Holiday Lights, Festivals And Celebrations Fill The Princeton Calendar

PRINCETON, NJ — With Hanukkah, Christmas and Kwanzaa festivities filling the December calendar, the problem may be deciding which events in Princeton to attend.

Outside these religious and cultural celebrations, there are plenty of holiday light shows, parades, fairs and festivals to attend in Princeton. Here are some to consider:

Winter Wonderland at Princeton Shopping Center: Celebrate the magic of the season with Winter Wonderland on Dec. 7 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Enjoy selfies with Santa, face painting, a balloon artist, holiday crafts + sweet treats.

Winter Wonderland at Kuser Farm Mansion, Hamilton: You can visit Santa at the Kuser Farm Mansion in Hamilton on Dec. 5, from 4:30 to  7:30 p.m., and Dec. 6 from 2 to 7:30 p.m. There will also be a tree lighting, a meet and greet with Hamilton’s Grinchie, Cindy Lou, Elsa, and Olaf; fire pits around the park; a ride on the Holiday Express to see the light display; and tour Kuser Mansion - decorated for the holiday season.

Palmer Square Menorah Lighting: The Jewish Center of Princeton is hosting its Annual Menorah Lighting on Tuesday, Dec. 16 at 4 p.m. at Palmer Square. This ceremonial festivity wil be held on the Nassau Inn Patio (right in front of the red doors). Enjoy lively music, festive spirit, and a joyful evening of community and celebration.

Advent Lessons & Carols: The All Saints Church at 16 All Saints Road in Princeton invites all to their festive annual tradition of Advent Lessons & Carols on Sunday, Dec. 7 at 5 p.m. Congregational carols of the season will be sung by all. A light reception to follow in the Woodlands Room.

Princeton Symphonic Brass Classics and Carols Concert: The Princeton Symphonic Brass, under the baton of Lawrence Kursar, will hold its annual Classics and Carols Holiday Concert on Friday, Dec. 12, at 7:30 p.m. at the Community Middle School Auditorium, 95 Grovers Mill Road, Plainsboro. The concert will feature Family Friendly Carols, Christmas Classics, Hanukkah Music, and more in a state-of-the-art performance space with ample, free parking. Back by popular demand is our Holiday SING-ALONG along with many new brand pieces written for the group.

Santa Claus at the Quaker Bridge Mall: For photo time through Dec. 24. Pet Parties, Santa Cares, Pajama Parties, and Baby First photo sessions with Santa are also available. Visit simon.com/mall/quaker-bridge-mall for more information.

Capture Photos With Santa at MarketFair: Through Dec. 24. There is also Pet Photos with Santa and Sensory-Friendly Santa. Visit marketfairshoppes.com/event/32519-santa-photos for more information.

Holiday Lights At Norz Hill Farm - On select days through Dec. 21, the farm offers a tractor-drawn Holiday Hayride, Live Nativity with animals, picture-perfect holiday moments, bonfire with marshmallows and hot cocoa, and more. Norz Hill is located at 120 South Branch Rd., Hillsborough.

Flounder's 5th Annual Kringle Market - Dec. 13 and 14 and Dec. 20 and 21. $10 per car and includes 45-plus craft vendors, food, Christmas trees and wreaths, alcohol for sale, pictures with Santa, live music, and more. Flounder Brewing is located at 2 Clerico Lane, Hillsborough.

As you plan your calendar, here are some key dates to consider:

• Hanukkah, the eight-day Jewish “festival of lights,” celebrated with a nightly menorah lighting, special prayers and fried foods, begins at sundown on Dec. 14 and continues until sundown on Dec. 22. The dates vary every year.
• Christmas, of course, is always Dec. 25.
• Kwanzaa, a weeklong celebration primarily held in the United States to honor African heritage and African-American culture, is observed from Dec. 26 - Jan. 1, culminating with gift-giving and a lavish feast. The dates of this holiday do not change.