Planet Princeton Weekend Picks, Dec. 6-8

The Nassau Brass performs on Palmer Square Sunday afternoon.
The Nassau Brass performs on Palmer Square Sunday afternoon.

Friday, December 06

Sauce for the Goose Arts and Crafts Sale Opening Reception – Opening reception for the annual arts and crafts sale featuring paintings, drawings, ceramics, glasswork, holiday ornaments, greeting cards, photography, jewelry, hats, and scarves. Sale runs through December 21.  Reception 5 to 7 p.m., Arts Council of Princeton, Witherspoon Street. Free.

Advent Caroling at Infini-Tea – Adults and children, join in the singing of Christmas songs in German, English, Spanish and French. Bring a plate of cookies, Lebkuchen, Christstollen, nuts, clementines to share. A bottle of redwine if you like to drink Gluehwein (mulled wine), other drinks as well as Bratwurst and Brezeln will be available for sale.  6 to 10 p.m., Hulfish Street. Free.

A Capella Jam and Toy Drive – Bring a new unwrapped toy to brighten up a child’s life.  Donations will be made to the YWCA. jaZams toy store is collecting toys now through December 17th. Receive 20% off a toy at jaZams for the Toy Drive. From 6 to 8 p.m. on the Palmer Square Green.

Tree of Light Celebration at the Lewis School – Annual event to benefit the scholarship and program fund features the lighting of the tree, a holiday concert, food and silent auction. The thousands of lights lit on the tree represent the 30 million Americans who are struggling with learning disabilities and literacy.  6:30 p.m. Free.

World Premiere of “Ballad for Trayvon Martin for Orchestra and Jazz Quartet” by Anthony Branker – The Princeton University Orchestra and university’s jazz ensemble perform Branker’s new composition. Concert also includes works by Beethoven and Dvorak. 7:30 p.m. in Richardson Auditorium, Alexander Hall, Princeton University. Tickets $15.

A Christmas Carol – The holiday favorite is performed at McCarter Theatre Friday at 7:30 p.m., Saturday at  7:30 p.m., and Sunday at 1 p.m. Tickets $20 and up.

Saturday, December 7

Winter Wonder Run 6K at the Institute Woods – Come out for a 6K Run through the Institute Woods. Starts at Princeton Friends School, 470 Quaker Rd., at 10 a.m. The course is on maintained natural-surface trails in the Institute Woods.  Walkers are welcome. Course sweep consistent with runners on 15 minute per mile pace from main start.  Participants expecting to take longer than 50 minutes for the 6K, about 3.75 miles, should arrive by 9:30 a.m. for separate early start. Sign up at the event is $35. Day-of registration is space available, credit card only. REgistration opens on site at 8:45 a.m.

St. Nicholas Bazaar, Trinity Church –  Cookies, decorated gingerbread houses, Maine balsam wreaths, Christmas gift crafts, a cookie walk, bake sale, gourmet-to-go dinners, junior shoppers room and more at the popular annual holiday sale, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., 33 Mercer St. No entry fee.

Morven Festival of Trees – Check out the festive holiday trees decorated by area businesses and clubs. Noon to 4 p.m., $6 entry fee.

Breakfast with Santa at the Quaker Bridge Mall – Visit Santa at the newly opened Brio Tuscan Grille. There will be crafts and entertainment for kids while Santa makes a special appearance to enjoy a cozy meals with families in attendance. Participants must make reservations for the event by calling Brio Tuscan Grille at (609) 799-3169.

Palmer Square Holiday Music – The Jersey Harmony Chorus performs from noon to 2 p.m.

Holiday Handbell Concert, Princeton Theological Seminary – “Christmas Celebrations” concert features sacred and secular music. 3 p.m., Miller Chapel. Free.

Sunday, December 08

Winter Farmers Market, Slow Food Central New Jersey – Locally grown cheeses, breads, baked goods, produce, jams, wine, mushrooms, music and more. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Cherry Grove Farm in Lawrenceville. Admission $2.

Santa Photo Op for Children with Special Needs – The Quaker Bridge Mall will host a Caring Santa event  from 8 to 10 a.m. Caring Santa is a special event dedicated to families that have children with special needs, providing a subdued environment to visit the Santa Photo Experience. Shoppers are encouraged to RSVP for the Caring Santa event by visiting www.caringsanta.com.

Holiday Open House at Drumthwacket  – Tour the official residence of the governor. The event features theaters from the New Jersey Theater Alliance, in coordination with garden clubs throughout the state. Registration required. Call (609) 683-0057 for more information. 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. $5 donation.

Palmer Square Holiday Music – The Nassau Brass performs from noon to 2 p.m.

Princeton Girlchoir Concert Celebrating Benjamin Britten – In celebration of the centenary of Benjamin Britten, the Princeton Girlchoir will perform his beloved works for treble choruses including A Ceremony of Carols, Missa Brevis in D, Op. 63, Psalm 150, Op. 67 and other favorites. This concert will feature treble works, both secular and sacred, composed by Benjamin Britten. A Ceremony of Carols, Op. 28 which is scored for three-part treble chorus, solo voices, and harp was composed in 1942 while Britten was at sea, going from the United States to England. It is a choral piece of eleven movements written in Middle English. The poetry in this piece is rich and varied, ranging from tender lullabies to the new born baby, depictions of Mother Mary as a rose and a freezing, winter night. 3 p.m., Presbyterian Church of Lawrenceville, 2688 Main Street, Lawrenceville. Suggested donation $15 per person.
 
Princeton University Glee Club Holiday concert –  Holiday concert with the chamber choir features Bach’s Magnificat, BWV 243. Conducted by Gabriel Crouch. Richardson auditorium, Alexander Hall, Princeton University, 5 p.m. Tickets $15.