Trenton, NJ

Local Events

Reenactments, heritage festivals, and living history programs — experience the Revolution where it happened.

Upcoming This Year

Dec

ReenactmentFeatured

Washington Crossing the Delaware Reenactment

Washington Crossing Historic Park, Washington Crossing, PA to Washington Crossing State Park, Titusville, NJ

Annual reenactment of General George Washington's historic Christmas night crossing of the Delaware River on December 25, 1776. Costumed reenactors portraying Washington and his Continental soldiers board replica Durham boats and cross the river from the Pennsylvania side to the New Jersey side, just as they did before the surprise attack on the Hessian garrison at Trenton. Thousands of spectators line both banks to witness this iconic moment in American history. The event typically includes two crossings — one in the afternoon on Christmas Day, with a dress rehearsal crossing held on a weekend earlier in December.

Free to watch from the New Jersey side; fees may apply on the Pennsylvania sideDecember 25 annually, with a dress rehearsal crossing typically held the second or third weekend of December. Crossings may be cancelled due to river conditions (ice, high water, or strong currents).More info →

Jul

Exhibition

Old Barracks Museum Colonial Life Programs and Heritage Days

Old Barracks Museum, 101 Barrack Street, Trenton, NJ

The Old Barracks Museum — the only surviving colonial barracks in New Jersey, built in 1758 and occupied by Hessian soldiers at the time of the Battle of Trenton — hosts seasonal living history programs throughout the year. These include colonial life demonstrations, musket drills, 18th-century cooking and craft workshops, guided tours with costumed interpreters portraying Continental soldiers and Hessian troops, and special heritage day events around Presidents' Day and Independence Day. Educational programs for school groups run throughout the spring and fall.

Adults ~$10; discounts for children, students, and seniorsPrograms occur throughout the year; major heritage day events are typically held around Independence Day weekend and Presidents' Day. Check the museum website for current schedule.More info →

Dec

– 31

Festival

Patriots Week Trenton

Multiple venues including Old Barracks Museum, Trenton Battle Monument, Trenton War Memorial, and Mill Hill Park, Trenton, NJ

A multi-day heritage celebration held between Christmas and New Year's Day in Trenton, encompassing the Delaware River crossing reenactment, Battle of Trenton reenactment, colonial concerts, historical lectures, guided walking tours of Revolutionary War sites, tavern night events, period craft demonstrations, and family-friendly programming. Organized in collaboration between the City of Trenton, the Old Barracks Museum, and regional historical organizations, Patriots Week ties together the full sequence of events from Washington's crossing through the battles of Trenton and Princeton that turned the tide of the Revolution.

Many events free; some ticketed programs at the Old Barracks MuseumTypically runs December 25–31. Some events may shift to nearby weekends. Check with the Trenton Downtown Association or Old Barracks Museum for the full schedule each year.More info →

Dec

Reenactment

Battle of Trenton Reenactment and Commemoration

Old Barracks Museum and Trenton Battle Monument, Trenton, NJ

Annual reenactment and commemoration of the Battle of Trenton, fought on the morning of December 26, 1776, when Washington's forces surprised and defeated the Hessian garrison. Reenactors march from the Delaware River landing through the streets of Trenton to re-create the assault, culminating near the Old Barracks Museum and the Trenton Battle Monument. The event features musket and artillery fire, period military demonstrations, and a wreath-laying ceremony honoring those who fought in the battle that turned the tide of the American Revolution.

Free for outdoor reenactment; museum admission fees may applyTypically held on or near December 26; sometimes combined with the Christmas crossing weekend. Contact the Old Barracks Museum or the City of Trenton for exact dates.More info →

Dec

Ceremony

Trenton Battle Monument Annual Wreath-Laying Ceremony

Trenton Battle Monument, 350 N Broad Street at Five Points, Trenton, NJ

A solemn annual ceremony held at the Trenton Battle Monument — the 150-foot granite column marking the spot where Washington's artillery was positioned during the Battle of Trenton. The event includes wreath-laying by civic leaders and descendants of Revolutionary War veterans, remarks by historians and public officials, patriotic music, and honor guard presentations. The monument stands at the intersection of five main streets known as 'Five Points,' the very location from which Henry Knox's artillery commanded the streets of Trenton during the surprise attack.

FreeTypically held on or near December 26 in conjunction with Battle of Trenton anniversary events. Contact the New Jersey Division of Parks and Forestry or Friends of the Trenton Battle Monument to confirm dates.