Friday December 1
Tree Lighting
Tree Lighting Ceremony, West Windsor Division of the Mercer County Chamber, Ron Rogers Arboretum, corner of Route 571 and Clarksville Road, West Windsor, 609-799-6141. Tenth annual tree lighting ceremony includes music, fireworks, and singing. Music for the non-denominational event is presented by West Windsor-Plainsboro School District students. Park at High School South. Postponed due to weather forecast. Rescheduled for Friday, December 8, 7 p.m. Free. 7 p.m.
Art in Town
Holiday Photo Sale, Gold Medal Impressions, 43 Princeton Hightstown Road, West Windsor, 609-606-9001. www.goldmedalimpressions.com. Magic moments in sports photography exhibit by photographer Richard Druckman features recent images of action in West Windsor-Plainsboro High School North and South including football, soccer, softball, and lacrosse. Also recent images of the big Rutgers football game and Lance Armstrong in the NYC Marathon. Refreshments. Through December 22. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
“My portfolio is new and exciting,” says Druckman. “I am presenting recent events including the Rutgers-Louisville football thriller, Lance Armstrong’s historic appearance in the New York City Marathon, the 2006 Eagles and Giants, and the Mets in the playoffs.”
Druckman also boasts a full complement of photographs highlighting local sports teams and players. “I am delighted to offer dynamic photographs of many of our West Windsor-Plainsboro North and South high school athletes in action,” he says. “I have the football teams, the girls as well as the boys soccer teams for both schools, girls’ field hockey teams, and cheerleaders.”
Last winter, Druckman, a longtime West Windsor resident attended and photographed his ninth Olympics in Torino, Italy. With hundreds of photos on display, his gallery includes football, baseball, and basketball rooms, and an entire section devoted to local high school sports.
All images are available for sale in a variety of sizes, both matted and framed. Images are printed on archival paper using archival inks. Holiday special items are also on sale at reduced prices.
Art Exhibit, Plainsboro Public Library, 641 Plainsboro Road, 609-275-2897. www.lmxqac.org/Plainsboro. First day for “Hucksters, Beggars and Rebels,” an exhibit by photographer Lionel Goodman featuring 18 of his favorites, in both back and white and color. Goodman is a professor of physical chemistry emeritus at Rutgers University. His interest began three years ago when his wife gave him a digital camera. On view through December 31. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Drama
Shakespeare Social Documentary for Dessert, Princeton Rep Shakespeare Festival, Private residence in Kingston, 609-921-3682. www.princetonrep.org. Casual evening of dinner, drinks, and desserts with actors and founders of the group. Screening of “REPutation,” an original documentary by filmmaker Miguel Plylar Moore captures a year in the life of Princeton Rep featuring artistic director Victoria Liberatori, board president Anne Reiss, and actors. Silent auction. Donations invited. Register. 6 to 9 p.m.
Through Our Eyes, Club Arts on Stage, Kelsey Theater, West Windsor, 908-881-5275. www.kelseyatmccc.org. Benefit performance features an ensemble of actors of all abilities, telling their unique stories through a series of vignettes, and an original musical score written and directed by Alan Rosen. The group offers training in acting, dance, voice, playwriting, composing, directing, and technical skills. $20 to $35. 7:30 p.m.
You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown, Academy Theater, 146 Route 130, Bordentown, 609-291-9000. www.theacademytheatre.com. Musical. Through December 16. $25. 8 p.m.
The Andersonville Trial, Actors’ NET, 635 North Delmorr Avenue, Morrisville, 215-295-3694. www.actorsnetbucks.org. Courtroom drama. Through December 17. $15. 8 p.m.
Greetings, Off-Broadstreet Theater, 5 South Greenwood Avenue, Hopewell, 609-466-2766. www.off-broadstreet.com. $25.50 to $27.25. 8 p.m.
Set and Drift, Princeton University Theater & Dance Program, Matthews Acting Studio, 185 Nassau Street, Princeton, 609-258-1742. www.Princeton.edu. Comedy written and directed by Andy Hoover ‘07 features a deserted island honeymoon gone awry, an AWOL soldier looking for a piece of the past, and a mysterian Balkan who falls from the sky. Through December 9. 8 p.m.
Terra Nova, Theatre Intime, Princeton University, 609-258-1742. www.theatreintime.org. Ted Tally play about Robert Falcon Scott’s Antartartic expedition in 1910. $12. 8 p.m.
Dinner Theater
Murder Mystery Dinner Theater, Omicron Theater Productions, Giordano’s Restaurant, 1644 Whitehorse-Mercerville Road, Mercerville, 609-443-5598. Dinner and interactive show. Reservations, $49. 7:30 p.m.
Art
Art Exhibit, Monroe Township Public Library, 4 Municipal Plaza, 732-521-5000. First day for “The Beach Days” and “Fall,” photography collections by photographer John Rizzuto. Through December. 10 a.m.
Art Show and Sale, Hopewell Train Station, North Greenwood Avenue at Railroad Place, 609-333-9893. Bronze, clay, and wood sculpture by Charles McCollough; porcelain and stoneware by Ursula Kaplowitz. Through Sunday, December 3. 3 to 9 p.m.
The Gift of Art, Clay Garden, Hopewell Train Station, 1 Railroad Place, Hopewell, 609-466-2637. www.theclaygarden.com. Opening reception for show and sale featuring bronze, clay, and wood sculpture by Charles McCollough, and porcelain and stoneware pottery and sculpture by Ursula Kaplowitz. Through Sunday, December 3. 5 to 9 p.m.
Dancing
Salsa, Arts Council of Princeton, Princeton Shopping Center, 609-924-8777. www.artscouncilofprinceton.org. Latin ballroom dance instructor Tanya Cruz presents a participatory salsa demonstration. Put on your dancing shoes and join in with or without a partner. Register. Free. 7:30 to 9 p.m.
Movement Workshop, Dance Improve Live, All Saints’ Church, 16 All Saints’ Road, Princeton, 609-924-3767. www.danceimprov.com. A lightly structured movement workshop for adults to express themselves to live music. Bare feet and comfy clothes recommended. $12. 8 to 10 p.m.
Classical Music
Piano Teachers’ Forum, Jacobs Music, Route 1, Lawrence, 609-587-8313. “Let’s Dance” presented by Marvin Blickenstaff. $10. 9:30 a.m.
Musical Celebration of Christmas, Riverside Symphonia, St. John the Evangelist Church, 44 Bridge Street, Lambertville, 609-397-7300. www.riversidesymphonia.org. Jenny Chang, winner of the Caprio Young Artists Competition, performs during the annual holiday concert. Born in Seoul, Korea, Chang lives in Millburn and attend Juilliard’s pre-college division. She has been playing the violin since she was two and placed first in a Korean competition when she was eight. $15 to $35. 8 p.m.
Jazz & Blues
Joey DeFrancesco, CAPPS, Mount-Burke Theater, Peddie School, Hightstown, 609-490-7550. www.peddie.org/capps. Concert by organist. Pre-concert chat with the artist at 7 p.m. $20. 8 p.m.
Cool Yule Jazz IV, Westminster Choir College, Bristol Chapel, 609-921-2663. www.rider.edu. Philip Orr on piano, Jerry Rife on clarinet, Sean Dixon on drums and percussion, and Norman Edge on bass, perform jazz arrangements of holiday favorites. The performance also marks the release of their new CD, “Cool Yule to You.” $20. 8 p.m.
Good Causes
Spirit of Community Dinner, Isles Inc., Angeloni’s Cedar Gardens, 609-341-4700. www.isles.org. Reception, dinner, and program. Register. $40. 5 p.m.
Tree Lighting Ceremony, Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital at Hamilton, Outside main entrance, 609-584-6581. Music, entertainment, and refreshments. A visitor in a red suit is expected to drive up on a motorcycle. Lights on the tree may be purchased in memory or as a tribute to friends, relatives, or co-workers. $5 to $20. 6 p.m.
Through Our Eyes, Club Arts on Stage, Kelsey Theater, West Windsor, 908-881-5275. www.kelseyatmccc.org. Benefit performance features an ensemble of actors of all abilities, telling their unique stories through a series of vignettes, and an original musical score written and directed by Alan Rosen. The group offers training in acting, dance, voice, playwriting, composing, directing, and technical skills. $20 to $35. 7:30 p.m.
Comedy Clubs
Steven Scott and Tim Gage, Catch a Rising Star, Hyatt Regency, 102 Carnegie Center, 609-987-8018. www.catcharisingstar.com. Reservation. $17.50 to $20. 8 and 10:30 p.m.
Holiday Walk
Pennington Business and Professional Association, Howe Commons, 65 South Main Street, Pennington, 609-737-7765. Music, beverages, and tree lighting kick off festivities. Santa Claus arrives at the Sun National Bank at 6:30 p.m. Free photos with Santa by Photo Haven. Holiday tales at the library. Pennington Dance Company performs a holiday show in the lobby of the Pennington Presbyterian Church, 13 South Main Street, at 6:45 p.m. Free. 6 p.m.
Craft Fairs
Craft Show, Colonial Fire Company, 801 Kuser Road, Hamilton, 609-586-5454. More than 100 crafters at the 16th annual holiday show. Food available. 9 a.m.
Food & Dining
Gingerbread, A Holiday Tradition, Robert Wood Johnson Hamilton Center for Health and Wellness, 3100 Quakerbridge Road, Mercerville, 609-584-5900. www.rwjhamilton.org. Register. $5. 6 p.m.
Health
Pulmonary Function Screening, West Windsor Senior Center, 609-799-9068. Register. 1 p.m.
Blood Drive, American Red Cross, Princeton University, Frist Center, Washington Road, 800-448-3543. www.pleasegiveblood.org. 2:30 to 8:30 p.m.
For Families
Holiday Light Spectacular, PNC Bank Arts Center, Holmdel, 732-335-8698. www.livenation.com. Drive-through light park features more than 2 million in more than 100 displays of holiday spirit created by Brandano Displays. Benefit for area charities. Open through Sunday, December 31. $15 per car. 5 to 10:30 p.m.
Swim with Santa, Princeton Family YMCA, Princeton Theological Seminary Pool, Emmons Drive, West Windsor, 609-497-9622. www.princetonymca.org. Annual event for the whole family to swim with Santa and snap photos. Cameras invited. Free. 6 to 8 p.m.
Family Theater
Fashion on Ice, Sovereign Bank Arena, 81 Hamilton Avenue at Route 129, Trenton, 609-520-8383. www.sovereignbankarena.com. Hosted by Frederique van der Wal with musical guest Chris Isaak and Olympic skaters including Shizuka Arakawa and Evgeni Plushenko wearing designs by BCBG Maxazria, Catherine Malandrino, Just Cavalli, and Cynthia Rose. $28 to $96. 7:30 p.m.
Lectures
World AIDS Day, Princeton Public Library, 65 Witherspoon Street, 609-924-9529. www.princetonlibrary.org. Workshops co-sponsored by the library, HiTOPS, Red Green Blue, and Mathey College. Noon to 6 p.m.
Gaza on the Ground, Princeton University Middle East Society, 243 Frist Campus Center, Princeton University, 609-258-5006. An illustrated lecture by Mohammed Omer. Free. 4:30 p.m.
Science Lectures
Genomic Information, Princeton University, McDonnell Hall AO2, 609-258-3000. “Biology and Medicine in the 21st Century” presented by Eric S. Lander, Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Reception follows. 8 p.m.
Live Music
Arturo Romay, Sotto 128 Restaurant and Lounge, 128 Nassau Street, Princeton, 609-921-7555. www.sotto128.com. Latin jazz guitar. 6 to 9 p.m.
Karaoke Night, Europa at Monroe, 146 Applegarth Road, Monroe, 609-490-9500. www.europanj.com. 6:30 p.m.
Mountain View, Cornerstone Coffee, Route 31 and Tree Farm Road, Pennington, 609-730-0777. Acoustic folk, bluegrass, and old-time blues. 7 to 9 p.m.
Bliggins & Goines, Mitchell’s Cafe, 11 1/2 Church Street, Lambertville, 609-397-9853. www.brigginsandgoines.com. Guitarist, singer, and songwriter, Truman Goines, and his harmonica tooting cohort, Jr. Bliggins, weave a tapestry of stories and tunes as they take you for a walk through the Sourlands. Free. 9 p.m.
Ernie White and Tom Reock, Sotto 128 Restaurant and Lounge, 128 Nassau Street, Princeton, 609-921-7555. www.sotto128.com. Blues, rock originals, and covers. 9 p.m.
Outdoor Action
Winter Open House, Plainsboro Preserve, 80 Scotts Corner Road, Plainsboro, 609-897-9400. www.njaudubon.org. Live animal show, noon; make a holiday card, 1 p.m.; nature hike, 2 p.m.; earth stories and animal tales with Rosemary Wright, 3 p.m.; make a bird feeder, 4 p.m.; hot drinks and activities for the whole family. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Politics
Peace Fest, Coalition for Peace Action, Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Princeton, 50 Cherry Hill Road, 609-924-5022. www.peacecoalition.org. Semi-annual event organized by Students for Peace. Five area bands performing include Alterior, String Theory, Sarah Donner, Dylan Roth, and Shrimp, Skillet, and the Jambalayas. Food, crafts, henna tattoos. Information about peace issues, Iraq, counter recruitment, the draft,nuclear weapons, and gun violence prevention. $5 donation. 7 p.m.
Singles
Divorce Recovery Support Group, Princeton Church of Christ, 33 River Road, Princeton, 609-581-3889. Open discussion. Free. 7:30 p.m.
Yardley Singles, Generals Quarters, Mercer Airport, 215-736-1288. www.yardleysingles.org. Drop-in. 9 p.m.
Saturday December 2
Curbside Recycling
Mercer County Improvement Authority, West Windsor, 609-689-9960. www.mcia-nj.com. Yellow buckets for glass bottles and plastic. Green buckets for paper, cardboard, and books. Rain or shine. 7 a.m.
Craft Fairs
Winter Craft Show, High School South, Clarksville Road, West Windsor, 609-716-5000, ext. 5050. Annual holiday craft show to benefit the PTSA. $1 donation requested. 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Traditions
Traditions, Plainsboro Township, Municipal Building, Public Library, and Wicoff House, 609-799-0909. www.Plainsboro.com. Activities are scheduled throughout the afternoon featuring dance, theater, musical performances, exhibits, folk crafts, demonstrations, stories, costumes, and cooking demonstrations. Sample New Year traditions of Asia and the Far East, Winter Solstice, Twelfth Night, and Kwanzaa. “Passports” become entry forms for door prizes. Free. 12:30 to 4:45 p.m.
Activities are scheduled at the Plainsboro Municipal Building, the Public Library, and Wicoff House (Plainsboro Museum). The tour showcases the festivals, cultures, and holiday celebrations of east, west, north, and south.
Some of the arts groups and community organizations sharing their seasonal or cultural traditions include Plainsboro Chinese School, Nrithyanjali Institute of Dance, DDMBA, Bonk, WWP Chinese Class, Princeton Korean Dance Troupe, Alborada Spanish Dance Troupe, DeNogla Irish Dance School, Caf‚ & Orquidea, Stonybrook Morris Dancers, Handsome Molly Dancers, Millstone River Morris Dancers, Varsha Rhythms, Ten Thousand Villages, Princeton Chinese School, Griggstown Lock Rapper Sword Dancers, Junko Tano School of Dance, Marafanyi, Maya Arts, Szekeley Hungarian Dancers, Highland Park Scottish Dancers, Ballet de Folklorico, Princeton Embroiders’ Guild, the Plainsboro Historical Society, Plainsboro Public Library, WW-P Youth Lion Dancers, as well as regional folk dance groups, local cultural groups, and ESL classes. Local businesses and volunteer chefs, specializing in ethnic cuisine, will be participating in cooking demonstrations, and the public library will be showcasing an international toy exhibit.
Dance
Sweets with the Nutcracker, Bach Ballet, Lambertville Public Library, 609-773-0099. Excerpts from their upcoming performance. 2 p.m.
The Nutcracker Suite, The Dance Corner, Grover Middle School, West Windsor, 609-799-9684. www.thedancecorner.org. The West Windsor Plainsboro Dance Company performs a narrated version of the timeless classic tale featuring ballet, pointe, hip-hop, tap, and jazz. The sixth season offers a new title, new choreography by Amy DeCesare, Roni Wilityer, and Victoria Chodrow; new costumes; updated sets; and new dance numbers. Register. $8. Also, Sunday, December 3, 1 p.m. 7 p.m.
Hope Jin, a sophomore at High School North, dances the coveted role of Clara and is joined to 125 dancers. Other soloists include Marissa Wiener as the Ballerina Doll and Chinese Tea, Jennifer Rogers as the Snow Queen and Arabian, and Elizabeth Wembacher as the Tap Doll. Jessica Barson portrays the Sugar Plum Fairy.
Drama
It’s a Wonderful Life, The Musical, Kelsey Theater, Mercer County Community College, 1200 Old Trenton Road, 609-584-9444. www.kelseytheatre.net. Maurer Productions presents. $16. 2 and 8 p.m.
A Christmas Carol, Raritan Valley Community College, Route 28, North Branch, 908-725-3420. www.rvcc.edu. Presented by the Nebraska Theater Caravan. $35 and $40. 7 p.m.
Miracle on 34th Street, Somerset Valley Players, Amwell Road, Hillsborough, 908-369-7469. www.svptheatre.org. Family holiday tale featuring Kris Kringle. Through December 17. $10. 7 p.m.
You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown, Academy Theater, 146 Route 130, Bordentown, 609-291-9000. www.theacademytheatre.com. Musical. Through December 16. $25. 8 p.m.
The Andersonville Trial, Actors’ NET, 635 North Delmorr Avenue, Morrisville, 215-295-3694. www.actorsnetbucks.org. Courtroom drama. $15. 8 p.m.
Greetings, Off-Broadstreet Theater, 5 South Greenwood Avenue, Hopewell, 609-466-2766. www.off-broadstreet.com. $25.50 to $27.25. 8 p.m.
Set and Drift, Princeton University Theater & Dance Program, Matthews Acting Studio, 185 Nassau Street, Princeton, 609-258-1742. www.Princeton.edu. Written and directed by Andy Hoover ‘07. Through December 9. 8 p.m.
Terra Nova, Theatre Intime, Princeton University, 609-258-1742. www.theatreintime.org. Ted Tally play about Robert Falcon Scott’s Antartartic expedition in 1910. $12. 8 p.m.
Dinner Theater
Murder Mystery Dinner Theater, Omicron Theater Productions, Giordano’s Restaurant, 1644 Whitehorse-Mercerville Road, Mercerville, 609-443-5598. Dinner and interactive show. Reservations, $49. 7:30 p.m.
Art
Open House, Art Station Studios, 148 Monmouth Street, Hightstown, 609-443-1386. www.artstationstudios.com. Open house and studio tour of the studios of Robert Hummel, John Murdoch, Ingrid Davis, Susan Winters, Judy Stein, Edna Fisher, Robert Cagan, Bonnie Long, Amy Fuhrman, Juanita Yoder, Kenneth Robinson, Enrico Bombieri, Linda Gebhard, Kat Brodrick, Emily Townsend, Jeff Stauder, and Nora Bowers. Free. Closed from 2 to 7 p.m. 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Area artists include Emily Townsend and Juanita Yoder of West Windsor and Robert Hummel of Plainsboro.
The Gift of Art, Clay Garden, Hopewell Train Station, 1 Railroad Place, Hopewell, 609-466-2637. www.theclaygarden.com. Show and sale featuring bronze, clay, and wood sculpture by Charles McCollough, and porcelain and stoneware pottery and sculpture by Ursula Kaplowitz. 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Art Show and Sale, Hopewell Train Station, North Greenwood Avenue at Railroad Place, 609-333-9893. Bronze, clay, and wood sculpture by Charles McCollough; porcelain and stoneware by Ursula Kaplowitz. 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Art Quilts and Wearable Art, University League Nursery School, 171 Broadmead Street, 609-924-3137. Joint show featuring wearable and functional art in polymer clay by Lenora Kandiner and unique art quilts by Paula B. Entine. Also, Sunday, December 3, 1 to 5 p.m., and Saturday, December 9, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Reception from 1 to 4 p.m. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Art from the A-Team, Artworks, 19 Everett Alley, Trenton, 609-394-9436. www.artworksnj.org. “Trenton Visionaries,” featuring the art of 21 artists from Trenton’s A-Team. Area artists sell unique art and craft item. Free. Noon to 5 p.m.
Living Legacies, Buckingham Place Assisted Living and Adult Day Center, 155 Raymond Road, South Brunswick, 732-329-8888. www.buckinghamplace.net. Exhibit coordinated by photographer Sherry Rubel combines a series of photographs with oral histories developed by South Brunswick High School students. Rubel and her mother, Jacque, began the project in 1998 as they documented 25 residents of the Actors Fund Home in Englewood. Meet the photographer and students. Also a holiday gift and craft bazaar. 1 p.m.
Art Show, Orpha’s Coffee Shop, 1330 Route 206, Skillman, 609-430-2828. www.orphas.com. Opening reception for “Watercolor Associates,” an exhibit of watercolor works by Ruth Kaufman and Mary Martinez of Princeton, Joseph Loeffler of Hillsborough, Tracey Femiano of Medford, and Rita Brown of Metuchen. They are all associate members of the Garden State Watercolor Society. On view through December 31. 1 to 2 p.m.
Gennady Spirin, The Artful Deposit Gallery, 201 Farnsworth Avenue, Bordentown, 609-298-6970. www.theartfuldeposit.com. Limited edition books, original artwork, and prints of newly-released “The Night Before Christmas,” by Russian illustrator Gennady Spirin. Through January 5. Booksigning from 1 to 4 p.m. Also, Sunday, December 10, 1 to 4 p.m. 1 to 4 p.m.
Art Exhibit, Myles Cavanaugh Fine Art, 12 Church Street, Lambertville, 609-273-2983. www.mylescavanaugh.com. Opening reception for “A Collection of New Paintings” by Myles Cavanaugh and the debut of several furniture pieces handcrafted by Bret Cavanaugh, Myles’ brother, an accomplished woodworker and furniture maker. On view through December 23. 6 p.m.
Dancing
California Mix, Central Jersey Dance Society, Suzanne Patterson Center, 45 Stockton Road, Princeton, 609-945-1883. www.centraljerseydance.org. Workshops with John Festa, and lessons followed by dance. $12 each workshop or $20 for two. Beginner lesson and dance, $11. 5 p.m.
Literati
Donna Gelagotis-Lee and Dean Kostos, Princeton University Store, 36 University Place, 609-921-8500. www.pustore.com. Authors of “On the Altar of Greece” and “Last Supper of the Senses.” Gelagotis is a former Plainsboro resident and one of the original members of the Plainsboro Literary Group. She lived in Athens, Greece for many years. Her book, “On the Altar of Greece,” is the winner of the 2005 Gival Press Poetry Award. 2 p.m.
Classical Music
TCNJ Choir and Women’s Ensemble, College of New Jersey, Mildred and Ernest Mayo Concert Hall, 609-771-2551. www.tcnj.edu. TCNJ Percussion Ensemble and Saxophone Ensemble. 8 p.m.
Musical Celebration of Christmas, Riverside Symphonia, St. John the Evangelist Church, 44 Bridge Street, Lambertville, 609-397-7300. www.riversidesymphonia.org. Jenny Chang, winner of the Caprio Young Artists Competition, performs during the annual holiday concert. Born in Seoul, Korea, Chang lives in Millburn and attend Juilliard’s pre-college division. She has been playing the violin since she was two and placed first in a Korean competition when she was eight. $15 to $35. 8 p.m.
Westminster Williamson Voices, Westminster Choir College, Miller Chapel, Princeton Theological Seminary, 609-921-2663. www.rider.edu. “A Candlelight Christmas.” The select ensemble of 35 singers is conducted by James Jordan. $15. 8 p.m.
Westminster Concert Bell Choir, Westminster Choir College, Bristol Chapel, 609-921-2663. www.rider.edu. Handbell Holiday Concert directed by Kathleen Ebling-Thorne. $15. 8 p.m.
Westminster Opera Theater, Westminster Choir College, Princeton High School Performing Arts Center, 609-921-2663. www.rider.edu. Holiday at the Opera. $15. 8 p.m.
Gianni Schicci and Savitri, Westminster Conservatory, The Playhouse, Princeton, 609-921-2663. www.rider.edu. Pucchi’s “Gianni Schicchi” and “Gustav Holst’s “Savitri” performed by Westminster Opera Theater. Daniel Beckwith, head of opera studies at Westminster, is the music director. Bill Fabris is the stage director. Also Sunday, December 3, at 2 p.m. $15. 8 p.m.
Jazz & Blues
Extending the Tradition, Princeton University Concerts, Richardson Auditorium, 609-258-5000. www.Princeton.edu/utickets. Princeton University Concert Jazz Ensemble and Jazz Composers Collective directed by Anthony D.J. Branker, present the “Music of Charles Mingus, Thad Jones, Horace Silver, Bob Minzter, Kenny Werner, and the Princeton Jazz Composers Collective.” Musicians include Irwin Hall, Ben Wasserman, Julia Brav, Dean Reynolds, and Chuck Staab. $15. 8 p.m.
Pop Music
Music of Christmas, North Jersey Philharmonic Glee Club, Crosswicks United Methodist Church, Ward Avenue and Church Street, Crosswicks, 609-324-9800. Concert. $10. 7 p.m.
Princeton Garden Statesmen, Allentown/Upper Freehold Municipal Alliance, Allentown Presbyterian, 20 High Street, 609-259-6019. The 40-member group sings well-known songs including holiday songs and traditional favorites, all in four-part a cappella barbershop style. Benefit to prevent alcoholism and drug abuse in the community. $10. 8 p.m.
The Three Tevyes, Monroe Township Cultural Arts Commission, Monroe Township High School, 1629 Perrineville Road, 732-521-2111. www.monroetownshipculturalarts.com. Concert version of “Fiddler on the Roof” retold through the eyes of three different families from Anatevka. Register. $10. 8 p.m.
Good Causes
Open Mic Night, Eden Family of Services, College of New Jersey, Student Center, Ewing, 609-987-0099. www.edenservices.org. Bands and poets. Open to the public. Donations invited to benefit the individuals with autism served by Eden. 1 p.m.
Comedy Clubs
Steven Scott and Tim Gage, Catch a Rising Star, Hyatt Regency, 102 Carnegie Center, 609-987-8018. www.catcharisingstar.com. Reservation. $17.50 to $20. 8 and 10:30 p.m.
Fairs
Eastern European Festival, Grounds For Sculpture, 18 Fairgrounds Road, Hamilton, 609-689-1089. www.groundsforsculpture.org. Music, dance, sculpture, food, and crafts. Simple Gifts performs a wide variety of Eastern European music including Romanian, Russian, Hungarian, Bulgarian, and Klezmer on 12 different instruments. Pre-concert workshop on Eastern European music from 1 to 2 p.m. 1 p.m.
Holiday Open House, Allentown Business Community Association, Throughout town, 609-259-8615. www.allentownnj.com. Nassau Brass strolls the streets while playing. 2 p.m.
Food & Dining
Whisk and the Spoon, Whole Foods Market, Windsor Green Shopping Center, West Windsor, 609-799-2919. www.wholefoods.com. Gingerbread House Fun for ages 5 to 8 with Nirit Yadin. Register. $20. 10 a.m.
Premier Tasting Party, Hopewell Valley Vineyards, 46 Yard Road, Pennington, 609-737-4465. www.hopewellvalleyvineyards.com. Be the first to taste 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon. Music by Sergio Neri. Special prices. Free admission. 7 to 10 p.m.
Gardens
Festival of Trees, Historic Morven, 55 Stockton Street, Princeton, 609-924-8144. www.morven.org. Opening reception for annual event features holiday trees in 13 galleries through January 7. Music, cocktails, auction, and a preview of the festival. Valet parking. Register. $125 to $300. 5 to 7 p.m.
Health & Wellness
Women’s Health Conference, Princeton Healthcare System Foundation, Hyatt Regency, Carnegie Center, 888-897-8979. www.princetonhscs.org. “Your Life, Your Choices: Being True to You” features keynote speaker Sissy Spacek, Academy Award-winning actress. Breakout sessions in women’s health and lifestyle issues. Breakfast, lunch, and childcare. Register. $50 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Sessions include What Suits You? Dressing for Your Body Type, Exercise and Stress Reduction, Maintaining Flexibility and Agility, Varicose Veins: Now You See Them, Now You Don’t, Overcome Career Fears: Realize Your Potential, Bring Out Your Best; Makeup and Skin Care, Heart Health: Facts for Every Woman, Standing Strong: Your Fight Against Arthritis and Osteoporosis, Nutrition Now: Eating Right for a Healthy Life, The Diabetes Dilemma: Separating Fact from Fiction, and A Mindful Approach to More Meaningful Relationships.
Tai Chi, West Windsor Senior Center, 609-799-9068. Free. 8:30 a.m.
Emotional Freedom Technique, Robert Wood Johnson Hamilton Center for Health and Wellness, 3100 Quakerbridge Road, Mercerville, 609-584-5900. www.rwjhamilton.org. Basic techniques based on new discoveries of the body’s subtle energies. Register. $20. 10 a.m.
History
Brearley House Tour, Lawrence Historical Society, Meadow Lane, Lawrenceville, 609-895-1728. www.thelhs.org. Tour the restored 1761 eight-room Georgian style brick farmhouse. Free. 10 a.m. to noon.
Colonial Kids, William Trent House, 15 Market Street, Trenton, 609-989-3027. www.williamtrenthouse.org. Hands-on activities for children 6-11 including quill pen writing, toys and games, and scented sachet making. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Children $1; Adults $2.50. 12:30 to 2 p.m.
David Hackett Fischer, Washington Crossing State Park, Washington Crossing Historic Park, Route 32, Washington Crossing, PA, 215-493-4076. Pulitzer Prize winning author presents a talk, “George Washington on the Lawrenceville Road: A New Look at the American Revolution.” A history professor at Brandeis University, he has taught at Harvard University, University of Washington, and Oxford University. His recent publications were “Liberty and Freedom” and “Washington’s Crossing.” Free. 7 p.m.
Holiday House Tour
Old Mill Hill Society, Mill Hill Playhouse, 205 Front Street, Trenton, 609-656-9277. www.oldmillhillsociety.org. Annual tour of renovated and restored historic homes in the neighborhood that traces its founding back to 1679 when a small band of Quakers built Trenton’s first grist mill on the banks of the Assunpink Creek. A benefit for the historic preservation organization. $20. Noon to 5 p.m.
The tour begins at Mill Hill Playhouse. Featured is the restored House of Decision, the historic Alexander Douglass House, built in 1766, and maintained today as a cornerstone of the neighborhood by the Trenton Historical Society. In 1777 the house was used by General Washington and his troops for the war council at which they planned the Second Battle of Trenton and the Battle of Princeton.
Mill Hill remains a neighborhood of gaslit streets and 19th century rowhouses, protected as a registered historic landmarks area. Victorian brick townhouses are intermingled with an occasional Gothic Revival wood frame house, Federalist, and Second Empire architecture.
Kids Stuff
Open House, Jumpstart Kids Club, 1701 Washington Boulevard, Robbinsville, 609-918-9526. www.jumpstartkidsclub.com. Open play. Register for winter classes. Free. 9 a.m.
S4S, West Windsor Library, 333 North Post Road, 609-799-0462. Free tutoring for grades 1 to 8. 10:30 a.m.
Chess Tournaments, Princeton Day School, The Great Road, Princeton, 609-924-6700. www.pds.org. Monthly contest welcomes novices and challenges accomplished players. Six sections from kindergarten to grade eight. Teams must include at least two players from the same school. Prizes and medals. Register. $35. 11:30 a.m.
For Families
Christmas on the Farm, Howell Living History Farm, Valley Road, off Route 29, Titusville, 609-737-3299. www.howellfarm.org. St. Nick and his elves arrive at Howell Living History Farm at 12:30 p.m. Festivities begin at 10:15 a.m. Gift baskets, sleigh bells, wreaths, other gift items sold by the Friends of Howell Farm to benefit restoration projects. Climb aboard a horsedrawn work wagon for a ride to the woods to cut down a tree and then help decorate it. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Santa and Snowy Arrive, Princeton Shopping Center, North Harrison Street, 609-921-6234. www.shoppingcenter.com. The fire engine brings the duo to the courtyard after looping around the center. Children may visit with Santa and Snowy and receive a free gift. Parents are welcome to take a photo or have a professional photo. Craft project for children hosted by Color Me Mine. Songs by Alex and the Kaleidoscope Band. 12:30 to 3 p.m.
Holiday Jubilee, Lambertville Public Library, 6 Lilly Street, Lambertville, 609-397-0275. www.njstatelibr.org. Craft and gift making for ages five and up. Bach Ballet Company presents excerpts from “Sweets From the Nutcracker.” Screening of “The Princess Bride.” 1 to 4 p.m.
Holiday Light Spectacular, PNC Bank Arts Center, Holmdel, 732-335-8698. www.livenation.com. Drive-through light park features more than 2 million in more than 100 displays of holiday spirit created by Brandano Displays. Benefit for area charities. Open through Sunday, December 31. $15 per car. 5 to 10:30 p.m.
Lectures
Pre-Holidays Workshop, Princeton Theological Seminary, 12 Library Place, Princeton, 609-497-7990. “Making the Best of the Holiday Blues,” a workshop encourages sharing and explores coping mechanisms to help make the holiday season more meaningful as you live it. Presented by Nancy Schongalla-Bowman. Free. 9 a.m. to noon.
Live Music
Arturo Romay, Spigola Restaurant, Deer Path Pavilion, Route 130 and Klockner Road, Hamilton, 609-585-5255. www.arturoromay.com. Latin jazz guitar. 6 to 9 p.m.
Tom Tallitsch, Java Moon Cafe, 4110 Quakerbridge Road, Lawrenceville, 609-275-7447. Jazz sax. 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Tony Mennella and Dick Braytenbah Trio, Hopewell Bistro, 15 East Broad Street, Hopewell, 609-466-9889. www.hopewellvalleybistro.com. Sinatra-style vocals. $15 minimum.
discuss their work. 9 a.m. to noon.
Holiday Jewelry Boutique, Delaware Valley Bead Society, Shaker Cafe, 31 Main Street, Flemington, 908-537-9933. www.shakercafe.com. Hand crafted, one-of-a-kind adornments and gifts. Artistans will be on hand to discuss their work. 1 to 8 p.m.
Singles
Rabbi Gidon Rothstein, Jewish Singles of Mercer County. www.mercerjewishsingles.org. Author of “Murderer in the Mikdash” presents “Imagine the Future: A 3rd Temple Murder Mystery.” Rothstein, a former pulpit rabbi, discusses his book and how it challenges traditional ways of thinking. Register on line. Free. 8 p.m.
Socials
Chess, Plainsboro Public Library, 641 Plainsboro Road, 609-275-2897. www.lmxac.org/Plainsboro. Advanced chess players meet. 1 to 5 p.m.
Sports
Trenton Titans Hockey, Sovereign Bank Arena, Hamilton Avenue at Route 129, 609-599-9500. www.trentontitans.com. Toledo. $10.50 to $20.50 4:00 p.m.
Monday December 4
Literati
Greil Marcus, Princeton University Store, 36 University Place, 609-921-8500. www.pustore.com. Author of “The Shape of Things to Come: Prophecy and the American Voice.” 7 p.m.
Classical Music
Holiday Concert, Rider University, Yvonne Theater, Route 206, Lawrenceville, 609-896-5168. Rider University Band and Blawenburg Band featuring patriotic, band, and holiday tunes. Free. 7:30 p.m.
Good Causes
Social, Women’s College Club of Princeton, All Saints’ Church, 16 All Saints Road, Princeton, 609-924-2598. Princeton High School Schoir presents traditional holiday music. Refreshments. Register. Free. 1 p.m.
Health & Wellness
Open House, Princeton Healthcare System, Breast Health Center, 300B Princeton-Hightstown Road, East Windsor, 609-430-7107. www.princetonhscs.org. Reception and tours. Register. 4 to 6 p.m.
Frankly Speaking About Lymphoma, Princeton Healthcare System, University Medical Center at Princeton, 888-497-4475. www.princetonhscs.org. Discussion on non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma featuring Dr. Doreen Babbott, and Beth Becket, assistant nurse manager of outpatient infusion. Register. A light dinner will be served. 5:30 to 8 p.m.
Caregiver Learning Series, Robert Wood Johnson Hamilton Center for Health and Wellness, 3100 Quakerbridge Road, Mercerville, 609-584-5900. www.rwjhamilton.org. “Difficult Choices: Housing Alternatives” for adults concerned about aging parents presented by Barbara Stender. Register. Free. 5:30 p.m.
Compassionate Friends, Occupational Health Center 2, Robert Wood Johnson Hospital, Whitehorse Hamilton Square Road, Hamilton, 609-516-8047. Support group for families following the death of a child of any age and to provide information to help others be more supportive. 7:30 p.m.
Kids Stuff
Storytime, Barnes & Noble, MarketFair, West Windsor, 609-716-1570. www.bn.com. Stories ready by Rebecca-White Johnson, principal of Princeton Young Achievers. 4 p.m.
Lectures
Program in Integrative Information, Computer, and Application Sciences, Princeton University, Computer Science Building, 609-258-3000. www.Princeton.edu/picasso. “Simply Dynamics From Complex Data: Model Reduction for Control,” Clancy Rowley. 12:30 p.m.
Peter Beinart, Princeton University, Woodrow Wilson School, Bowl 016, Robertson Hall, 609-258-3000. www.wws.Princeton.edu. “The Good Fight: Why Liberals — and Only Liberals — Can Win the War on Terror and Make America Great.” Free. 4:30 p.m.
Tuesday December 5
Drama
Westminster Opera Theater, Westminster Conservatory, The Playhouse, Princeton, 609-921-2663. www.rider.edu. Workshop: “You’ve Got Mail.” Free. 8 p.m.
The Nuts and Bolts and Spirits of Art, South Brunswick Arts Commission, South Brunswick Municipal Building, 540 Route 522, 732-329-4000. “Abstraction and Summary” presented by Joan Arbeiter, New Jersey artist, educator, and lecturer. Free. 7 p.m.
Dancing
Mambo and Salsa, Central Jersey Dance Society, Momentum Fitness, 377 Wall Street, 609-945-1883. www.jerseyjumpers.org. Lessons. $20. 7 p.m.
Classical Music
Lawrence Sight Reading Orchestra, Senior Center, 30 East Darrah Lane, Lawrenceville, 732-438-9704. Classical musical instrumentalists are invited to work on their skills in works by Beethoven, Mozart, and Brahms. $10. 7:30 p.m.
Concert, Princeton University Concerts, Taplin Auditorium, 609-258-5000. www.Princeton.edu. Composers’ Ensemble at Princeton: Works of Seth Cluett, Scott Smallwood, M.R. Daniel, Judd Greenstein, Betsy Biggs, and Christopher Tignor. Free. 8 p.m.
Good Causes
Holiday Concert and Dinner, St. Francis Medical Center, Sacred Heart Church, Broad Street, Trenton, 609-599-5659. Annual benefit holiday concert featuring the Orchestra of St. Peter by the Sea, a 45-member ensemble conducted by Reverend Alphonse Stephenson. Concert at 7:30 p.m., $40; concert with cocktails and buffet dinner, $100. 5 p.m.
Food & Dining
Whisk and the Spoon, Whole Foods Market, Windsor Green Shopping Center, West Windsor, 609-799-2919. www.wholefoods.com. Christmas Mediterranean Feast with Nirit Yadin. Register. $35. 10 a.m.
Gardens
Holly Craft Night, Rutgers Gardens, Route 1 & Ryders Lane, New Brunswick, 732-932-8451. https://rutgersgardens.rutgers.edu/nj/. Make a centerpiece using holly and greens from the garden. Also, Thursday, December 7. 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Health & Wellness
Blood Drive, American Red Cross, Capital Health System, 750 Brunswick Avenue, Trenton, 800-448-3543. www.pleasegiveblood.org. 6:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Road Rage: Do You Have It?, Princeton Healthcare System Foundation, Princeton Fitness & Wellness Center, 888-897-8979. www.princetonhscs.org. Presented by Dr. Martin Weinapple. Register. Free. 7 p.m.
Holiday Stress, Robert Wood Johnson Hamilton Center for Health and Wellness, 3100 Quakerbridge Road, Mercerville, 609-584-5900. www.rwjhamilton.org. Discuss typical feeling and coping skills for life changes brought on by cardiac disease. Register. Free. 7 p.m.
Chi Kung, Ruth A. Golush, 666 Plainsboro Road, Suite 348, Plainsboro, 609-426-9693. Register. $20. 7 p.m.
Introduction to Zen Meditation, St. Joseph’s Seminary, 56 Mapleton Road, Plainsboro, 908-668-4413. Led by Kurt Spellmeyer. 7 to 9 p.m.
Kids Stuff
Storytime and Craft, West Windsor Library, 333 North Post Road, 609-799-0462. 10:30 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Storytime, Barnes & Noble, MarketFair, West Windsor, 609-716-1570. www.bn.com. Stories ready by Anne Berman Waldorf, principal of Beth Chaim Hebrew School. 6 p.m.
Lectures
Microsoft Windows Vista, SeniorNet Computer Literacy Center, Ewing Community Center, 320 Hollowbrook Drive, 609-882-5086. www.ewingsnet.com. Explore the new operating system for personal computers. Free. 1:30 p.m.
Andrew Carroll, Princeton University, Woodrow Wilson School, Bowl 016, Robertson Hall, 609-258-3000. www.wws.Princeton.edu. “Behind the Lines: Letters Home.” Free. 4:30 p.m.
Seminar, New Jersey State Bar Foundation, New Jersey Law Center, New Brunswick, 800-FreeLaw. www.njsbf.org. Free public seminar on buying and selling a home including contract of sale, types of ownership, tenancy, mortgage contingency, home inspection clause, and title insurance. Register. 7 p.m.
Business Meetings
JobSeekers, Parish Hall entrance, Trinity Church, 33 Mercer Street, 609-924-2277. www.trinityprinceton.org. Networking and support for changing jobs or careers. 7:30 p.m.
Princeton Public Library, 65 Witherspoon Street, 609-924-8822. www.princetonlibrary.org. Tech Talk. Jef Henninger, a criminal defense attorney, on reporting and defending against computer crime. Free. 7 p.m.
Live Music
Wendy Zoffer Jazz Trio, Witherspoon Grill, Witherspoon Street, Princeton, 609-924-6011. Blues, standards, samba, and swing with Jeff Duffield, keyboard; Brian Glassman, bass; and Wendy Zoffer, flute. 6:30 p.m.
Singles
Professional and Business Singles Network, Europa at Monroe, 146 Applegarth Road, Monroe, 888-348-5544. www.PBSNinfo.com. “Developing a Lasting Relationship.” Social with roundtable introductions. $12. 5:30 p.m.
Wednesday December 6
Art
Art Workshop, Murdoch Art Studio, The Art Station, 148 Monmouth Street, Hightstown, 609-638-6555. www.murdochart.com. Open drawing or painting workshop. Live model will pose for three-hour session. Non-instructed workshop. Register. $15. 1 to 4 p.m.
Architecture
Fall Lecture Series, Princeton University School of Architecture, Betts Auditorium, Princeton, 609-258-3741. www.Princeton.edu/~soa. “Asphalt,” presented by Mirko Zardin, Canadian Center for Architecture. Free. 6 p.m.
Literati
Christine Whelan, Princeton University Store, 36 University Place, 609-921-8500. www.pustore.com. Author of “Why Smart Men Marry Smart Women.” 7 p.m.
Camera CLub, South Brunswick Arts Commission, South Brunswick Library, Kingston Lane, Monmouth Junction, 732-329-4000. Burt Lipman demonstrates the activities of judging pictures. Individuals are encouraged to bring up to three photos. 7 to 9 p.m.
Classical Music
After Noon Concert, Princeton University Chapel, Washington Road, 609-258-3654. Free. 12:30 p.m.
Princeton Girlchoir, Barnes & Noble, MarketFair, West Windsor, 609-716-1570. www.bn.com. Concert. 7 p.m.
Good Causes
Holiday Open House, Eden W.E.R.C.s, 89 Washington Road, West Windsor, 609-987-2314. www.edenservices.org. Visit the program and the selection of holiday crafts. Refreshments. Closed from 11 a.m. to noon. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Food & Dining
Taste of Spain, Europa at Monroe, 146 Applegarth Road, Monroe, 609-490-9500. www.europanj.com. Five course menu and wine pairing dinner. Register. $38. 6:30 p.m.
A Christmas Tea, Garden Tea Room, 4 South Main Street, Allentown, 609-208-1880. Tea fare and a gift grab bag. $20. 6:30 p.m.
Health & Wellness
Pi Gu, Ruth A. Golush, East Windsor, 609-426-9693. For weight control. Register. $20. 10 a.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Blood Drive, American Red Cross, College of New Jersey, 2000 Pennington Road, Ewing, 800-448-3543. www.pleasegiveblood.org. Noon to 6 p.m.
Blood Drive, American Red Cross, 707 Alexander Road, Training Room, 800-GIVELIFE. www.pleasegiveblood.org. Walk-ins are welcome. Monday through Thursday, 1:30 to 7:30 p.m.; Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. 1:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Diabetic Dining, Robert Wood Johnson Hamilton Center for Health and Wellness, 3100 Quakerbridge Road, Mercerville, 609-584-5900. www.rwjhamilton.org. Cooking, recipes, and nutritional tips for meal planning presented by Wendy Silver. Register. $10. 6:30 p.m.
Informational Talk, Contact of Mercer County, Center for Relaxation and Healing, 666 Plainsboro Road, Building 300, Suite 348, Plainsboro, 609-750-7432. www.relaxationandhealing.com. Presentation about the 24-hour crisis and suicide prevention hotline as well as reassurance contact, the service that matches senior citizens with a trained volunteer to provide a daily check-in phone call. Potential volunteers are welcome. Register. Free. 7 to 8:30 p.m.
Carbs and Fats: Good or Bad?, Princeton Healthcare System Foundation, Princeton Fitness & Wellness Center, 888-897-8979. www.princetonhscs.org. Presented by Sabina Beesley, registered dietitian. Register. Free. 7 p.m.
Buddhist Thought and Meditation Class, Holsome Holistic Center, 27 Witherspoon Street, Princeton, 609-279-1592. www.holsome.com. With Gen Kelsang Norden. $10. 7:30 p.m.
History
Festival of Trees, Morven Museum, 55 Stockton Street, Princeton, 609-924-8144. www.morven.org. Thirteen galleries adorned for the holidays by area businesses and garden clubs. $5. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Art Exhibit, Morven Museum, 55 Stockton Street, Princeton, 609-924-8144. www.morven.org. “A New Jersey Treasure: The Large House in Miniature” showcases New Jersey architecture. The centerpiece is an authentic replica of the high style Greek revival building designed and built by Mahlon Fisher in 1847, located at 119 Main Street, Flemington. It was built to sale at one inch to one foot. On view through March 30. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Holiday Open House, Drumthwacket Foundation, 354 Stockton Street, 609-683-0591. www.drumthwacket.org. New Jersey governor’s official residence is decorated by New Jersey garden clubs with elegant natural garden materials according to the theme, “An Old-Fashioned Christmas.” Visitors participate in the people’s choice award. Register. $5 donation. 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Kids Stuff
Storytime and Craft, West Windsor Library, 333 North Post Road, 609-799-0462. 10:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m.
Family Theater
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, Off-Broadstreet Theater, 5 South Greenwood Avenue, Hopewell, 609-466-2766. Geared for young audiences ages 2 1/2 to 7. $4. 10 a.m.
Lectures
Program in Integrative Information, Computer, and Application Sciences, Princeton University, Computer Science Building, 609-258-3000. www.Princeton.edu/picasso. “Prediction and Analyis of Protein and Domain Interactions,” Teresa Przytycka. 12:30 p.m.
Laurence Steinberg, Princeton University, Woodrow Wilson School, Bowl 016, Robertson Hall, 609-258-3000. www.wws.Princeton.edu. “Juvenile Justice Policy in the 21st Century.” Free. 4:30 p.m.
Robert Loretan, West Windsor Lions Club, Palmer Inn, Route 1, West Windsor, 609-918-1953. West Windsor-Plainsboro superintendent of schools speaks. Register. 7 p.m.
UFO Ghosts and Earth Mysteries, UFO and Paranormal Study Group, Hamilton Township Library, Municipal Drive, 609-631-8955. www.drufo.org. Pat Marcattilio facilitates monthly meeting. Free. 7:30 p.m.
Live Music
Darla Rich Quartet, Fedora Cafe, 2633 Main Street, Lawrenceville, 609-895-0844. www.darlarich.com. Jazz vocals. BYOB. 7 p.m.
John Bianculli Trio, Mediterra, 29 Hulfish Street, Princeton, 609-252-9680. www.terramomo.com. Angelo DiBraccio, saxophones; John Bianculli, keyboard; and Dave Mohn, drums. 7:30 p.m.
Politics
David Brooks, Eagleton Institute of Politics, Rutgers/ Douglass, 100 George Street, New Brunswick, 732-932-9384 ext. 268. www.eagleton.rutgers.edu. “Right/Left – How Can We Succeed Together,” David Brooks, New York Times columnist, reception and lecture. Lecture, free; preferred seating, $20; reception $50. 5:45 p.m.
What’s in Store
Holiday Vendor Fair, Moms Club of Plainsboro, Cranbury Presbyterian Church, 22 South Main Street, Cranbury, 609-799-7650. Discovery Toys, Usborne Books, Pampered Chef, Tastefully Simple, Silpada Jewelry, Southern Living at Home, Longaberger, Games, and personalized books. Cash and carry, raffle. Benefit for two area families adopted for the holidays. E-mail crossjm@comcast.net for information. 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Sports
Princeton Basketball, Jadwin Gym, 609-258-3538. Lehigh. 7:30 p.m.
Thursday December 7
Drama
Fezziwig Party, McCarter Theater, 91 University Place, 609-258-2787. www.mccarter.org. Second annual celebration featuring hors d’oeuvres, wine tasting, and holiday drinks followed by performance of “A Christmas Carol.” The Holiday classic by Charles Dickens, adapted by David Thompson and directed by Michael Unger, features Paul Benedict in the title role. $37. 5:30 p.m.
Fire Girls, Passage Theater, Mill Hill Playhouse, Front and Montgomery streets, Trenton, 609-392-0766. www.passagetheatre.org. New play written and directed by David L. White based on the writing of Trenton youth. Through December 10. $5. 7 p.m.
A Christmas Carol, McCarter Theater, 91 University Place, 609-258-2787. www.mccarter.org. Holiday classic by Charles Dickens adapted by David Thompson and directed by Michael Unger features Paul Benedict in the title role. Through December 24. $31 to $49. 7:30 p.m.
Set and Drift, Princeton University Theater & Dance Program, Matthews Acting Studio, 185 Nassau Street, Princeton, 609-258-1742. www.Princeton.edu. Written and directed by Andy Hoover ‘07. Through December 9. 8 p.m.
Terra Nova, Theatre Intime, Princeton University, 609-258-1742. www.theatreintime.org. Ted Tally play about Robert Falcon Scott’s Antartartic expedition in 1910. $12. 8 p.m.
Film
Golden Age of Hollywood, Multiplex Cinemas, Town Center Plaza, Route 130, East Windsor, 609-371-8473. www.nationalamusements.com. Screening of “State Fair.” $1. 1 p.m.
Directions and Destinations: North to Alaska Series, Trenton Public Library, 120 Academy Street, Trenton, 609-392-7188. www.trenton.lib.nj.us. Screening of a 1999 romantic thriller directed by John Sayles. Free. 6:30 p.m.
Art
The Sensuous in Art, Institute for Advanced Study and Princeton University, Wolfensohn Hall, Einstein Drive, Princeton, 609-734-8175. www.ias.edu. “Invisible Nymphs Revisited: Materialism, Sensation, and Human Nature in Venetian Art, 1500 to 1520” presented by Stephen Campbell, professor and chair of the department of art at the Johns Hopkins University. Free. 5 p.m.
Dancing
Square Dance Class, Masqueraders Square Dance Club, Grace-St. Paul Church, 3715 East State Street Extension, Hamilton, 609-844-1140. Betsy Gotta presents class. 7:45 p.m.
Literati
Patrick Walsh, Princeton University Store, 36 University Place, 609-921-8500. www.pustore.com. Princeton-based poet, he will be reading from work published in the Barrow Street Literary Journal this past summer. 7 p.m.
John Gattuso, Barnes & Noble, MarketFair, West Windsor, 609-716-1570. www.bn.com. Editor of “Talking to God: Portrait of a World at Prayer” will autograph copies of his book. 8 p.m.
Classical Music
TCNJ Wind Ensemble and Concert Band, College of New Jersey, Kendall Hall, Ewing, 609-771-2551. www.tcnj.edu. 8 p.m.
Good Causes
Holiday Shopping Benefit, Ten Thousand Villages, Princeton Shopping Center, Harrison Street, 609-683-4464. www.tenthousandvillages.com. Handcrafted gifts and decorations made by artisans in disadvantaged areas of Africa, Asia and Latin America. Sales benefit Little Brook Elementary School’s Joe Fund. 5 to 9 p.m.
DARE to Dine, D.A.R.E. New Jersey, Nottingham Ballroom, 200 Mercer Street, Hamilton Square, 609-860-6777. www.darenj.com. Food and wine sampling event from Mercer County restaurants. Register. $50 to $60. 6 to 9 p.m.
An Evening of Fine Wines, Food, and Fun, South Brunswick Library Foundation, Miele Showroom, Route 1 North, South Brunswick, 732-329-4000. www.miele.com. Benefit evening with wine vendors and cooking demonstration by Miele’s home economist and chef, Susan Jaslove. Music by Saxaholics. Benefit for the South Brunswick Library Foundation. $50. 6:30 to 9 p.m.
Annual Hunger Banquet, Amnesty International of High School North, 90 Grovers Mill Road, Plainsboro, 609-716-5100. www.ww-p.org. Dinner with a message features speakers, performances, and activism, to demonstrate the disparities of world hunger and promote human rights. Benefit for the creation of a school in Sudan. $7. 7 p.m.
Fairs
Holly Nights, Pennsbury Manor, 400 Pennsbury Memorial Road, Morrisville, 215-946-0400. www.pennsburymanor.org. Candles, luminaria, and torches illuminate William Penn’s 43-acre historic plantation for Holly Nights, a family celebration with music, carol singing, bonfires, hot mulled cider, and historic crafts demonstrations. Guided tour of the manor house by candlelight. $6 adults; $4 children. $6. 5:30 to 9 p.m.
Faith
Buddhism Thought and Meditation, Simply Yoga, 4437 Route 27, Kingston, 609-252-0977. www.meditationinnewjersey.org. With Russell Chell. $10. 7:15 p.m.
Food & Dining
Good Food Choices for the Holiday Season, Robert Wood Johnson Hamilton Center for Health and Wellness, 3100 Quakerbridge Road, Mercerville, 609-584-5900. www.rwjhamilton.org. Register. $5. 11 a.m.
Taste of Italy, Europa at Monroe, 146 Applegarth Road, Monroe, 609-490-9500. www.europanj.com. Five course menu and wine pairing dinner. Register. $38. 6:30 p.m.
Whisk and the Spoon, Whole Foods Market, Windsor Green Shopping Center, West Windsor, 609-799-2919. www.wholefoods.com. Holiday Floral Centerpiece with Anne Allen. Register. $30. 7 p.m.
Gardens
Garden State African Violet Club, Washington Township Library, 42 Robbinsville-Allentown Road, Robbinsville, 609-275-8708. www.princetonol.com/groups. Monthly meeting. Visitors are welcome. 7:15 p.m.
Holly Craft Night, Rutgers Gardens, Route 1 & Ryders Lane, New Brunswick, 732-932-8451. https://rutgersgardens.rutgers.edu/nj/. Make a centerpiece using holly and greens from the garden. 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Health & Wellness
Golden Age of Medical Quackery, Robert Wood Johnson Hamilton Center for Health and Wellness, 3100 Quakerbridge Road, Mercerville, 609-584-5900. www.rwjhamilton.org. Dr. Richard Siderits, board certified pathologist, looks at the history of medical quackery. Register. $5. 6:30 p.m.
History
Festival of Trees, Morven Museum, 55 Stockton Street, Princeton, 609-924-8144. www.morven.org. Thirteen galleries adorned for the holidays by area businesses and garden clubs. $5. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Kids Stuff
Kicraft, West Windsor Library, 333 North Post Road, 609-799-0462. Register. 4:15 p.m.
Storytime, Barnes & Noble, MarketFair, West Windsor, 609-716-1570. www.bn.com. Stories ready by Jack McKenna and teachers from St. Ann’s School. 7 p.m.
Family Theater
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, Off-Broadstreet Theater, 5 South Greenwood Avenue, Hopewell, 609-466-2766. Geared for young audiences ages 2 1/2 to 7. $4. 10 a.m.
Lectures
Latino Culture for Professionals, Mercer County Community College, West Windsor, 609-586-9446. www.mccc.edu. “Cultural Competency Issues Working with Latino Families,” a workshop for professionals in human service fields. Presented by Nydia Garcia Preto, clinical director at the Multicultural Family Institute. Register. Free. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
55-Plus, Jewish Center of Princeton, 435 Nassau Street, 609-737-2001. www.princetonol.com. “The Hate Handbook,” presented by Martin Oppenheimer, professor emeritus at Rutgers University. A lecturer at the University of Pennsylvania and a Princeton-area resident for 36 years, he teaches and writes about civil rights, political movements, and issues related to social class, inequality, and labor. Free. 10 a.m.
One-on-One Counseling, Trenton Small Business Development Center, West Windsor Library, 609-989-5232. www.tcnj.edu/~sbdc. Counseling for business owners. Register online. Free. 1 p.m.
Political Philosophy Colloquium, Princeton University Center for Human Values, 127 Corwin Hall, 609-258-3000. www.Princeton.edu/values. Patchen Markell, University of Chicago. 4:30 p.m.
Turki Al-Faisal, Princeton University, Woodrow Wilson School, Bowl 016, Robertson Hall, 609-258-3000. www.wws.Princeton.edu. Free. 4:30 p.m.
Socials
African American Studies, Princeton University, Prospect House, Princeton, 609-258-3000. www.Princeton.edu. Holiday party. 6 p.m.
Lectures
Princeton Writers Block, Princeton Public Library, 65 Witherspoon Street, 609-924-8822. www.princetonlibrary.org. Play readings by Mary Greenberg, Alan Kitty, and Julia Poulos. 7 p.m.
Live Music
Meg Hanson Duo, Java Moon Cafe, 4110 Quakerbridge Road, Lawrenceville, 609-275-7447. Featuring Billy Hill. 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Arturo Romay, Mediterra, 14 Hulfish Street, 609-252-9680. www.arturoromay.com. Latin jazz guitar. 7 to 10 p.m.
Greg Cagno, Sotto 128 Restaurant and Lounge, 128 Nassau Street, Princeton, 609-921-7555. www.sotto128.com. Guitar and vocals. 7:30 to 10 p.m.
Politics
Drinking Liberally, Princeton. www.drinkingliberally.org. Check website for location. 7 p.m.
Schools
Open House, Newgrange Educational Outreach Center, 526 South Olden Avenue, Hamilton, 609-584-1800. www.thenewgrange.org. Register. 9:30 to 11 a.m.
Kwanzaa Celebration, West Windsor-Plainsboro African American Parent Support Group, High School North, Grovers Mill Road, Plainsboro, 609-716-5100. www.ww-p.org. Traditional Kwanzaa ceremony with the singing of the Black National Anthem, music, poetry, candlelighting, dance, and guest speakers. Co-sponsored by High Schools North and South, Human Relations Clubs, and African-American Awareness Clubs. Afrocentric items and resource tables with information. Open to the public. Free. 7:30 p.m.
For Seniors
Keen Agers, West Windsor Senior Center, 609-586-2684. Holiday buffet dinner. Richard Rodem entertains with a history of the Christmas card and a musical revue. Membership in the club is open to all in the area age 55 and older. Register. $15. 5:30 p.m.
Friday December 8
Tree Lighting
Tree Lighting Ceremony, West Windsor Division of the Mercer County Chamber, Ron Rogers Arboretum, corner of Route 571 and Clarksville Road, West Windsor, 609-799-6141. Tenth annual tree lighting ceremony includes music, fireworks, and singing. Music for the non-denominational event is presented by West Windsor-Plainsboro School District students. Park at High School South. Rescheduled for Friday, December 1. Free. 7 p.m.
Dance
Dance Faculty Concert: New Works, Princeton University Theater and Dance Program, Berlind Theater, University Place, 609-258-2787. www.Princeton.edu/~visarts/the.html. Ze’eva Cohen, Meghan Durham, Dyane Harvey, and Rebecca Lazier. Also Saturday, December 9. $15. 8 p.m.
Drama
Fire Girls, Passage Theater, Mill Hill Playhouse, Front and Montgomery streets, Trenton, 609-392-0766. www.passagetheatre.org. New play written and directed by David L. White based on the writing of Trenton youth. $5. 7 p.m.
A Christmas Carol, McCarter Theater, 91 University Place, 609-258-2787. www.mccarter.org. Holiday favorite. $31 to $49. 7:30 p.m.
You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown, Academy Theater, 146 Route 130, Bordentown, 609-291-9000. www.theacademytheatre.com. Musical. $25. 8 p.m.
NET, 635 North Delmorr Avenue, Morrisville, 215-295-3694. www.actorsnetbucks.org. Courtroom drama. $15. 8 p.m.
Greetings, Off-Broadstreet Theater, 5 South Greenwood Avenue, Hopewell, 609-466-2766. www.off-broadstreet.com. $25.50 to $27.25. 8 p.m.
Set and Drift, Princeton University Theater & Dance Program, Matthews Acting Studio, 185 Nassau Street, Princeton, 609-258-1742. www.Princeton.edu. Written and directed by Andy Hoover ‘07. Through December 9. 8 p.m.
Terra Nova, Theatre Intime, Princeton University, 609-258-1742. www.theatreintime.org. Ted Tally play about Robert Falcon Scott’s Antartartic expedition in 1910. $12. 8 p.m.
Dinner Theater
Murder Mystery Dinner Theater, Omicron Theater Productions, Giordano’s Restaurant, 1644 Whitehorse-Mercerville Road, Mercerville, 609-443-5598. Dinner and interactive show. Reservations, $49. 7:30 p.m.
Film
Winter Movie Night, Robert Wood Johnson Hamilton Center for Health and Wellness, 3100 Quakerbridge Road, Mercerville, 609-584-5900. www.rwjhamilton.org. Screening of “Miracle on 34th Street.” Healthy snacks, specialty cocoa, and mini desserts. Register. $10. 6:30 p.m.
Art
Valley Artisans Holiday Art Show and Sale, Freight Shed, Railroad Place, Hopewell, 609-818-9275. www.edgeofthewoodsstudio.com. Art exhibited by Colleen Conrad, Chris Twomey, Kim Glock, Valerie Newcamp, Amy Haftkowycz, Gerry Brenner, Lynn Ebeling, and Ann Pietropinto. Through Sunday, December 10. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Art Talk, Straube Center, 100 Straube Center Boulevard, Pennington, 609-737-1308. www.straubecenter.com. David Simchock gives a gallery talk about his latest adventures in Morocco and Europe. Free. 7:30 p.m.
Classical Music
Lyric Theater Company, College of New Jersey, Mildred and Ernest Mayo Concert Hall, 609-771-2551. www.tcnj.edu. Theater scenes. 8 p.m.
Holiday Lights, Hopewell Valley Chorus, Pennington Presbyterian Church, 13 South Main Street, Pennington, 609-397-1619. www.princetonol.com/groups. Concert features Mozart’s Vespers, three arrangement of the Ave Maria, and a selection of international carols and songs. Sing-along with familiar carols. $11. 8 p.m.
Holly Days and Starry Nights, New Jersey Gay Men’s Chorus, Unitarian Universalist Church, 268 Washington Crossing-Pennington Road, Titusville, 609-396-7774. www.njgmc.org. Holiday and festive music. $20. 8 p.m.
Princeton University Orchestra, Princeton University Concerts, Richardson Auditorium, 609-258-5000. Michael Pratt conducts works of Debussy, Prokofiev, Copland, and Stravinsky, as well as the North American premier of Sergei Prokofiev’s incidental music for Alexander Pushkin’s drama “Boris Godunov.” The music was composed for a planned Soviet production of the play in 1936 and has rarely been performed. Also Saturday, December 9. $18. 8 p.m.
An Evening of Readings and Carols, Westminster Choir College, Princeton University Chapel, 609-921-2663. www.rider.edu. Westminster choirs and brass ensemble perform. $45. 8 p.m.
Folk Music
Sparky and Rhonda Rucker, Princeton Folk Music Society, Christ Congregation Church, 55 Walnut Lane, 609-799-0944. www.princetonfolk.org. Singer-storytellers. $15. 8:15 p.m.
Good Causes
Chip Mergott, Holy Trinity Church, 2730 Princeton Pike, Lawrenceville, 609-882-7891. Benefit concert featuring acoustic guitar playing of Chip Mergott. Admission is donations of winter clothing for men or free-will offering. 7:30 p.m.
Comedy Clubs
Chris Rich and John Kensil, Catch a Rising Star, Hyatt Regency, 102 Carnegie Center, 609-987-8018. www.catcharisingstar.com. Chris Rich, a former actress, singer, and dancer, incorporates her experiences into her routine with character sketches and song parodies. She has opened for Jerry Seinfeld, Roseanne Barr, Tony Danza, Sherman Hemsley, David Brenner, and Gilbert Gottfried. John Kensil opens the show. Reservation. $17.50 to $20. 8 and 10:30 p.m.
Fairs
Tree of Light Celebration, The Lewis School, 53 Bayard Lane, 609-924-8120. www.lewisschool.org. Holiday concert and open house to benefit the scholarship and program fund. The annual ceremony featuring thousands of lights lit on the stately outdoor tree, with guest speaker, old-fashioned music, entertainment, silent auction, and holiday fare. Free. Donations suggested. 7 to 9:30 p.m.
Trenton 2 Nite, Trenton Downtown Association, South Warren and West Lafayette streets, Trenton, 609-393-8998. www.trentonwnite.com. Celebration of art, music, and shopping. Tommy Gryce and JazSpir at Gallery 125; People’s Choice at Trenton Marriott. Blind Date Band at Maxime’s. 5 to 9 p.m.
Holly Nights, Pennsbury Manor, 400 Pennsbury Memorial Road, Morrisville, 215-946-0400. www.pennsburymanor.org. Candles, luminaria, and torches illuminate William Penn’s 43-acre historic plantation for Holly Nights, a family celebration with music, carol singing, bonfires, hot mulled cider, and historic crafts demonstrations. Guided tour of the manor house by candlelight. $6 adults; $4 children. $6. 5:30 to 9 p.m.
Food & Dining
Holiday Open House, Hopewell Valley Vineyards, 46 Yard Road, Pennington, 609-737-4465. www.hopewellvalleyvineyards.com. Live music with Johnny Pompadour & the JPs, wine tasting, hors d’oeuvres. Free. 6 to 9 p.m.
