This is the season where Trenton comes alive with history, traditional, and cultural events born from the city and region.
American Repertory Ballet’s “The Nutcracker” — marking 52 consecutive years of the professional group with its roots in the Princeton Ballet School — continues a longtime annual Trenton appearance at the War Memorial Building on Saturday, December 3, at 1 and 4:40 p.m. $20 to $45.
Patriots Theater, 1 Memorial Drive. (877) 987-6487. arballet.org/TrentonNutcracker.
The Capital Singers of Trenton, a semi-professional chorus, presents “Winters Songs 10” on Sunday, December 4, at 4 p.m., at Sacred Heart Church. Richard M. Loatman of Trenton conducts the two-part program that includes music by Rachmaninoff, Bach, and Telemann in the first half and folk and gospel infused Christmas music in the second. Featured soloists are Trenton’s Deborah Ford, winner of the Savannah Onstage Competition, a Hamilton Township music teacher, and director of the Trinity Cathedral Choir. She will be joined by Keith Spencer, a concert and stage singer frequently appearing at the Bristol Riverside Theater. Tickets are $20 in advance, $22 at the door, $15 for seniors and children under 18, and children 12 and younger are free.
Sacred Heart Church, 343 South Broad Street. (609) 620-0160. capitalsingers.org.
Princeton Pro Musica brings the sound of the season to the Trenton War Memorial on Sunday, December 11, at 4 p.m. Conductor Ryan James Brandau will present a program of carols, holiday songs, and selections from the Christmas music of Handel and Bach. The well regarded area group will be joined by another area treasure, Trenton Children’s Chorus, $10 to $60.
Patriots Theater, 1 Memorial Drive. princetonpromusica.org.
Voices Chorale presents “Christmastide: The Festive Classics” at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, Saturday, December 17, at 3 p.m. Lyn Ransom conducts her 30th and final Christmas concert with the Voices Chorale and Sotto Voce, with special guests soprano Rochelle Ellis and the Trenton Children’s Chorus. The program includes the conductor’s favorite Christmas music, including “Carol of the Bells,” Mendelssohn’s “How Brightly Shines the Morningstar,” and a medley of carols arranged by Westminster Choir College professor R. Doug Helvering. Free.
Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, 801 West State Street. voiceschorale.org.
The New Jersey Capital Philharmonic Orchestra will once again put the final star on the holiday season with its annual New Year’s Eve concert at the War Memorial, Saturday, December 31, at 8 p.m. Under the direction of Daniel Spalding the concert — broadcast live on WWFM radio — will highlight the light and colorful. The program includes Johann Strauss’ “The Beautiful Danube Waltz,” dances from Leonard Bernstein’s “On the Town,” and George Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue.” The latter will be performed by guest pianist Leon Bates, who has performed with such acclaimed musical organizations as the New York Philharmonic, Philadelphia Orchestra, Detroit Symphony, Boston Pops, the Orchetre de France, and others. $10 (students) to $75.
Patriots Theater, 1 Memorial Drive, Trenton. capitalphilharmonic.org.
The 1719 William Trent House, built by Trenton’s namesake in 1719, brings in the season with its annual Green Sale and Holiday House Tour, Friday and Saturday, December 2 and 3, from 12:30 to 5 p.m. The event features the Garden Club of Trenton’s decoration of the 18th-century home of one of Trenton’s early settlers and the opportunity to purchase holiday table arrangements and decorated and undecorated wreaths, Christmas Trees, and loose fresh greens. Event proceeds will benefit the curatorial work and educational programming of the nonprofit Trent House Association.
The Trent House will also help wind down the season with its annual Hogmanay, Saturday, December 31, from 1 to 3 p.m. Based on the New Year celebrations in Trent’s native Scotland, Hogmanay incorporates a theme of renewal and features music, wish making, and hot milled cider and cookies. Free.
Trent House, 15 Market Street. williamtrenthouse.org.
The Old Barracks in Trenton recreates the occupation of the Revolutionary War-era British and Hessian troops in Trenton on Saturday, December 3, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visitors will have the opportunity to meet and watch members of the 17th Regiment of Infantry as they prepare for the 1776 Battle of Trenton. Activities include military drills, musket demonstrations, outdoor camp cooking, uniform maintenance, and daily activities of a British soldier in America.
Founded in 2002, the 17th Regiment of Infantry recreates historically accurate uniforms and equipment, and provides living history displays to vividly teach and engage the public with history. $8 for adults, $6 for students and seniors, and free for active duty military personnel, members of the Old Barracks Association, and children 5 and under.
Old Barracks, 101 Barrack Street, (609) 396-1776. barracks.org.
The 69th annual recreation of George Washington’s Christmas Day crossing of the Delaware River to take Trenton — taking place at the very location the historical event occurred — draws thousands of visitors from both the region and beyond. While the re-enactment is at 1 p.m., come early to march with the troops, tour buildings, watch the troops gather, or just join fellow countrymen and visitors waiting for the cannon shot that signals the boats to depart from Pennsylvania. Early arrival will also help secure a parking place or a spot on the New Jersey side to watch the troops arrive.
The event is free and centered at Washington Crossing Historic Park, located at the intersection of Routes 32 and 532, Washington Crossing, Pennsylvania, across the river from New Jersey’s Washington Crossing State Park, Route 29, Titusville. (215) 493-4076. ushistory.org/washingtoncrossing/index.htm.
Patriots Week returns to downtown Trenton on Monday, December 26, with biggest Revolutionary War re-enactment event anywhere. The weeklong event includes tours of historic spots, camp re-enactments, and the two-part Battle of Trenton, set for Saturday, December 31. Check the insert contained in the print issue of the Downtowner for the full schedule and other details or go to the website at patriotsweek.com.
With many of the events free, it all comes down to one simple phrase, “Happy Holidays.”
Experience history with reenactors portraying the soldiers who fought during the Battles of Trenton.,
