Ring In 2024 With These Events Around Mercer County

MERCER COUNTY, NJ — It's almost time to welcome in the new year, and Patch took a look at the calendar to find some interesting things to do around Mercer County this weekend to ring in 2024.

From wintry exhibitions to hikes on New Year's Day, here are some of the events on the schedule:

"Festival of Trees" at Morven Museum and Garden in Princeton

Explore the wintry scenes and festive decorations throughout Morven, which are sponsored by local organizations. Tickets are available for Saturday and Sunday.

• Tickets are $10 for adults, and $8 for seniors, students (with ID), youth ages 7-18, and active military or veterans (with ID). Children 6 and under are free.
• Address: 55 Stockton Street, Princeton, NJ

"Patriots' Week" ongoing in Trenton, multiple events

This annual event provides an opportunity for Garden State residents and visitors to celebrate the capital city's pivotal role during the American Revolution with dozens of events, including the Battle of Trenton reenactment on Saturday and a candlelight peace dinner on Sunday. Here is a selection of free events going on this weekend:

Saturday, Dec. 30:

• Battle of Trenton re-enactment/First Battle at 11 a.m. The battle begins on Warren Street and moves from the monument down to Mill Hill Park.
• Colonial Town walking tour at 1 p.m. Meet at the Trenton Friends Meeting House (142 Hanover St.)
• Puppet Show: The Trouble With Trenton at 2 p.m. at the Warren Street Plaza (Corner of Warren & Hanover streets)
• Battle of Trenton re-enactment/Second Battle at 3 p.m. Re-enactment takes place in Mill Hill Park.

Sunday, Dec. 31:

• Peace sing-a-long with Solidarity Singers at 4 p.m. at the Trenton Friends Meeting House (142 Hanover St.)
• Candlelight peace vigil and a light dinner at 5 p.m. at the Trenton Friends Meeting House (142 Hanover St.)

"Night Forms" at Grounds for Sculpture in Hamilton

This multi-sensory light and sound experience is open Friday-Sunday from sunset to 10 p.m., with the last ticket available at 9 p.m.

• Tickets: $20 for adult members and $30 for adult non-members; $24 for student non-members and $16 for student members; children 5 and under are free. Group rates available for 15 or more.
• Address: 80 Sculptors Road, Hamilton, NJ

New Year's Eve gala at the Hyatt Regency Princeton

Enjoy a full buffet dinner, dancing, and comedy from "America's Got Talent" contestants Tom Cotter and Kerri Louise at this 18+ gala on New Year's Eve. Plus, there will be a live feed from Times Square for the ball drop at midnight, and a champagne toast.

• Tickets: $219. Special room rates also available.
• Address: 102 Carnegie Center Princeton, NJ

"First Day Hike" through the Mapleton Preserve in Princeton

You can sleep in a little bit before this "easy hike" on New Year's Day through the Mapleton Preserve, which is sponsored by Friends of Princeton Nursery Lands. The hike begins at noon, no registration required. Dogs on a leash are welcome, but the course is not wheelchair or stroller friendly. (Read more on Patch.)

• Address: 145 Mapleton Road, Princeton, NJ