Step back in time this December as General Washington’s daring Delaware River crossing is brought to life during two spectacular reenactments at Washington Crossing Historic Park, located at 1112 River Road Washington Crossing, PA 18977 at the intersection of Routes 532 and 32. Thousands will gather on the banks of the river to witness this defining moment of the American Revolution, an enduring holiday tradition now in its 73rd year.
The Friends of Washington Crossing Park will host two opportunities to experience the Crossing this season: the First Crossing on Sunday, December 14, and the Christmas Day Crossing on Thursday, December 25. Both events feature hundreds of reenactors in full Continental Army dress, bringing the 18th century to life with military drills, fife and drum music, and the dramatic river crossing in replica Durham boats. Funding for this event was provided by America250PA’s Semiquincentennial Grant Program.
Time: 10:00 AM-3:00 PM (actual crossing at 1:00 PM)
Tickets: $9 for adults, $5 for children ages 5-11, free for children under 5; family rate (2 adults and 2 children under 18) is $25.
The First Crossing is not a dress rehearsal, it’s a full-day event that offers visitors a wide range of immersive 18th-century experiences beyond the historical reenactment. Guests can take part in a variety of activities designed for visitors of all ages:
Meet General Washington and his guard in the historic villageHear the Washington Crossing Fife & Drum Corps performSee reenactors row across the Delaware RiverParticipate in kids military drills with toy musketsExperience live cannon fireView mounted militia riding on horsebackExplore a follower’s encampment, flying hospital and sutleryWatch blacksmiths demonstrate their craftTaste period bread from Half Crown BakehouseJoin the officers’ wives for tea and conversation
Guest Narrator and Featured Author: Tom Hand
This year’s event welcomes Tom Hand, founder of Americana Corner, as guest narrator and featured author. A graduate of the United States Military Academy West Point and a member of the Board of Trustees for the American Battlefield Trust, Hand is dedicated to preserving and sharing America’s founding story through education and public history initiatives.
Hand will also participate in a special book signing and presentation featuring his recent works:
An American Triumph: America’s Founding Era through the Lives of Ben Franklin, George Washington, and John AdamsAmerica Victorious: Lesser-Known Campaigns and Commanders That Helped Win American Independence
Book Signing and Presentation Schedule:
10:00-11:00 AM: Book Signing11:00-11:30 AM: Author Presentation11:30 AM-12:00 PM: Book Signing
Members of the Friends of Washington Crossing Park receive access to a heated members-only tent with refreshments, provided by OnePoint BFG Wealth Partners. Tickets can be purchased in advance at WashingtonCrossingPark.org/cross-with-us. Proceeds from this event support educational programming and ensure that the Christmas Crossing remains free.
The traditional Christmas Crossing commemorates Washington’s bold move across the Delaware on the night of December 25, 1776. Visitors are encouraged to arrive by 11:30 AM to secure the best view of the riverbank ceremony, which includes military processions, fife and drum performances, and an inspiring speech from General Washington himself. Admission is free, thanks to proceeds from the First Crossing and contributions from many generous donors. McCaffrey’s Food Market will provide refreshments in a heated tent for Members of the Friends.
Parking is free and clearly marked. Individuals with disabilities who need assistance or accommodations should contact the Visitor Center at 215-493-4076. River crossings are contingent upon safe river conditions. In the event of unsafe weather, which does not allow for the crossing to occur, ceremonies, speeches and living history demonstrations will still take place.
Washington’s Crossing is part of the Ten Crucial Days, a pivotal campaign from December 25, 1776, through January 3, 1777, during which Washington’s army achieved three critical victories at Trenton and Princeton that changed the course of the Revolutionary War. For a complete list of partner events, including the Old Barracks Museum’s Patriots Week in Trenton (December 26-31) and the Princeton Battlefield Society’s reenactment (January 4), visit http://www.WashingtonCrossingPark.org.
The Friends of Washington Crossing Park shares the powerful story of General George Washington’s daring crossing of the Delaware River on Christmas Night 1776 and interprets its ongoing impact on world history for both today’s citizens and future generations. Through the fundraising and the generous support of our donors and members, we are able to maintain and sustain this significant historic site and welcome thousands of schoolchildren, families, individuals and groups every year. In partnership with the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, the Friends offer guided interpretive tours and educational programming in the park. The group also holds a number of annual events, several fundraisers and more. Visit washingtoncrossingpark.org to learn more.
