Pictured Above: Holiday inspiration for the creative individual or family can be found throughout the region in our curated, tried & true holiday list. Find intimate caroling experiences & hands-on gift making to festive theatrics. Photo Credit: Mandee K. Hammerstein.

2025 Holiday Arts Guide: Top Culturally Festive Events to Enjoy this Season

November 25, 2025.

Mandee Hammerstein & Arts News Now present a curated guide to the top holiday arts within Bucks County, Philadelphia, Princeton, and Central New Jersey. The venues highlighted in this piece are the ones we visit, trust, and year after year, enthusiastically recommend. If you spot the Arts News Now contributor out and about, be sure to say hello! Wishing you a most creative and joy-filled holiday! This guide is organized in alphabetical order and each venue is categorized under live music, theater, and visual arts experiences. Happy planning & celebrating!

Live Music Events

Opera Philadelphia – Home for the Holidays
Wanamaker Grand Court, Philadelphia

December 2 at 7 p.m.

Opera Philadelphia’s Orchestra and Chorus, led by Geoffrey McDonald, join countertenor Anthony Roth Costanzo and soprano Leah Hawkins for a wide-ranging holiday concert in the iconic Wanamaker Building. The performance will be recorded for broadcast on WHYY-TV12 and WHYY 90.9 FM on December 23.

Pictured Above: Princeton High School Choir 2024. Photo Credit: PSO STAFF.

Princeton Symphony Orchestra – Holiday POPS!
Richardson Auditorium, Princeton University

December 13 at 3 PM and 6 PM

The Princeton Symphony Orchestra presents its annual Holiday POPS! celebration with conductor John Devlin, GRAMMY winner John Brancy, mezzo-soprano Kara Dugan, and the Princeton High School Choir. The program includes classical holiday favorites, festive orchestral works, and a joyful audience sing-along.

Pictured Above: The Friends of Hammerstein volunteers gathered to decorate Oscar Hammerstein’s house for the holidays in Doylestown, PA. Photo Credit: Hammerstein Museum Facebook page.

The Oscar Hammerstein Museum – “Happy Christmas Little Friend” Singalong
Doylestown, PA
December 13 at 11 AM

Families are invited to Highland Farm for seasonal and Hammerstein-themed songs performed with piano and guitar, along with coloring activities and crisp apple strudel. This pay-what-you-can event welcomes children and adults for a festive morning in Oscar Hammerstein’s historic home.

Riverside Symphonia
Lambertville, NJ
December 6 at 4 PM

Join Riverside Symphonia on Saturday, December 6, 2025 at 4PM at the First Presbyterian Church in Lambertville with Sounds of the Season. This traditional opening for this special time of year features the Chamber Orchestra under the baton of Maestro, Mariusz Smolij with guest soloist Veronica Richer from the Academy of Vocal Arts, Philadelphia. A performance by the South Hunterdon High School Chorus, under the leadership of Jocelyn Alam brings the celebration of traditional favorites.

Pictured Above: Bucks County Community College, in partnership with the Philadelphia Classical Guitar Society, presents Puerto Rico’s Leonela Alejandro in concert at 3 p.m. Saturday, December 6, at the Newtown Campus. Photo Credit: AdamCicchiillitti.com.

Zlock Performing Arts Center – Multiple Live Holiday Performances

Bucks County Community College, Newtown, PA

Leonela Alejandro

December 6

A rising classical guitar star and winner of the 2024 Guitar Foundation of America Grand Prize performs an expressive and powerful concert.

A Charlie Brown Christmas – Eric Mintel Quartet
December 11

A jazz tribute to Vince Guaraldi’s iconic music from the beloved holiday film.

Good Witch, Bad Witch – The Broadway Witches

December 14

Broadway artists Julie Rieber (Elphaba) and Emily Rozek (Glinda) perform selections from Wicked with the Pennsylvania Philharmonic. VIP meet-and-greet available.

Jane Monheit – Holiday Concert

December 19

Internationally known jazz vocalist Jane Monheit brings a warm, elegant holiday program of American Songbook classics.

Visual Arts

The Barnes Foundation – Holiday Hours and Offerings
Philadelphia, PA
December

The Barnes Foundation celebrates the season with extended holiday hours, special shopping events, festive dining, and its landmark exhibition Henri Rousseau: A Painter’s Secrets. Highlights include: Museum Store Sunday on Nov. 30 with exclusive Rousseau-inspired gifts and a complimentary tote with $75+ purchase. Early 9 a.m. openings on select days throughout Nov.–Jan. The acclaimed Rousseau exhibition, featuring rare reunions of works not shown together in over a century. Seasonal fare at the Garden Restaurant and Reflections Café. Perfect for out-of-town guests, art lovers, or anyone seeking a refined cultural holiday outing.

Pictured Above: Families gather to create for the holidays. Photo Credit: James A. Michener Museum website.

James A. Michener Art Museum – Holiday Happenings
Doylestown, PA
Throughout December

The Michener Museum shines during the holiday season with festive programs for families, art lovers, and community members of all ages.

Holiday Open House

December 2, 7–9 p.m., Free admission
Join the musuem for a memorable evening of holiday merrymaking at this annual community event! Enjoy seasonal craft activities, refreshments, and a variety of student performances.

Holiday Gift Workshop
December 6, 1–3 p.m.

Pre-registration is required for this event. Member discounts for youth programs begin at the Household Membership level. Celebrate the winter holiday season while creating two beautiful handmade gifts in this all-out gift-making celebration. Participants leave the workshop with their gifts wrapped, ready to give to family and friends. Call for details – we like to keep the gifts a surprise! Space is limited-register early!

Town and Country Holiday Show
December 19–21

Celebrate the season with Town and Country Players as they bring their cherished Holiday Show back to the Michener Art Museum! This cabaret-style concert features beloved holiday songs performed in the spectacular Edgar N. Putman Event Pavilion. Tickets must be purchased online via Town & County Players. Please be sure to choose the correct date and time when registering. Michener Art Museum members must contact the Town & Country Players box office directly at (215) 348-7566 in order to receive your member discount on tickets. $25 Member /$32.74 Non-Member /$20.24 Children ages 12 and under.

Pictured Above: The Friends of Hammerstein volunteers gathered to decorate Oscar Hammerstein’s house for the holidays in Doylestown, PA. Photo Credit: Hammerstein Museum Facebook page.

Morpeth Contemporary – Holiday Exhibitions
Hopewell, NJ

Christine Lafuente: City and Sea
November 15–30

Atmospheric oils and watercolors capturing Venice, Brooklyn, and the Maine coast through a painterly, light-driven approach.

Holiday Group Exhibition
December 6 – January 3

Opening reception December 5. A curated seasonal presentation of contemporary works across multiple media. A festive showcase featuring Morpeth’s distinguished roster of contemporary artists — ideal for collectors and for thoughtful, one-of-a-kind holiday gifts. Framing is also available at the gallery.

Theater

Pictured Above: Graphic for Promises to Keep: A Yuletide Ceremony at Phillips’ Mill. Photo Credit: Contributed.

Bristol Riverside Theatre – The Nice List
Bristol, PA
December 9–28

A world-premiere holiday musical directed by Alan Muraoka, featuring a high-energy cast and a story full of charm, comedy, and Christmas spirit as Santa’s elves take charge of the Nice List with unexpected results.

Bucks County Playhouse – Elf: The Musical
New Hope, PA
November 21 – January 4

A new production of the beloved holiday musical directed by Emmy Award winner John Tartaglia, featuring Chris Stevens as Buddy the Elf. Audiences can expect humor, heart, Broadway-level performances, and expanded holiday-week showtimes.

George Street Playhouse – Ebenezer Scrooge’s Big Jersey Christmas Show
New Brunswick, NJ
December 2–21

A humorous, locally inspired reimagining of A Christmas Carol featuring Nehal Joshi, Orville Mendoza, Michelle Ragusa, Cathryn Wake, and Kevin Pariseau.

McCarter Theatre – A Christmas Carol
Princeton, NJ

November 28 – December 14

McCarter’s long-standing holiday tradition returns with Cameron Knight as Ebenezer Scrooge. The production features Victorian costuming, live lobby choirs, beautifully staged scenes, and accessible performances throughout the run.

Music Mountain Theatre – A Christmas Carol & Holiday Concert
Lambertville, NJ

A Christmas Carol
November 28 – December 14
A popular tradition at Music Mountain Theatre for 15 years, featuring Alan Menken and Lynn Ahrens’ musical retelling of Dickens’ classic.

Holiday Concert
December 19–21
A big-band concert featuring holiday songs performed by MMT favorites.

Historic Newtown Theatre – Holiday Movie Series
Newtown, PA
Throughout December

A beloved community tradition featuring classic films including The Muppet Christmas Carol, The Bells of St. Mary’s, Christmas Vacation, March of the Wooden Soldiers, It’s a Wonderful Life, Elf (21+ event), Home Alone, White Christmas, A Christmas Story, and more. Some screenings are already sold out.

Phillips’ Mill – Promises to Keep: A Yuletide Ceremony
New Hope, PA
December 18, 7–8:30 p.m.

Phillips’ Mill presents an atmospheric winter-solstice-inspired event featuring ghost-story monologues performed by local actors Kim Cicconi, Griffin Horn, Carlos Jiga, and Jacob Ryan. Guests can enjoy warm cider, popcorn, and an intimate night of storytelling that blends spooky charm with holiday warmth. Admission is $10 for adults and free for children ages 7–12.