Events On Both Sides Of The Delaware Commemorate The Crossing

UPPER MAKEFIELD, PA — Events celebrating George Washington's daring 1776 Christmas night crossing of the Delaware River will take place on both sides of the Delaware River on Sunday, Dec 11 in Washington Crossing, PA and Washington Crossing, NJ.

On the Pennsylvania side, thousands are expected to gather on the banks of the Delaware River to watch the reenactment of the river crossing. During the event, several hundred re-enactors in Continental military dress listen to an inspiring speech by General Washington and then row across the river in replica Durham boats.

The public can watch the re-enactment on Sunday, December 11 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. (actual crossing at approximately 1 p.m.). In addition to the crossing, special colonial-era activities and demonstrations throughout the historic village will provide families with a full day of fun and learning.

Cost to attend the December 11 crossing is $8 for adults, $4 for children ages five to 11, and free for those under five. Family rate is $20 for two adults and two children. Tickets are available at WashingtonCrossingPark.org/cross-with-us. Proceeds from this reenactment support future programs in the park.

The 70th annual Christmas Day crossing will take place from noon to 3 p.m. on December 25 (actual crossing at approximately 1 p.m.). The Christmas Day crossing is free, and it is recommended that visitors arrive well before 1 p.m. to ensure a good place along the viewing line.

River crossings are contingent upon safe conditions for participants. However, even if conditions do not allow for crossing, ceremonies, speeches and commemorative activities still occur.

Across the river on Sunday, Dec. 11 Washington Crossing State Park, New Jersey presents a free event, "Washington’s Landing in New Jersey.”

From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., park historians, the Washington Crossing Park Association, the First Rhode Island Regiment and other New Jersey-based reenactor groups will give the public an opportunity to experience both the Crossing and the March to Trenton through the eyes of the men and women who lived it.

The encampment will take place at the New Jersey park’s “Overlook,” next to the historic Johnson Ferry House, with a view of the river below. Reenactors will patrol the lower park, encouraging visitors to undertake a brief “march” over the park’s pedestrian bridge and up to the Overlook, where cozy fires, hot cider, and skilled reenactors will regale them with tales of the rich history that took place in Mercer County. Special efforts will be made to engage the youngest visitors in the hope of sparking their interest in New Jersey history.

The event will feature programming throughout the day, including a presentation by noted historian Larry Kidder, entitled “The Crossing Was Just the Beginning: The little-known story of local New Jersey militiamen who guided Washington's army to Trenton.”

The program is made possible in part by the Mercer County Division of Culture & Heritage through funding from the New Jersey Historical Commission. It is also supported by generous donations by the Swan Historical Foundation, the NJM Insurance Group, and Revolutionary NJ, with the New Jersey Historical Commission.