Top Things To Do And See At Trenton's Patriots Week

Every year, from December 26th to December 31st, Trenton, New Jersey hosts “Patriots Week”, an educational and participatory celebration of The Battles of Trenton and American Revolutionary times and spirit, sponsored by the Trenton Downtown Association. Most events are free.

In anticipation of this year’s program, here is a guide to some suggested activities. Find the complete list of events at www.patriotsweek.com:

1. Visit The Old Barracks - https://www.barracks.org/

See what it was like to live as a common solider during the Revolution. The guided tours by the re-enactors are especially worthwhile.

2. View The Battle of Trenton Re-Enactments

Ever experienced a revolutionary war battle? No? Here’s your chance to see, hear, and feel one! Well, almost. The two battles of Trenton are re-enacted on the self-same streets where they occurred over two hundred years ago. Not to be missed.

3. Watch The Musket Demonstrations

For a more personal touch, the musket demonstrations held at the barracks bring the sights and sounds of the battles just that much more close. Cover your ears!

4. Take The Trenton Battlefield Tour

The battlefield walking tour is a must. Once you experience first hand the layout of the town and its topography, you will easily understand why events transpired as they did. An easy to moderate walk.

5. Dance At The Colonial Ball

It’s not all guns and war during Patriots Week. The Colonial Ball gives everyone the chance to participate in the more enjoyable side of colonial life. You will be encouraged to dance – concentrate: follow all the steps! Almost everyone will be in period dress, but it is not required. The ladies’ costumes are especially elaborate and charming. Light refreshments are served. Tickets must be purchased ahead of time.

6. Go On The Pub Crawl

Meant to merge the spirit of the modern city of Trenton with its past, the pub crawl is an opportunity to get to know event participants personally, have a meal at a local restaurant (yes, pork roll is usually available), and share a drink or two. The organizers will be in period dress; you can wear it too, but it is not required. The event kicks off the week in good spirit!

7. Attend Educational Lectures

In-depth lectures or talks are presented throughout town to provide background into specific aspects of the battles and of the Revolution.  You will learn more than you might expect.

8. Visit The Masonic Museum

Many of the founding fathers were freemasons and the masonic stamp on the country’s government is unmistakable. Find out all about the “secret society” of the masons, as they open the doors of their lodge, ancient and mystic, to the public.

9. Celebrate Hogmanay, The Scottish New Year, at Trent House - https://williamtrenthouse.org/

The Trent House museum hosts an intimate Hogmanay celebration to introduce visitors to the museum. After the singing of Auld Lange Syne, be sure to see the restored rooms of the old house. Did they really fit on those little beds?

10. Experience The Battle of Princeton -https://www.nj.gov/dep/parksandforests/parks/princeton.html

Trenton is not the only place with a battle re-enactment during Patriots Week. Just up the road, on December 29th, the Battle of Princeton is re-enacted in real time at the Princeton Battlefield State Park. This will probably be your last chance at seeing a re-enactment until the spring.

Plus one…

Cross the Delaware With George Washington: https://www.washingtoncrossingpark.org/cross-with-us/

Annually, on Christmas Day, weather permitting, Washington’s crossing of the Delaware – the precursor to the Battles at Trenton, is re-enacted. Of course, there won't be any ice, but it is interesting to see just how hard it was.  Landlubbing visitors cross via the road bridge to the state park, where exhibits and demonstrations can be found.