Trenton
New Jersey
Trenton Downtown Association Happenings - December 2022
Arts and Entertainment
December 2, 2022
From: Trenton Downtown Association
‘Tis the Season for Fun & Good Cheer
Swing into the holidays with this month’s lineup of fun and festive events happening downtown! Whether it’s seeing a classic play, experiencing new art exhibits, or immersing yourself in history during Patriots Week, you will be sure to find something new to do!
There is no better way to spread joy throughout the Trenton community this holiday season!
Don’t forget to submit your next event. We are posting new events all the time on the TDA website as well. Send us yours today!
SATURDAY, DEC 3
12 to 5 pm
Mill Hill Holiday House Tour
PRESENTED BY: Mill Hill House and Garden Tours
LOCATION: Tour begins at Artworks, 19 Everett Alley, Trenton
Trenton’s holiday tradition! Tour of historic Mill Hill neighborhood featuring holiday decor and festivities. Tickets $20/each.
WEDNESDAY, DEC 7
Starts at 4:30 pm
Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
PRESENTED BY: City of Trenton
LOCATION: Trenton City Hall Atrium
Featuring a musical performance by TCHS and SPROUT U School of Arts.
MONDAY - SATURDAY, DEC 26 - 31
Patriots Week 2022
PRESENTED BY: Patriots Week Committee
LOCATION: Multiple locations in Trenton
Patriots Week is a unique opportunity for residents and tourists to explore historic sites and experience those pivotal days in our nation’s history — events that changed the world.
This year, the Trenton Downtown Association (TDA) is partnering again with local groups to bring history to life for individuals of all ages and backgrounds. Through the immersive experience that is Patriots Week, we recognize Trenton’s unique and pivotal role in the American Revolution.
You’ll find a full schedule of all 2022 Patriots Week events on the official website. Other events include informational talks and webinars, historical tours, and even planetarium shows that show what the night sky looked like in 1776!
2022 Patriots Week Event Schedule
TUESDAY, DEC 27
11 am to 6 pm
Sixth Annual Kwanzaa 365 Celebration
PRESENTED BY: The Smith Family Foundation
LOCATION: Harambee Circle, One Memorial Drive, Trenton
The Kinara Lighting Ceremony will be streaming live from Trenton City Hall with a performance by recording artist K-Li Market Place.
SATURDAY, DEC 3
5 to 8 pm
Curated by Trenton
OPENING RECEPTION
PRESENTED BY: The Trenton City Museum at Ellarslie
LOCATION: Cadwalader Park, Trenton
Meet the curators and artists! 20+ Artists, 6 Curated Shows and 1 Museum. The show will be on view through January 22, 2023.
The Curators: C.a. Shofed, Lank, Buck Malvo, Heather Palecek, Brass Rabbit and Habiyb Shu’aib.
SATURDAY, DEC 3
7 pm
Consolation of Apollo
PRESENTED BY: NJ State Museum & The LOTUS Project
LOCATION: 205 W State Street, Trenton
Take a break from the holiday music and huddle up under the stars for a live concert like you’ve never experienced! Explore the wonder of the Apollo 8 mission and space discovery through choral music based on the actual transmissions of the astronauts.
THURSDAY, DEC 8
6 to 9 pm
Ink & Drink: Holiday Card Making
PRESENTED BY: Artworks Trenton
LOCATION: 19 Everett Alley, Trenton
Shake off the stress of your workweek and come join us for a relaxing night of “Ink & Drink!” Artworks provides the ink, as long as you bring the drink! The Print Studio at Artworks is hosting a print night with our studio monitor to assist you in a fun and easy activity using simple printmaking techniques to create a one-of-a-kind masterpiece.
FRIDAY - SUNDAY, DEC 9 - 11
A Christmas Carol
PRESENTED BY: Passage Theatre
LOCATION: Mill Hill Playhouse, Trenton
Back by popular demand! Passage is bringing back their two-person version of the holiday classic, with more rehearsal time, more elements of design and even more laughter!
SATURDAY & SUNDAY, DEC 10 & 11
10 am to 5 pm
Wreck the Halls
PRESENTED BY: Trenton Punk Rock Flea Market
LOCATION: CURE Insurance Arena, Trenton
The Trenton Punk Rock Flea Market returns for our annual WRECK THE HALLS Holiday Market at our Trenton home base: the CURE Insurance Arena on South Broad Street.
Featuring more than 300 different small businesses, artists & makers each day with indoor vendors, live music, food trucks, celebrity guests, live tattooing and more.
OPENING RECEPTION: DEC 10, 6 to 9 pm
ON DISPLAY DEC 10 - JAN 7
The Red Dot 10x10 Exhibition
PRESENTED BY: Artworks Trenton
LOCATION: 19 Everett Alley, Trenton
The Red Dot shows support of Community Arts in Trenton. Over 100 Trenton area artists create art on a 10”x10” canvas. The works are dynamic, diverse and all created specifically for Artworks.
SUNDAY, DEC 11
3 pm
The Nutcracker: Tchaikovsky’s Iconic Ballet
PRESENTED BY: American Repertory Ballet & The Capital Philharmonic of New Jersey
LOCATION: Patriots Theater
Celebrate this holiday favorite with your family! Featuring a live orchestra and chorus.For the first time, American Repertory Ballet will collaborate with the Capital Philharmonic of New Jersey, led by conductor Daniel Spalding. These professional artists will be joined by the Trenton Children’s Chorus.
SATURDAY, DEC 17
1 to 3 pm
Redemption Alley Play
PRESENTED BY: The Don Evans Players and the Trenton Free Public Library
LOCATION: Trenton Free Public Library
The Don Evans Players and the Trenton Free Public Library present a Holiday and Play Showcase: Redemption Alley. The play is an Afro-Urban Dickens adaptation for teens and adult audiences. Free admission, with first come, first serve seating.
THURSDAY, DEC 29
4:30 to 8:30 pm
Patriots Week Pub Crawl
PRESENTED BY: Patriots Week Committee
LOCATION: 1911 Smokehouse BBQ, The Lobby Club, Mill Hall Saloon & Trenton Social
Enjoy good drinks, food and camaraderie as you walk to four downtown Trenton “pubs.” The crawl starts at 1911 Smokehouse BBQ, then continues to The Lobby Club, Mill Hill Saloon and Trenton Social. Visit each establishment with the group or on your own.
SATURDAY, DEC 31
8 pm
New Year’s Eve: The Fabulous 40’s and 50’s Tribute to Ella Fitzgerald
PRESENTED BY: Capital Philharmonic of New Jersey
LOCATION: Patriots Theater, Trenton
Ring in the new year with your favorite nostalgic tunes of Irving Berlin, Cole Porter, Gershwin, and more. Paula Johns will serenade you with the sounds of Ella Fitzgerald’s iconic songs, with a surprise from CPNJ’s Principal Trumpet, Bob Gravener.