Friday
December 16
School Sports
For WW-P school sports information, call the hotline: 609-716-5000, ext. 5134.
High School North Boys Basketball. Hopewell Valley. 7 p.m.
High School North Girls Basketball. At Hopewell Valley. 7 p.m.
High School South Boys Basketball. Ewing. 7 p.m.
High School South Girls Basketball At Ewing. 7 p.m.##M:[more]##
Drama
A Christmas Carol, McCarter Theater, 91 University Place, 609-258-2787. www.mccarter.org. $31 to $49. 7:30 p.m.
Little Shop of Horrors, Academy Theater, 146 Route 130, Bordentown, 609-291-9000. www.theacademytheatre.com. $25. 8 p.m.
Do Black Patent Leather Shoes Really Reflect Up?, Actors’ NET, 635 North Delmorr Avenue, Morrisville, 215-295-3694. www.actorsnetbucks.org. Musical. $20. 8 p.m.
Squabbles, Off-Broadstreet Theater, 5 South Greenwood Avenue, Hopewell, 609-466-2766. www.off-broadstreet.com. Comedy. $23.75 to $25.25. 8 p.m.
Dinner Theater
Murder Mystery Dinner Theater, Omicron Theater Productions, Tiffany’s Restaurant, 812 Route 33, Hamilton, 609-443-5598. Dinner and interactive show. Reservations, $49. 7:30 p.m.
Swing Dance
Jersey Jumpers, Unitarian Church, 50 Cherry Hill Road, 609-945-1883. www.jerseyjumpers.org. Lessons in jitterbug followed by swing dance. No partner required, beginners welcome. $11. 7:30 p.m.
Literati
Lloyd C. Gardner, Princeton Public Library, 65 Witherspoon Street, 609-924-9529. www.princetonlibrary.org. Author of “The Case that Never Dies: The Lindbergh Kidnapping” reads and signs copies of his book as the library receives the New Jersey Council for the Humanities 2005 Book Award Collection. Gardner, a professor of history at Rutgers University, is a specialist in 20th century foreign policy. He is the author or editor of 15 books on American foreign policy. 10:30 a.m.
Comedy Clubs
Chris Coccia, Catch a Rising Star, Hyatt Regency, 102 Carnegie Center, 609-987-8018. www.catcharisingstar.com. Comedy. Reservation. $15. 8 and 10:30 p.m.
Classical Music
Carols for Chorus, Harp, and Percussion, Princeton Pro Musica, Richardson Auditorium, Princeton University, 609-683-5122. www.princetonpromusica.org. Concert features Benjamin Britten’s “Ceremony of Carols,” Conrad Susa’s “Carols and Lullabies of the American Southwest;” and festive music of the season. The program features harpist Andre Tarantiles, guitarist Pat Mercuri, and William Trigg on marimba. Pre-concert lecture at 7 p.m. at Nassau Presbyterian Church. $30 and $35. 8 p.m.
Lessons and Carols, Voices Chorale, Pennington Presbyterian Church, 13 South Main Street, Pennington, 609-637-9383. www.voiceschorale.org. Family holiday program of holiday music with candles and bells. Soprano Rochelle Ellis sings Mozart’s “Laudate Dominum” and joins the chorale for seasonal favorites. Lynne Ransom directs. $18 adults; $8 children. 8 p.m.
The group also performs at Princeton United Methodist Church, Nassau and Vandeventer streets, Princeton, on Saturday, December 17, at 8 p.m.
Rochelle Ellis presents Mozart’s’ Laudate Dominum” with the choral and adds a few of her own seasonal favorites to the program. Her Carnegie Hall debut was as soloist for the Schubert Mass in G and Bach’s Cantata 140. Her international concert debut was with the National Opera of China in Beijing with conductor Lyndon Woodside and the Oratorio Society of New York.
Pop Music
Rackett, McCarter Theater at Berlind, 91 University Place, 609-258-2787. www.mccarter.org. Stephen Allen, keyboards and vocals; Lee Escandon, vocals; Paul Grimstad, guitar and vocals; Jim Lennehan, drums; Paul Muldoon, guitar; and Nigel Smith, bass and vocals. $15. 8 p.m.
Faith
Outdoor Pageant, Princeton Alliance Church, Scudders Mill & Schalks Crossing roads, 609-799-9000. www.paccma.org. Live scenes depicting the Nativity feature actors narrating the story of the birth of Jesus. Donations of canned goods invited for Hurricane Katrina survivors in Waveland, Mississippi. Through December 18. Free. 7 to 9 p.m.
String of Pearls, Princeton, 609-683-8787. www.stringofpearsweb.org. “What Does One Nation Under God Mean?” Adult education community event. Register for event location. 7:30 p.m.
Kids Stuff
Make it Yourself Craft Day, West Windsor Library, 333 North Post Road, 609-799-0462. 10 a.m.
Sing Along with Pat McKinley, West Windsor Library, 333 North Post Road, 609-799-0462. 1 p.m.
For Families
Demonstration Class, Music Together, Center for Music and Young Children, 66 Witherspoon Street, Princeton, 609-924-7801. Sample a music and movement class for newborn to kindergarten throughout the day. Register. Free. 9:15 a.m.
Family Theater
How the Grinch Stole Christmas, 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.
Live Music
Princeton Garage Orchestra, Princeton Public Library, 65 Witherspoon Street, 609-924-9529. www.princetonlibrary.org. Debut performance of a new intergenerational ensemble led by Princeton composer Ira J. Mowitz. Musicians include people of all ages with diverse musical backgrounds who enjoy making music together. Mowitz’s music has been featured or performed by NPR’s “All Things Considered,” BBC, Brooklyn Philharmonic, and National Dance Company of Spain. 7:30 p.m.
Private Eleanor, Triumph Brewing Company, 138 Nassau Street, 609-924-7855. www.triumphbrew.com. 9 p.m.
Outdoor Action
Waterfowl Migration, Plainsboro Recreation Park Ranger Division, Plainsboro Preserve, 80 Scotts Corner Road, 609-897-7844. www.plainsboronj.com. Join the park rangers as they set up temporary blinds to observe waterfowl. Photographers welcome. Through January. Free. 6 a.m. and 6 p.m.
For Families
Winter Concert, High School North, High School North, Plainsboro, 609-716-5100. Free. 7:30 p.m.
Band Concert, High School South, High School South, West Windsor, 609-716-5050. Free. 7:30 p.m.
What’s in Store
Sample Sale, A Touch of Ivy, 51 Everett Drive, Building A-50, West Windsor. www.touchofivy.com. Assortment of sachets, fabric, trim, ribbon, and gifts. 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Holiday Sample Sale, Silk Box, 51 Everett Drive, Suite A90, West Windsor, 609-275-0350. www.lotusa.com. Scarves, bags, belts, and clothing. Through Saturday, December 17. Music and refreshments begin at 5:30 p.m. 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Singles
Yardley Singles, Generals Quarters, Mercer Airport, 215-736-1288. www.yardleysingles.org. Drop-in. 9 p.m.
Socials
Scrabble and Chess Night, Classics Used and Rare Books, 117 South Warren Street, Trenton, 609-394-8400. 6:30 p.m.
For Seniors
Showtime, Friends of West Windsor Senior Citizens, 609-799-0051. Sister Wendy’s PBS Metropolitan Museum of Art-Fort Worth, Texas. 1:30 p.m.
Sports
Trenton Titans Hockey, Sovereign Bank Arena, Hamilton Avenue at Route 129, 609-599-9500. www.trentontitans.com. Dayton. $11 to $26. 7:30 p.m.
Saturday
December 17
School Sports
High School South Wrestling, 609-716-5000, ext. 5134.. At Moorestown. 9 a.m.
Dance
The Nutcracker, State Theater, New Brunswick, 732-246-7469. American Repertory Ballet presents Graham Lustig’s “The Nutcracker” featuring more than 100 performers and live orchestration of Tchaikovsky’s score. Also Sunday, December 18. $20 to $40. 1 and 4:30 p.m.
Drama
A Christmas Carol, McCarter Theater, 91 University Place, 609-258-2787. www.mccarter.org. $31 to $49. 1 and 5:30 p.m.
Little Shop of Horrors, Academy Theater, 146 Route 130, Bordentown, 609-291-9000. www.theacademytheatre.com. Musical. $25. 2 and 8 p.m.
Do Black Patent Leather Shoes Really Reflect Up?, Actors’ NET, 635 North Delmorr Avenue, Morrisville, 215-295-3694. www.actorsnetbucks.org. Musical. $20. 8 p.m.
Squabbles, Off-Broadstreet Theater, 5 South Greenwood Avenue, Hopewell, 609-466-2766. www.off-broadstreet.com. Comedy. $23.75 to $25.25. 8 p.m.
The Wiz, Westminster Choir College, The Playhouse, Princeton, 609-921-2663. www.rider.edu. Musical by the Actors Company features soprano Rochelle Ellis of West Windsor. Through Sunday, December 18. $15. 8 p.m.
Film
Post World War II Films of James Stewart, Princeton Public Library, 65 Witherspoon Street, 609-924-9529. www.princetonlibrary.org. Screening of “Bell, Book, and Candle,” 1958. Discussions facilitated by film archivist and historian Bruce Lawton. 3 p.m.
Screening of “It’s a Wonderful Life.” Discussion facilitated by film archivist and historian Bruce Lawton. 7 p.m.
Art
Cotsen Children’s Library, Firestone Library, 609-258-2697. www.Princeton.edu. “Andersen as Scrapbook Artist: Making a Picture Book for Friends” in conjunction with the exhibition “Wonderful Stories for Pictures: Hans Christian Andersen and His Illustrators” in honor of the bicentenary of Andersen’s birth. For ages 7 to 9. Register. 10 a.m.
The Artful Deposit Gallery, 201 Farnsworth Avenue, Bordentown, 609-298-6970. www.theartfuldeposit.com. Booksigning with Russian illustrator Gennady Spirin in conjunction with an exhibit of original works from more than a dozen of his illustrated books. Also unframed originals and signed giclee prints. 1 to 4 p.m.
Artworks for Families, Artworks, 19 Everett Alley, Trenton, 609-394-9436. www.artworksnj.org. Workshop: Sand Paintings and Totem. Free. 1:30 p.m.
Peggy Lewis Gallery, Lambertville Public Library, 6 Lilly Street, 609-397-0275. Opening reception for “Families,” an exhibit of watercolors, prints, scarves, 5-shirts, and painted lampshades in vibrant colors. Maher, who is an artist, an opera singer, and a teacher, will present operatic selections with some of her students. On view through January 16. 2 to 4 p.m.
Dancing
Central Jersey Dance Society, Suzanne Paterson Center, One Monument Drive, Princeton, 609-945-1883. www.centraljerseydance.org. Salsa Sensation dance features lessons, refreshments, and a night of Latin dancing. $11. 7:30 p.m.
Literati
Writing Workshop, YWCA Princeton, Library, Paul Robeson Place, 609-497-2100. www.ywcaprinceton.org. “Metaphor and Simile: Rhythm and Music in Writing and Action” is part of the “Sharpening the Quill Workshop” led by Lauren B. Davis, author of “The Stubborn Season” and “The Radiant City.” Two hours of instruction and writing, brown bag lunch, followed by two hours of workshop critiquing. $45. 10 a.m.
Classics Used and Rare Books, 117 South Warren Street, Trenton, 609-394-8400. Author of “Tales from the Crack: Where Race Has No Face and Life Has No Limits,” Trenton-born Jus James signs books. Register. Noon.
Classical Music
Holiday Family Concert, Princeton Symphony Orchestra, Richardson Auditorium, 609-497-0020. www.princetonsymphony.org. Annual festive concert features holiday favorites and the annual sing-along. Mark Laycock conducts. Guests include tenor Stuart Neill and Princeton High School Choir. General seating. $30; $18 child. 4 p.m.
HolidayFare Concert, New Jersey Opera Theater, Grounds for Sculpture, Hamilton, 609-799-7700. www.njot.org. Concert features a wide variety of sacred and secular holiday music including “Lo How a Rose,” “White Christmas,” “Laudamus te” and “Angels We Have Heard on High.” Sing-along with “Frosty the Snowman,” “Jingle Bells,” and “Silent Night.” Presented by the Singer Circle, a group of emerging artists. Free. 7 p.m.
Voices of Angels, American Boychoir, Princeton University Chapel, Princeton, 888-BOYCHOIR. www.americanboychoir.org. Holiday concert features familiar carols and seasonal readings. $10 to $30. 8 p.m.
Concert, Greater Trenton Choral Society, Abiding Presence Lutheran Church, 2220 Pennington Road, Ewing, 609-324-9732. www.community.nj.com/cc/trentonchoral. “The Christmas Oratorio” and other seasonal music presented by the choral group conducted by Joseph Pucciatti with pianist Jo-Ann Rubay Sciarrotta and organist Wesley Parrott. $15. 8 p.m.
Christmas Concert, St. Paul Church, 214 Nassau Street, 609-924-1743. Ciaran Sheehan, former lead in “Phantom of the Opera” and “Les Miserables,” in concert accompanied by singer Gae Willis, harpist Aideen O’Donnell, and pianist Eily O’Grady. Benefit the parish and a Gulf Coast Catholic parish. $30. 8 p.m.
Lessons and Carols, Voices Chorale, Princeton Methodist Church, 7 Vandeventer Street, 609-637-9383. www.voiceschorale.org. Family holiday program of holiday music with candles and bells. Soprano Rochelle Ellis sings Mozart’s “Laudate Dominum” and joins the chorale for seasonal favorites. Lynne Ransom directs. $18 adults; $8 children. 8 p.m.
Jazz & Blues
Darla Rich Quintet, Hopewell Bistro, 15 East Broad Street, Hopewell, 609-466-9889. www.acmemusicco.com. Jazz vocals and dancing. $15 minimum. 7 p.m.
Pop Music
Stacey Kent, McCarter Theater at Berlind, 91 University Place, 609-258-2787. www.mccarter.org. Cabaret act. $40. 7:30 p.m.
Comedy Clubs
Chris Coccia, Catch a Rising Star, Hyatt Regency, 102 Carnegie Center, 609-987-8018. www.catcharisingstar.com. Comedy. Reservation. $15. 8 and 10:30 p.m.
Holiday Festivities
Borough Merchants of Princeton, Palmer Square Green, 609-921-0434. Horse and carriage rides from noon to 4 p.m. Dixieland music from 2 to 4 p.m. Holiday gift wrapping at 53 Palmer Square West supports Princeton for New Orleans. Observe the contenders for the merchant’s window decorating contest as well as the wreaths adorning the light poles. Visit with Santa as he strolls around on weekends. Noon to 4 p.m.
Faith
Country Breakfast, Windsor United Methodist Church, 51 Church Street, Windsor, 609-448-0412. Christmas cookie sale. Plain or blueberry pancakes, French toast, eggs, sausage, juice, toast, coffee or tea. $5; children 6 to 12, $2.50; children 5 & under, free. 8 to 11 a.m.
Outdoor Pageant, Princeton Alliance Church, Scudders Mill & Schalks Crossing roads, 609-799-9000. www.paccma.org. Live scenes depicting the Nativity feature actors narrating the story of the birth of Jesus. Donations of canned goods invited for Hurricane Katrina survivors in Waveland, Mississippi. Through December 18. Free. 7 to 9 p.m.
Health & Wellness
Blood Drive, American Red Cross, Westin Hotel, Forrestal Village, Plainsboro, 800-448-3543. 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Tai Chi, West Windsor Senior Center, 609-799-9068. Free. 8:30 a.m.
One Yoga Center, Royal Shopping Center, Route 130, East Windsor, 609-918-0963. www.oneyogacenter.net. Guided meditation class. $15. 1 p.m.
Rhythm and Drumming Circle, Princeton Center for Yoga & Health, 50 Vreeland Drive, Suite 506, Skillman, 609-924-7294. www.princetonyoga.com. No musical experience or drum needed. $10. 8 p.m.
History
Christmas Night Crossing and Battle of Trenton, Washington Crossing State Park, Visitor Center, Titusville, 609-737-9303. Mark Sirak presents a talk using diaries and letters of the participants. 2 p.m.
Kids Stuff
Saturday Stories, Plainsboro Public Library, 641 Plainsboro Road, 609-275-2897. www.lmxac.org/Plainsboro. 10:30 a.m.
Tutoring, West Windsor Library, 333 North Post Road, 609-799-0462. Students for Students offer free tutoring for grades 1 to 8. 10:30 a.m.
For Families
Santa Claus Trains, New Hope & Ivyland Railroad, 32 West Bridge Street, New Hope, PA, 215-862-2332. www.newhoperailroad.com. Ride the rails with Santa, Mrs. Claus, and Santa’s long lost brother. Trains also leave at 11 a.m., 12:30, 2, and 3 p.m. Register. Thursdays to Sundays through December 23. $22; $14 children. 9:30 a.m.
Polar Express, New Hope & Ivyland Railroad, 32 West Bridge Street, New Hope, PA, 215-862-2332. www.newhoperailroad.com. Ride the train inspired by the book of the same name. Listen to the story, have free hot cocoa, and cookies. Santa visit with each child and presents them with a gift. Register. $24; $16 children 5:15 and 6:45 p.m.
Family Theater
How the Grinch Stole Christmas, Off-Broadstreet Theater, 5 South Greenwood Avenue, Hopewell, 609-466-2766. Geared for young audiences ages 2 1/2 to 7. $4. 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m.
The Nutcracker, Kelsey Theater, Mercer County Community College, 1200 Old Trenton Road, 609-584-9444. www.kelseytheatre.net. Belle Mead Ballet presents a one-hour narrated version of the classic ballet. Also Sunday, December 18. $12. 2 and 4 p.m.
Lectures
The Power to Create Wealth, Higher Ground Interdenominational Church, 1009 Whitehead Road Extension, Ewing, 609-638-0149. www.transformci.com. Seminar presented by Chase home finance mortgage specialists. Junior Achievement features activities and workshops about financial management and economics fro young adults. Dr. Carol Skipper offers health tools and health screenings. Gospel music presented by recording artist Witness and the United Voices of Trenton. Dinner. Register. Free. Noon.
Live Music
Larry Tritel, Orpha’s Coffee Shop, 1330 Route 206, Skillman, 609-430-2828. www.orphas.com. 9 a.m.
Nassau Brass, Princeton Shopping Center, North Harrison Street, 609-921-6234. www.shoppingcenter.com. Christmas concert in the courtyard. Free. Noon to 2 p.m.
William Daab, Java Moon Cafe, 4110 Quakerbridge Road, Lawrenceville, 609-275-7447. Jazz guitar. 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Chris Harford, Small World Coffee, 14 Witherspoon Street, 609-924-4377. With the Band of Changes. 8:30 p.m.
Cafe Improv, Arts Council of Princeton, Princeton Shopping Center, 609-924-8777. www.cafeimprov.com. An open stage features music, poetry, and comedy. Sign up on website. $1. 9 p.m.
Foxy Moon Baby, Triumph Brewing Company, 138 Nassau Street, 609-924-7855. www.triumphbrew.com. 9 p.m.
What’s in Store
Sample Sale, A Touch of Ivy, 51 Everett Drive, Building A-50, West Windsor. www.touchofivy.com. Assortment of sachets, fabric, trim, ribbon, and gifts. 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Holiday Boutique, Belle Mere Farm Alpacas & Llamas, Historic Schoolhouse, Griggstown Reformed Church, Canal Road, Griggstown, 908-359-9387. www.bellemerealpacas.com. Browse through sweaters, hats, gloves, mittens, socks, shawls, teddy bears, yarn, and raw alpaca fleece. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Holiday Sample Sale, Silk Box, 51 Everett Drive, Suite A90, West Windsor, 609-275-0350. www.lotusa.com. Scarves, bags, belts, and clothing. 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Sports
Trenton Titans Hockey, Sovereign Bank Arena, Hamilton Avenue at Route 129, 609-599-9500. www.trentontitans.com. Dayton. $11 to $26. 7 p.m.
Sunday
December 18
Dance
The Nutcracker, State Theater, New Brunswick, 732-246-7469. American Repertory Ballet presents Graham Lustig’s “The Nutcracker” featuring more than 100 performers and live orchestration of Tchaikovsky’s score. $20 to $40. 1 and 4:30 p.m.
Drama
A Christmas Carol, McCarter Theater, 91 University Place, 609-258-2787. www.mccarter.org. $31 to $49. 1 and 5:30 p.m.
Squabbles, Off-Broadstreet Theater, 5 South Greenwood Avenue, Hopewell, 609-466-2766. www.off-broadstreet.com. Comedy. $23.75 to $25.25. 2 p.m.
The Wiz, Westminster Choir College, The Playhouse, Princeton, 609-921-2663. www.rider.edu. Musical by the Actors Company features soprano Rochelle Ellis of West Windsor. $15. 3 p.m.
Do Black Patent Leather Shoes Really Reflect Up?, Actors’ NET, 635 North Delmorr Avenue, Morrisville, 215-295-3694. www.actorsnetbucks.org. Musical. $20. 6 p.m.
Art
Cotsen Children’s Library, Firestone Library, 609-258-2697. www.Princeton.edu. “Paper and Stuff: Young Artisans Holiday Gift Craft Workshop” in conjunction with the exhibition “Wonderful Stories for Pictures: Hans Christian Andersen and His Illustrators” in honor of the bicentenary of Andersen’s birth. For ages 7 to 9. Register. 1 p.m.
Concert, Princeton University Art Museum, 609-258-3788. www.PrincetonArtMuseum.org. “A Splendid Time: Music of Fifteenth-Century Europe,” Engelchor Consort. 1:30 and 3 p.m.
Princeton Jewish Center, 435 Nassau Street, 609-921-0100. www.thejewishcenter.org. Reception for “The Paintings of Alla Pololsky,” by Philadelphia painter born and raised in Kiev, Ukraine. She began her formal training in Ukraine and continued at Moore College of Art and Design and the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts. On view through January 8. 3 to 5 p.m.
Dancing
Central Jersey Dance Society, Suzanne Paterson Center, One Monument Drive, Princeton, 609-945-1883. www.centraljerseydance.org. Salsa and mambo lesson and dance. $10. 7:30 p.m.
Classical Music
Engelchor Consort, Princeton University Art Museum, 609-258-3788. www.PrincetonArtMuseum.org. The consort performs “A Splendid Time: Music of Fifteenth-Century Europe.” 1:30 and 3 p.m.
HolidayFare Concert, New Jersey Opera Theater, Zimmerli Museum, New Brunswick, 609-799-7700. www.njot.org. Concert features a wide variety of sacred and secular holiday music including “Lo How a Rose,” “White Christmas,” “Laudamus te” and “Angels We Have Heard on High.” Sing-along with “Frosty the Snowman,” “Jingle Bells,” and “Silent Night.” Presented by the Singer Circle, a group of emerging artists. $3 donation. 2 p.m.
Christmas Holiday Spectacular, Greater Trenton Symphony Orchestra, Patriots Theater, War Memorial, Trenton, 609-396-5522. www.trentonsymphony.org. Popular and traditional music of the season including “Sleigh Ride,” “March of the Toys,” and “Twas the Night Before Christmas.” Guests include the Trenton Children’s Chorus. $20 to $40. 3 p.m.
The Glory of Baroque, Westminster Choir College, Bristol Chapel, 609-921-2663. www.rider.edu. Westminster Conservatory Community Chamber Choir with a baroque instrumental ensemble featuring Vivaldi’s Gloria in D. $15. 3 p.m.
Winter Wonderland, American Boychoir, Richardson Auditorium, Princeton University, 888-BOYCHOIR. www.americanboychoir.org. Traditional holiday favorites and audience sing-a-long. $20 to $40. 4 p.m.
Kindle the Tapers: A Concert for Chanukah, Westminster Choir College, Bristol Chapel, 609-921-2663. www.rider.edu. Westminster Conservatory Youth Chorale led by Frank Abrahams. $15. 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 Princeton Area Homeschool Choir. 1 to 5 p.m.
Communities of Light, Womanspace, Mercer, Hunterdon, and Somerset counties, 609-394-0136. www.womanspace.org. Residents and businesses light luminary candles along driveways and sidewalks throughout a three-county area to raise awareness of domestic violence and sexual assault while raising funds to support Womanspace services. Candle kit, $10, is available at area stores or from Womanspace. 5 p.m.
HumanLight
New Jersey Humanist Network, Bridgewater, 732-658-6440. Celebrate a new humanist-oriented winter holiday for the non-religious. Event begins with planetarium show at Raritan College followed by buffet luncheon at Cervino’s Restaurant, Bridgewater. Keynote speaker is Fred Edwards, editor of “The Humanist” magazine, and magician Scott Drukker. Bring canned food for food drive. Register. $32. Noon.
HumanLight was founded in 2000 as a winter holiday by two members of the group. It has been celebrated around the country since 2001. Humanists are secular, non-religious people who believe in the here and now, moral virtues, tolerance, compassion, and reason.
Faith
Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 177 Princeton-Hightstown Road, West Windsor, 609-799-1753. www.popnj.org. Service of Word and Prayer. “Light of the World” Christmas worship and the story of Christmas presented by children through acting, song, and dance at 11 a.m. 8:30 a.m.
Preparing for the Season, Church of Saint Ann, 1253 Lawrence Road, Lawrenceville, 609-882-6491. Church of Saint Ann Youth Choir presents a concert of advent and Christmas music featuring the Christmas Cantata, “Arise, Shine!” Free. 3 p.m.
Outdoor Pageant, Princeton Alliance Church, Scudders Mill & Schalks Crossing roads, 609-799-9000. www.paccma.org. Live scenes depicting the Nativity feature actors narrating the story of the birth of Jesus. Donations of canned goods invited for Hurricane Katrina survivors in Waveland, Mississippi. Free. 7 to 9 p.m.
Princeton United Methodist Church, Nassau & Vandeventer Streets, 609-924-2613. Chancel and hand bell choir Christmas concert. 7 p.m.
Krishna Kendra, 13 Briardale Court, Plainsboro, 609-203-6730. Group chanting, mantra recitation, and discussion. 8:30 p.m.
Health & Wellness
Childsafe: Abduction Prevention Seminar, Tiger Schulmann’s Karate Center, 103 Mercer Mall, Lawrenceville, 609-240-0011. www.tsk.com. Prevention skills presented through situation skits; discussions about strangers, avoidance, code words, and escape techniques; instruction on what to do when at home alone. Parents will be coach on the important of educating their children on identifying potentially dangerous situations and in teaching them how to react. Register. Free. 11:30 a.m.
History
Plainsboro Museum, Wicoff House, 641 Plainsboro Road, 609-799-9040. Plainsboro’s history in 18 exhibits from 6,”000 years ago to the present day including Walker-Gordon Farm and Elsie the cow memorabilia, a fire department and rescue squad exhibit, and railroad artifacts. Free. 2 to 4:30 p.m.
Family Theater
The Nutcracker, Kelsey Theater, Mercer County Community College, 1200 Old Trenton Road, 609-584-9444. www.kelseytheatre.net. Belle Mead Ballet presents a one-hour narrated version of the classic ballet. $12. 2 and 4 p.m.
Live Music
Upper Princeton Swing Collective, Orpha’s Coffee Shop, 1330 Route 206, Skillman, 609-430-2828. www.orphas.com. 2 p.m.
What’s in Store
Holiday Boutique, Belle Mere Farm Alpacas & Llamas, Historic Schoolhouse, Griggstown Reformed Church, Canal Road, Griggstown, 908-359-9387. www.bellemerealpacas.com. Browse through sweaters, hats, gloves, mittens, socks, shawls, teddy bears, yarn, and raw alpaca fleece. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Sports
The Hilton Family Skate to 2006 Tour, Sovereign Bank Arena, 81 Hamilton Avenue at Route 129, Trenton, 609-520-8383. www.sovereignbankarena.com. International battle of United States Women’s Hockey Team vs. Team Finland. Their four-game series finishes at Sovereign. 20 of the U.S. players will go on to compete in the 2006 Olympic Winter Games. $13 to $23. 1 p.m.
Monday
December 19
School Sports
High School North Boys Basketball, 609-716-5000, ext.5134. Howell. 7 p.m.
Drama
Christmas Show, EnCorp Inc. Theater School, Villa Victoria Auditorium, West Upper Ferry Road, Route 29 North, 215-794-7407. Holiday show. Free. 6:30 p.m.
Literati
Robeson Readers, Princeton Public Library, 65 Witherspoon Street, 609-924-9529. www.princetonlibrary.org. Intergenerational short story discussion group for ages 9 to 12 and adult. Register. 4:30 p.m.
Classical Music
Bach’s Complete Brandenburgs, McCarter Theater, Richardson Auditorium, 609-258-2787. www.mccarter.org. Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center presents holiday music with guest artists. Note location on Princeton University campus. $39 to $45. 7:30 p.m.
A Rose in Winter, Westminster Choir College, Bristol Chapel, 609-921-2663. www.rider.edu. Fuma Sacra presentation. $20. 8 p.m.
Jazz & Blues
Dianne Reeves, McCarter Theater, 91 University Place, 609-258-2787. www.mccarter.org. Special guest is Freddy Cole. $35 to $41. 8 p.m.
Peace Gathering
Candlelight Vigil for Peace, Coalition for Peace Action, Palmer Square, 609-924-5022. www.peacecoalition.org. Annual Candlelight Vigil for Peace on Earth calls ending the U.S. military occupation of Iraq and to stop new U.S. nuclear weapons. A potluck party follows at Nassau Presbyterian Church, 61 Nassau Street, where Robert Nelson, a Princeton University physicist, presents “Another New U.S. Nuclear Weapon.” Free. 5 to 6 p.m.
Robert Nelson was instrumental in the recent defeat of a new proposed U.S. nuclear weapon, the so-called Bunker Buster. He recently joined the staff of the Union of Concerned Scientists. Nelsen published the original research showing that the Bunker Buster (officially called Robust Nuclear Earth Penetrate) could not go deep enough to avoid killing tens of thousands of civilians.
His talk examines the administration’s proposal to build the Reliable Replacement Warhead.
Blood Drive
Community Blood Council, Hamilton Continuing Care Center, 1059 Edinburg Road, Hamilton, 609-883-9750. www.communitybloodcouncil.org. 12:30 to 4 p.m.
Kids Stuff
Moving Stories, Plainsboro Public Library, 641 Plainsboro Road, 609-275-2897. www.lmxac.org/Plainsboro. 9:30 a.m.
Evening Storytime, West Windsor Library, 333 North Post Road, 609-799-0462. 7 p.m.
For Families
Demonstration Class, Music Together, Valerie’s European Spa, 235 Hopewell-Pennington Road, Hopewell, 609-924-7801. Sample a music and movement class for newborn to kindergarten. Register. Free. 9:30 a.m.
Lectures
Einstein’s Alley: Best Practices Conference, U.S. Representative Rush Holt, Educational Testing Service, Rosedale Road, 202-225-5801. www.holthouse.gov. Speakers include Greg Olson, Sensors Unlimited; Katherine O’Neill, Jumpstart New Jersey Angel Network; David Leniham, Cairgain; Kathleen Coviello, New Jersey Economic Development Authority; Martin Bierbaum, Municipal Land Use Center; John Romanowich, SightLogix; Jeff Millanette, Innovative Partners; and Maxine Ballen, NJ Technology Council. 7:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.
For Seniors
West Windsor Senior Center, 609-799-9068. Movie: “Miracle on 34th Street.” 1 p.m.
Tuesday
December 20
School Sports
For WW-P school sports information, call the hotline: 609-716-5000, ext. 5134.
High School North Boys Basketball. At Hightstown. 7 p.m.
High School North Girls Basketball. Hightstown. 7 p.m.
High School South Boys Basketball. at Nottingham. 7 p.m.
High School South Girls Basketball. Nottingham. 7 p.m.
Drama
A Christmas Carol, McCarter Theater, 91 University Place, 609-258-2787. www.mccarter.org. $31 to $49. 7:30 p.m.
Dancing
International Folk Dancing, Riverside School, Riverside Road, Princeton, 609-655-0758. Request dancing. Partners not needed. $3. 6:30 p.m.
Chanukah
Chanukah Wonderland, Chabad of the Windsors, McCaffreys’s, Princeton-Hightstown Road, West Windsor, 609-448-9369. www.chabadwindsor.com. Arts, crafts, games, and Chanukah entertainment. 2 to 6 p.m.
Health & Wellness
Blood Drive, Community Blood Council, Robert Wood Johnson Hospital, 1 Hamilton Health Place, Hamilton, 609-883-9750. www.communitybloodcouncil.org. 3 to 7 p.m.
Ruth A. Golush, 666 Plainsboro Road, Suite 348, Plainsboro, 609-426-9693. Chi Kung. Register. $20. 7 p.m.
Lectures
Plainsboro Historical Society, Wicoff House, 609-799-9040. www.Plainsboro.com/historical/. Business meeting. 7:30 p.m.
Kids Stuff
Baby Bookworms, West Windsor Library, 333 North Post Road, 609-799-0462. 10:30 a.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, weekly, no charge. 7:30 p.m.
Live Music
Arturo Romay, Leonardo’s, 654 Marketplace Boulevard, Hamilton, 609-585-8202. Latin jazz guitar. 6 to 9 p.m.
John Henry Goldman, Sunny Garden Restaurant, 15 Farber Road, West Windsor, 609-520-1881. www.sunnygarden.net. Jazz. 6 p.m.
Outdoor Action
Princeton Ski Club, Masonic Lodge, River Road, Kingston, 609-497-1767. www.princetonski.org. General meeting. Non-members are welcome. 7 p.m.
Board of Education
West Windsor-Plainsboro Regional School District, Grover Middle School, 10 Southfield Road, West Windsor, 609-716-5000. Business meeting. 7:30 p.m.
Singles
Mercer County Single Volunteers, Lawrence Library, 2751 Brunswick Pike, Lawrenceville, 609-888-3535. www.mcsvnj.org. Open meeting for the singles group whose motto is “Connect by Helping Others.” On the web at www.mcsvnj.org. 7 p.m.
Wednesday December 21
Winter Solstice.
School Sports
High School South Wrestling, 609-716-5000, ext. 5134.. Hightstown. 6:30 p.m.
Drama
A Christmas Carol, McCarter Theater, 91 University Place, 609-258-2787. www.mccarter.org. $31 to $49. 7:30 p.m.
Art
Gallery Talks: My America, Gallery 125, 125 South Warren Street, Trenton, 609-393-8998. www.trenton-downtown.com. “An Overview of Contemporary Photography.” 12:30 p.m.
Dancing
Princeton Country Dancers, Suzanne Patterson Center, Monument Drive, 609-683-7956. www.princetonol.com/groups/pcd. Contra dance. $7. 8 p.m.
Classical Music
Concert, Princeton University Chapel, Washington Road, 609-258-3654. Princeton High School choirs and orchestra present a free winter concert. 7:30 p.m.
Chanukah
Chanukah Wonderland, Chabad of the Windsors, McCaffreys’s, Princeton-Hightstown Road, West Windsor, 609-448-9369. www.chabadwindsor.com. Arts, crafts, games, and Chanukah entertainment. 2 to 6 p.m.
Gardens
A New Jersey Christmas at Morven, Historic Morven, 55 Stockton Street, Princeton, 609-924-8144. www.morven.org. Former New Jersey Governor’s Mansion decorated for the holidays. Music and refreshments. Through January 8. Register. $5. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
