, Trenton. 10 a.m. Free.
Battle of Trenton Reenactment/First Battle. Immerse yourself in history while reenactors fight through the first battle of Trenton. The battle takes place along Warren and Broad Streets between the Trenton Battle Monument, Warren and Broad streets, Trenton. 11 a.m. Free.
The Trouble with Trenton puppet show. An interactive, historical look at amazing American history presented by marionettes and rod puppets — with lots of help from the audience. The show includes live music, important props, and plenty of “revolting” action. Warren Street Plaza, Warren and Hanover streets, Trenton. Noon and 2 p.m. Free.
Trenton 1775: A Colonial Town Caught in the Revolution walking tour. In 1775 Trenton was a young community of only 500 souls. The Continental and British armies each brought 1500 fighting men to town, overwhelming Trenton’s small spaces, limited accommodations, and modest supplies of food, water, and wood. Attorney Marc A. McKithen will lead visitors on a walking tour of colonial Trenton, introducing the people who lived here in 1776, their amusements, loyalties, and fears. Tour starts and ends in the historic Trenton Friends Meetinghouse. Refreshments and conversations at the end of the tour. Trenton Friends Meetinghouse, 142 East Hanover Street, Trenton. Noon to 1:30 p.m. Free.
Hogmanay! A Scottish Celebration of the New Year! Welcome to the Scottish celebration of the New Year — celebrated in honor of William Trent, founder of Trenton, who immigrated from Scotland. Bagpipers start off the program while visitors learn an authentic Colonial recipe for shortbread while enjoying hot cider and other treats. End your visit by lighting your wishes for 2026. 1719 William Trent House, 15 Market Street, Trenton. 2 p.m. Free.
Battle of Trenton Reenactment/ Second Battle. The second battle takes place between State Street and Mill Hill Park beginning with a short commemorative ceremony at the 1st Presbyterian Church, 120 East State Street. The majority of the reenactment takes place in Mill Hill Park, Front and Broad streets, Trenton. 3 p.m. Free.
Assunpink Firewalk & Reading of Thomas Paine’s The American Crisis. Enjoy live traditional music, warm drinks and cookies on the park’s Iron Bridge, followed by the dramatic lighting of 13 torches along the banks of the historic Assunpink Creek and a dramatic reading of Thomas Paine’s “The American Crisis.” Mill Hill Park, corner of Front and Broad streets, Trenton. 4 to 6:30 p.m. Free.
Revolutionary Pub Crawl. This year’s Pub Crawl starts at The Lobby Club and moves on to other stops including Station Tapas & Bar, McManimon’s Monument Pub, Coopers Riverview, and 1911 Smoke House Barbeque. Revolutionary/Colonial garb optional and welcomed! No fee, just pay for your own food and drink as you go. Don’t forget to tip your servers & bartenders! This year’s Patriots’ password is: “Anais’s Short Beer.” Ages 21+. The Lobby Club, 17 East Front Street, Trenton. 5:30 p.m.
Sunday, December 28
Tavern Talk. History-curious beer enthusiasts are invited to join friends and strangers in discussing the ideals, opinions and motivations of local citizens as the war for independence uproots their lives. Reenactors representing colonists from various walks of life help you imagine that you are quaffing a brew in a colonial tavern, as neighbors and friends debate around you. It’s a defining moment for the American colonies. Which side will you take? $10 entry fee, beer purchase separate. Advance tickets required. First Presbyterian Church, 120 East State Street, Trenton. 12 to 2 p.m.
Author Talk: The Delaware Crossings. Author Larry Kidder speaks on his most recent book exploring the many crossings of the Delaware River by General George Washington and his Continental forces. 1719 William Trent House Visitor Center, 15 Market Street, Trenton. 3 p.m. Free.
Monday, December 29
Author Talk: Winning the 10 Crucial Days. Join author David Price online as he discusses his book “Winning The Ten Crucial Days: The Keys to Victory in George Washington’s Legendary Winter Campaign.” The webinar is hosted by the New Jersey State Library. Pre-registration is required. Noon to 1 p.m. Free.
Songs and Stories of the Revolution. Dressed in Colonial garb, story-teller and musician Matthew Dodd performs stories and songs, taking his audience back to Colonial New Jersey during the American Revolution. Trenton Free Public Library, Reading Room, 120 Academy Street, Trenton. 2 to 3 p.m. Free.
Tuesday, December 30
Civil War Flag Gallery unveiling. Join flag historian Dr. David Martin and the Museum’s Curator of Cultural History Nicholas Ciotola for the history of five new Civil War regimental flags being unveiled in the NJ State Museum exhibition, The Civil War Flag Collection of New Jersey. NJ State Museum, 205 West State Street, Trenton. 10 to 11 a.m. Free.
Hidden History Tour. Stop in for a tour and learn how this site was pivotal to the Battle of Trenton. Find out what happened to the cannons under the poplars, discover catacombs under the church and visit the grave of David Brearley, founder of the Electoral College and signer of the Constitution. St. Michael’s Episcopal Church, 140 North Warren Street, Trenton. 1 to 2:30 p.m. Free.
Make A Quill Pen & Write like John Hancock (children’s workshop). Create your own piece of history. Fashion a quill pen and see if you can sign your name as well as John Hancock! Everyone gets a feather for their cap. St. Michael’s Episcopal Church, 140 North Warren Street, Trenton. 2:30 p.m. Free.
Wednesday, December 31
Annual Inter-Faith Peace Vigil. Join the Trenton Friends Meeting for their annual peace vigil. There will be a brief introduction to Quaker ways and then silence. Various faith-leaders speak on “Peace on earth,” then everyone is invited to speak if led to do so. Following a sing-along, visitors are invited to share a meal. Trenton Friends Meetinghouse, 142 East Hanover Street, Trenton. 4 p.m. Free.
For more information and ticket/registration links, visit patriotsweek.com/events.