Trenton’s annual Patriots Week returns December 26–31, celebrating New Jersey’s Revolutionary War history with tours, reenactments, children’s workshops, lectures, performances, and special exhibits. All events below are open to the public; most are free unless otherwise noted. Find additional details at patriotsweek.com
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 26
Trenton Battlefield Walking Tour with Ralph Siegel
9–10 a.m. (indoor discussion) – FREE
10 a.m.–12 p.m. (walking tour) – FREE
Meet at: NEW Patriots Week Visitor Center, 1 West State St.
A 10-block interpretive walk bringing to life the two Battles of Trenton, including stops at the Trenton Battle Monument and Assunpink Creek. Dress warmly. Sponsored by the City of Trenton.
NJ State House Tours
10 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 2 p.m. – FREE
145 W. State St.
Guided tours of the historic chambers. Advance reservations required: 609-847-3150.
The Stars of 1776 – Planetarium Programs
12 p.m., 1 p.m., 2 p.m.
New Jersey State Museum Planetarium, 205 W. State St.
Explore the night sky as Washington’s troops saw it in 1776, plus additional shows. Tickets required; see event link for details.
Revolutionary Lives Exhibit
12–2 p.m. – FREE
First Presbyterian Church, 120 E. State St.
A traveling exhibit exploring the lives of everyday New Jerseyans during the Revolution. Presented by 120 East State.
NEW! Colonial Churches of Trenton – Walking Tour
1–4 p.m. – FREE
Meet at Trenton Free Public Library, 120 Academy St.
Visit three historic sites—the Quaker Meetinghouse, First Presbyterian Church, and St. Michael’s Episcopal Church—to learn about Trenton’s colonial-era religious communities.
Revolutionary Tea Party
2–3 p.m. – FREE
Trenton Free Public Library, 120 Academy St.
A presentation on colonial tea rituals, plus a tea tasting.
Colonial Ball
7–10 p.m. – TICKETS REQUIRED
Trenton Masonic Temple, 100 Barrack St.
Dance with reenactors to live Colonial-era music. Hosted by the Old Barracks Museum.
Patriots’ Scrabble
8–10 p.m. – FREE
Classics Books & Gifts, 4 West Lafayette St.
A Revolutionary-themed Scrabble night with bonus and penalty words.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 27
Reenactments take place rain, snow, or shine.
Make Your Own Tricorn Hat (Kids Workshop)
9:30–11 a.m. – FREE
NEW Visitor Center, 1 West State St.
Quakers: Choose a Side!
10 a.m. – FREE
Trenton Meeting of Friends, 142 E. Hanover St.
A talk on Quaker challenges during the Revolution.
Revolutionary Lives Exhibit
10 a.m.–4 p.m. – FREE
First Presbyterian Church.
First Battle of Trenton Reenactment
11 a.m. – FREE
Warren & Broad Streets (begins at Trenton Battle Monument).
Reenactors recreate the battle through downtown Trenton.
First Presbyterian Site Tours
11 a.m.–12 p.m. & 3:30–4:30 p.m. – FREE
The Trouble with Trenton (Puppet Show)
12 p.m. & 2 p.m. – FREE
Warren Street Plaza.
Make a Quill Pen (Kids Workshop)
12–2 p.m. – FREE
NEW Visitor Center.
Trenton 1775 Walking Tour
12–1:30 p.m. – FREE
Trenton Friends Meetinghouse.
Black Soldiers & the Many Sides of the Revolution
12–1 p.m. & 1:30–2 p.m. – FREE
First Presbyterian Church.
The Stars of 1776 – Planetarium
Shows at 12 p.m., 1 p.m., 2 p.m.
Building Blocks and History! (LEGO Program)
1 p.m. – FREE
Trenton Masonic Temple.
DAR Monument Dedication
1 p.m. – FREE
120 East State St.
Hogmanay! Scottish New Year Celebration
2 p.m. – FREE
1719 William Trent House, 15 Market St.
1st Presbyterian Church Cemetery Tour
2 p.m. – FREE
Second Battle of Trenton Reenactment
3 p.m. – FREE
Begins at First Presbyterian Church; continues in Mill Hill Park.
Assunpink Firewalk & Reading of “The American Crisis”
4–6:30 p.m. – FREE
Mill Hill Park.
Revolutionary Pub Crawl
5:30 p.m. – No fee (21+; pay as you go)
Starts at The Lobby Club.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 28
Make a Cornhusk Doll (Kids Workshop)
10 a.m.–12 p.m. – FREE
NEW Visitor Center.
The Stars of 1776 – Planetarium
12 p.m., 1 p.m., 2 p.m.
Make a Cup & Ball Game (Kids Workshop)
12–2 p.m. – FREE
NEW Visitor Center.
Tavern Talk
12–2 p.m. – Tickets required
First Presbyterian Church.
Early American Silver & Paul Revere
2–2:45 p.m. – FREE
Ellarslie, Trenton City Museum.
Revolutionary Lives Exhibit
2:30–4 p.m. – FREE
First Presbyterian Church Site Tours
2:30–3:30 p.m. & 3:30–4:30 p.m. – FREE
Author Talk: Prelude to the Crossing
3 p.m. – FREE
1719 William Trent House.
MONDAY, DECEMBER 29
NJ State House Tours
10 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 2 p.m. – FREE
Make Your Own Tricorn Hat (Kids Workshop)
10 a.m.–12 p.m. – FREE
NEW Visitor Center.
NJ State Library Tours
10 a.m. & 1 p.m. – FREE
185 W. State St.
Petty’s Run Tour
11 a.m. – FREE
Meet at Petty’s Run Archaeological Site.
Author Talk: Winning the Ten Crucial Days
12–1 p.m. – FREE (virtual)
Registration required.
Make a Cup & Ball Game (Kids Workshop)
12–2 p.m. – FREE
Songs and Stories of the Revolution
2–3 p.m. – FREE
Trenton Free Public Library.
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 30
NJ State House Tours
10 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 2 p.m.
NJ State Library Tours
10:30 a.m. & 1:30 p.m.
Civil War Flag Gallery Unveiling
10–11 a.m. – FREE
NJ State Museum.
The Stars of 1776 – Planetarium
12 p.m., 1 p.m., 2 p.m.
Hidden History Tour – St. Michael’s Church
1–2:30 p.m. – FREE
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 31
The Stars of 1776 – Planetarium
12 p.m., 1 p.m., 2 p.m.
“Je me souviens”: Last Day of the First Year of the Revolution
2 p.m. – FREE
1719 William Trent House.
Annual Interfaith Peace Vigil
4 p.m. – FREE
Trenton Friends Meetinghouse.
New Year’s Eve Celebration Concert
8 p.m. – Tickets required
Patriots Theater, Trenton War Memorial.
Includes 7:10 p.m. organ recital and post-concert champagne reception.
