Holidays on the Square

Adorned with fresh garland, red velvet ribbons and twinkling white lights,
Palmer Square is the quintessential setting for holiday shopping, dining
and memorable events.

We hope you and your family will join us…

Community Lantern Walk


Saturday, November 19th
6:00pm
Make your own lantern or purchase one at jaZams and join them for a magical moonlit walk through Princeton. Plus a joyful sing-a-long and free hot apple cider and cookies. (Sponsored by jaZams and the Waldorf School of Princeton.)

Tree Lighting Ceremony

Friday, November 25
5:00 pm
Kick off the Season with our Tree Lighting Spectacular! Our 65-foot Norwegian spruce is adorned with over 32,000 lights and will be lit with the help of Santa Claus and special musical performances.

Strolling Holiday Entertainment & Santa


Every Saturday and Sunday afternoon starting November 26th, enjoy seasonal sounds, plus meet Santa around the Square.

Holiday Entertainment 1:00-3:00pm:


Saturday, November 26th: Nassau Brass
Sunday, November 27th: Snow, Sleighbells, and Saxophones
Saturday, December 3rd: Nassau Brass
Sunday, December 4th: Holiday Brass
Saturday, December 10th: Jersey Harmony Chorus
Sunday, December 11th: Snow, Sleighbells, and Saxophones
Saturday, December 17th: Spiced Punch
Sunday, December 18th: Spiced Punch

Strolling Santa:

Saturday, November 26th, 12:00 – 2:30pm
Sunday, November 27th, 1:00 – 3pm
Saturday, December 3rd, 12:00 – 2:30pm
Sunday, December 4th, 1 – 3:00pm
Saturday, December 10th, 12:00 – 2:30pm
Sunday, December 11th, 1:00 – 3:00pm
Saturday, December 17th, 12:00 – 2:30pm
Sunday, December 18th, 1:00 – 3:00pm  


Santa’s Helpers Walking Tours


Saturdays, November 26, December 3, 10, 17, 24
Tour times at 11:30am and 1:30pm A family friendly and picturesque strolling tour designed for parents and grandparents with 4yr, 5yr & 6yr old children. (Presented in partnership with Princeton Tour Company)


Holiday Trolley Tours by Princeton Tour Company


Saturdays, November 26, December 3, 10, 17, 24
Hourly tours departing at the top of the hour 10am thru 5pm; loads and unloads in front of Mediterra. Make your winter shopping trip to Princeton that much more magical when you plan it around an iconic trolley tour! (Co-sponsored by Palmer Square)

Princeton University Holiday Jam and Toy Drive


Friday, December 9
6:30pm – 8:00pm
Come enjoy the awesome sounds of student a cappella and performing arts groups. Bring a new unwrapped toy to be donated to a local charity. Receive 20% off a toy at jaZams for the toy drive.


Breakfast with Santa at the Nassau Inn


Sunday, December 11
Seatings at 8:30am and 11:00am Join the most magical man around to celebrate the holidays at the most magical place in town! Reservations required; seating is limited; communal style.


Menorah Lighting


Tuesday, December 27
5:00pm – 6:00pm
Join special guest speakers and the Odessa Klezmer Band as we light our Menorah! The ceremony will take place at the North Plaza on Hulfish Street in front of Mediterra restaurant.  Then march in a procession to the Senior Room at the Nassau Inn for music, dancing, a kid’s activity and traditional Kosher foods including latkes and donuts.