Holiday Magic in Princeton

There’s certainly no place like Princeton for the holidays!

Now more than ever, we all need some holiday cheer. When you stay at the Inn this season, you’ll be transported to a winter village straight out of a holiday postcard! Take a stroll through our joyful town and feel the magic on every corner. Sip hot cocoa under the twinkling lights wrapped across every tree and storefront. Visit with Santa Claus and sing along with carolers during your weekend trip. While we may need to socially distance and wear a mask, that won’t stop the holiday spirit from filling the streets.

A visit to the heart of Princeton isn’t complete without stopping to take in the symbols of the season. The 65 ft. tall Christmas tree on the Palmer Square Green with its 33,000+ lights can be seen from anywhere on the Square. Stop for a family photo and take in its majesty! The Jewish Center of Princeton also celebrates the 8 nights of Hanukkah with the lighting of a menorah on Hulfish Street, just behind our hotel. Morven Museum & Garden’s Festival of Trees Tradition also continues this year, year like no other. They’ll keep their doors open Wednesday through Sunday through January 10th to give everyone extra time to see it!

And as we all know, Princeton isn’t just walkable, it’s shoppable! Adorned with garland, bows and ribbon, allow Princeton’s small businesses help you shop safely for everyone on your list. Share joy, shop small, and make a big impact this year.

Purchase treats at Thomas Sweet Chocolate as you indulge in the beauty of their stunning Holiday Village window display through January 6th. Walk to Rouge, Dandelion, Toobydoo and Barbour and maybe Lindt and then through the window, you’ll see the spectacular crane art exhibition established by the Princeton Paper Crane Project. Its creator, Heidi Moon from Miya Table & Home, in partnership with the Arts Council of Princeton have brought their 17,000+ colorful cranes to Palmer Square for your viewing pleasure through the end of this year!

Pick up games at Jazams Toys, cozy pajamas at Lace Silhouettes and a bottle of wine from Princeton Corkscrew. Admire the mini Christmas trees decorated by local retailers and restaurants on Nassau Street on your way to Ralph Lauren, Zoe, the Princeton Art Museum’s store, and the newest addition to Palmer Square – Madewell! Is your trip complete with going to the Princeton Record Exchange, Hamilton Jewelers, or PJ’s Pancake House? Or perhaps you’d prefer to take a stroll through Hinds Plaza with your Small World cappuccino in hand on your way to J. McLaughlin or Halo Pub. Beat the crowds when you shop with easy contactless curbside pickup options! *All stores and restaurants comply with the health and safety guidelines to ensure your experience is enjoyable and safe.

After shopping to your heart’s content, start a new tradition and glide into the new year on our back patio! Breathe in the crisp, winter air on Palmer Square’s outdoor “eco-friendly” Glice skating rink. Through February 28th, skate under the lights and make lasting memories you’ll have for years to come. The rink is open Thursday – Sunday. You can even host a private event for your closest friends and family and skate the day away! If you need a cocktail or a quick bite to eat, visit the Yankee Doodle Tap Room’s Skate Bar. *Masks are required for entry to the skating rink and skate bar.

Looking to sit and enjoy a longer meal before calling it a night? Just steps from your room, the hotel restaurant, the Yankee Doodle Tap Room, has transformed their patio into a winter wonderland. They have set up igloos for an ultimate private outdoor dining experience. Equipped with a heater, their igloos will keep you nice and warm while allowing you to safely dine with your family and friends. Visit their website to make your reservation! *The igloos are cleaned between each seating with a sanitization sprayer and aired out for 15 minutes before being seated again.

For a list of store hours, offers and events, visit palmersquare.com or princetonmerchants.org!