The fun doesn’t have to stop just because winter’s here. When you live in Frenchtown, NJ, there’s always plenty to do no matter what the season. If you have a few empty spots in your winter calendar, you’ll want to pencil in one or more of these events. 

Holiday Activities in Frenchtown

The holidays are a special time for children and adults alike in Frenchtown. The town starts the holiday season with a visit from Santa Claus. The North Pole’s most important citizen usually paddles down the Delaware River in a canoe in early December. A tree lighting ceremony, held the same evening, features refreshments and performances by the local high school choir. Due to the ongoing pandemic, we recommend periodically checking the Frenchtown Business and Professional Association’s Facebook page often for updates in case any events need to be rescheduled or cancelled.

Frenchtown’s downtown business district is a convenient place to start your holiday shopping. Twinkling holiday decorations make the streets particularly festive, and stores offer extended shopping hours for your convenience during the holiday season. Once you’ve finished shopping, you may want to take a stroll through the residential streets and marvel at the elaborately decorated homes.

Hunterdon County Gingerbread Display
314 State Route 12, Flemington

The 11^th annual Gingerbread Display showcases the ingenuity of our area’s talented bakers. Visit the Hunterdon County Library between December 6 and 28 to vote for your favorite gingerbread creations.

Comedy Night at the National Hotel
31 Race Street, Frenchtown

Have you been feeling that you need to get out of the house more? Why not pay a visit to the National Hotel’s popular comedy night? It’s the perfect antidote to the winter blahs. Every Tuesday night at 7 p.m., the Rathskeller Tavern in the hotel hosts a slate of comedians sure to tickle your funny bone.

A Christmas Carol at Music Mountain Theatre
1483 NJ – 179, Lambertville

For the 11^th year in a row, Music Mountain Theatre is staging an adaptation of this holiday classic. Will Ebenezer Scrooge change his ways before it’s too late? What will ever become of poor Tiny Tim? You’ll need to attend one of the weekend performances of the play to find out. A Christmas Carol will be held on Friday and Saturday nights at 8 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday afternoons at 3 p.m. from November 26 through December 12. Other upcoming Magic Mountain productions include holiday concerts from December 17 to 19, Noises Off from January 7 – 23, and Viva Las Vegas from January 28 – February 13. 

Author Readings and Workshop at Frenchtown Bookshop
28 Bridge Street, Frenchtown

Whether you’re an aspiring writer or just appreciate a good book, you’re sure to enjoy one of these winter programs at Frenchtown Bookshop:

• First Saturday Poetry Reading on December 4: December’s featured poet is BJ Ward, the author of “Jackleg Opera”. BJ will share a few of his poems during the free reading, which will be held from 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. 
• The Craft of Writing Workshop on December 7: “Say This and More: The Power of Great Dialogue,” is the topic of this writer’s workshop held from 6 – 7:30 p.m. Writing mentor Kathryn Craft will explain how a narrative arc can improve the flow of your story, play or novel. Attendees will be charged a $30 drop-in tuition fee.
• Author Reading on January 9: Kendall Smith, author of “Rookie Father,” will read from his popular book about fatherhood. The free reading will be held from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.
  
  

Winter Tastings at Alba Vineyard and Winery
269 County Rd. 627, Milford

Wine tastings aren’t just a warm-weather activity. In fact, Alba Vineyard and Winery, located just 10 minutes from downtown Frenchtown, offers tastings all winter long. Their self-guided wine flight includes wines grown from the vineyard’s very own grapes. Tastings are held from November 22 through April 14 from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, and 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Reservations aren’t needed for small groups but are a must if your group will include 5 to 6 people. 

Frenchtown Holiday Artist & Maker Marketplace

If you aren't a fan of visiting the crowded malls and shopping centers early on Black Friday, consider taking a drive to Frenchtown for their Holiday Artist and Maker Marketplace event. The downtown area of Frenchtown will decked out with holiday decorations made by local artists and visitors can see the first ever Frenchtown holiday tree. There will also be a community Menorah and a mailbox to drop off letters to Santa. The Frenchtown bagpiper will play music as visitors stroll the area and pop in and out of local shops, galleries and eateries along Bridge Street.

Are you looking for a brand-new home close to stores and activities? Consider buying one of the brand new single-family attached homes at Country Classics at Frenchtown and you will be located near all of the action in and around the area! Contact us today to learn more about our current availability for sale.