10 Reasons Why Princeton is Pure Holiday Magic

For a holiday destination brimming with seasonal spirit, don your festive apparel and head to Princeton. This charming Ivy League destination offers plenty of holiday fun. Here are 10 ways to celebrate the season!

1. See a Holiday Classic. No work of literature has captured the true spirit of Christmas more than A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens. Small wonder that the annual stage production at McCarter Theatre is a treasured Princeton tradition. Catch A Christmas Carol at McCarter, which features members of the greater Princeton community, through December 28.

   

2. Listen to Carols. The Gothic-style Princeton University Chapel is the grand setting for An Evening of Readings and Carols with Westminster’s choirs and the renowned Solid Brass ensemble on December 13. It’s your chance to hear music performed on the Chapel’s magnificent Mander-Skinner organ, which features 7,897 pipes!

   

3. Join a Carol Sing-Along. Another jolly Princeton tradition is the Holiday Pops Concert with the Princeton Symphony Orchestra on December 13 on the Princeton campus. Featuring tap-dancing toy soldiers, the concert is capped by a carol sing-along with the Princeton High School Choir. Christmas Eve holds another longstanding tradition, where everyone gathers on the Green to sing songs at 5 pm.

   

4. Stroll Through Palmer Square. You can’t miss the centerpiece of Palmer Square, a 70-foot-tall Norway Spruce festooned in 32,000 lights! What’s more, on December 20 and 21, you can also listen to carolers and instrumental music. Be on the lookout for Santa, who will also be strolling around the Square.

   

5. Stockpile Some Holiday Pies. Find holiday entertaining essentials like jams, winter veggies and apple cider donuts at Terhune Orchards Vineyard & Winery, located on the outskirts of Princeton. Visit the wine tasting room from Friday to Sunday and don’t forget to pick up a homemade pie or two in the farm store, open daily.

   

6. Take a Hot Beverage Break. Savor Princeton’s coffee culture at Small World Coffee and Rojo’s Roastery. Or warm up with The Bent Spoon’s decadent hot chocolate (or cupcakes, cookies, and even ice cream) or Pumpkin Spiced Hot Cider at the Nassau Inn’s Yankee Doodle Tap Room.

   

7. Hop on a Holiday Trolley. The Princeton Tour Company regales you with fascinating Princeton history and a chance to enjoy festive decorations on their Holiday Trolley Rides on select dates.

   

8. Visit a “Decked Out” Historic Landmark. Make plans to see the Festival of Trees at Morven Museum & Garden. This National Historic Landmark, which is the former New Jersey Governor’s residence, features trees inspired by décor from the 18th through 20th centuries. Festival of Trees is included with regular admission. Open to the public Wednesday to Sunday, 10 am to 4 pm, through January 11.

   

9. Crush Your Holiday Shopping. Not only is Princeton walkable, it’s shoppable! Ho-ho-ho your way through every item on your shopping list as you enjoy Princeton’s festive vibe. Shopping ranges from J. Crew to Labyrinth Books to the Lindt Chocolate Shop.

   

10. Gather Around the Table. You’re certain to be ravenous after a day of shopping and touring, so reserve a table at one of Princeton’s many dining establishments. Try a TripAdvisor favorite like Blue Point Grill or a Princeton classic like PJ’s Pancake House.

Article courtesy of New Jersey Division of Travel & Tourism / reprint permission granted by Marketing Director Michael Styles.

This story was originally published in November 2024 and has been updated for 2025. Additional information provided by Jennifer Amato.

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