Planet Princeton Weekend Picks, Dec. 1-3

The Roxy Ballet presents “The Nutcracker” at The College of New Jersey Saturday. File photo from the Roxy Ballet.

Friday, December 1

A graphic design exhibition – Work by Princeton University Students and Alumni – Award-winning faculty member, artist and writer David Reinfurt curates an exhibition of work by Princeton students from 2010 to the present representing work created during the seven years since the program in visual arts launched courses in graphic design. Work by 184 past and current students — a mix of animated, printed and digital media. 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Hurley Gallery, Lewis Center Arts Complex, Princeton. Free More information

 

Panel Discussion: What Is the Role of STEM Literacy in Successful Prisoner Reentry? – Access to higher education reduces recidivism rates by almost half and increases the employability of formerly incarcerated people. Many incarcerated students wish to pursue degrees in STEM fields, which lead to diverse career avenues, rewarding jobs, high income potential, and societal status. However, university-level STEM coursework is rarely available to incarcerated students. 3 p.m., Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs at Robertson Hall, corner of Prospect and Faculty Roads, Princeton. More information

Annie, Jr. – Acting Naturally presents….”Annie, Jr.”. As an orphan during the depression, Annie is determined to find her parents. Currently living in an orphanage with mean-ol-Miss Hannigan, Annie tries to escape to a better life. Oliver Warbucks offers her a home in his mansion for Christmas that changes both their lives.  7 p.m. Acting Naturally Theatre, 164 Flowers Mill Road, Langhorne, Pa. $10 – $12 More information

Princeton Dance Festival – Princeton Dance Festival, presented by the Lewis Center for the Arts’ program in dance. Works by Alexandra Beller, Bill T. Jones (staged by Stuart Singer), Ohad Naharin (staged by Omri Drumlevich), Rebecca Lazier, Brian Reeder, Olivier Tarpaga, and Raphael Xavier, performed by students in the dance program. 8 p.m., Berlind Theatre at McCarter Theatre Center, 91 University Pl, Princeton. $8 – $17 More information

 

Saturday, December 2

Dash Away 5k and 1 mile walk – Want a quick way to get into the spirit of the holiday season? Then head on over to Pennington on Saturday, Dec. 2 for the third annual DashAway 5K. The 3.1-mile race is run over a scenic, fast course through Hopewell Township. Start (9 a.m.) and finish at Pennington Presbyterian Church. More information

Hopewell United Methodist Church Craft Bazaar – “A Visit to Candy Cane Lane” is the theme for the annual Christmas Bazaar being held from 9 a.m to 3 p.m. at the Hopewell United Methodist Church, 20 Blackwell Avenue in Hopewell. The bazaar features baked goods, gifts, crafts and hand-made goodies made by church members and friends. Hopewell United Methodist Church, 20 Blackwell Avenue, Hopewell. More information

Trinity Church Princeton St. Nicholas Bazaar – The 26th annual Trinity Church St. Nicholas Bazaar will be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Trinity parishioners have cut English and American boxwood to be made into topiaries and centerpieces. More than 70 fragrant balsam wreaths from Maine have been decorated. The bazaar will feature a cookie walk and bake sale and “parish originals” featuring more than 50 handmade gifts. Vendors, silent auction and more. The Trinity Strings musicians will perform and lunch will be served. Children can shop for family presents inside Junior Shoppers, where adults are not allowed, but elves will offer gift advice. St. Nick will greet your family and pose for selfies.Trinity Church Princeton, 33 Mercer St, Princeton. More information

 

Winter Wonder Run 6K at the Institute Woods – Come on out for a 6K at the beautiful Institute Woods. The course is on maintained natural-surface trails in the Institute Woods.  The event is open to all skill levels, including those who wish to walk the course. Post-run refreshments provided. Day-of sign in and registration from 8:45 to 9:45 a.m. Walk starts at 9:45 a.m. Princeton Friends School, 470 Quaker Road, Princeton, NJ. $23 – $50 More information

Open Studio – In the heart of Princeton there is a clay studio that will be open for visitors on the first weekend in December. Artist and retired Princeton Charter School art teacher El Hirvonen will be displaying her work and offering items for sale, from functional cups and plates to large garden sculpture. Raisin Studio, 138 John Street, Princeton.  More information

West Windsor Winter Farmers’ Market – The West Windsor Community Farmers’ Market is holding indoor markets this winter at the Windsor Athletic Club. The club is located at 99 Clarksville Road in West Windsor. Winter market hours are 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.  Live music at each market. Windsor Athletic Club, 99 Clarksville Road, West Windsor. More information

Soul-Filled Bowls: A Community Project Feeding the Hungry – The Arts Council of Princeton’s Ceramics Community of students, instructors and local ceramic artists are creating over 200 handmade bowls to feed the hungry in anticipation of the second annual Soul-Filled Bowls event to be held in the Taplin Gallery. The public is invited to purchase bowls for $20. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Paul Robeson Center for the Arts, 102 Witherspoon Street, Princeton. More information

 

 

Strolling Holiday Entertainment and Santa on Palmer Square – Enjoy music on Palmer Square while you shop The Tigertones will perform Saturday and Sunday from 1 to 3 p.m. You can also stop by the Palmer Square Winter Wonderland and Photo WorkshopHoliday and family portraits will be taken by Wonder Years Studio. Photos with Santa, walks in only, between 1 to 5 p.m.More information

 

Roxey Ballet’s Nutcracker –  Clara and her friends will take you on an enchanting voyage to meet magical mice, giant rats, marching soldiers, swirling snowflakes, waltzing flowers and the beautiful Sugar Plum Fairy. Brilliant costumes and elaborate sets draw the audience into a heart-lifting marvelous journey. 7 p.m., with sensory-friendly performance for children and adults with autism spectrum disorder and other sensitivity issues or special needs at 2 p.m., The College of New Jersey, Kendall Main Stage Theater, 2000 Pennington Road, Ewing. $20 More information

 

 

Saxophone Legend Archie Shepp Performs at Princeton University – Saxophone legend, composer, pianist, singer, poet, and playwright Archie Shepp and pianist/organist/vocalist Amina Claudine Myers will perform with Princeton University’s Creative Large Ensemble, directed by Darcy James Argue. 8 p.m., Richardson Auditorium in Alexander Hall, Princeton University. $15 More information

Sunday, December 3

Lawrence Holiday Tree Lighting – The annual holiday tree lighting will be held at 6 p.m. on the front steps of the Lawrence Municipal Building, 2207 Lawrenceville Road. More information

Make a Watercolor Wood Slice Ornament – Presented by Homestead Princeton with the Mama Makers Sunday, Dec. 3,  11a.m. to 2 p.m. Create a customizable watercolor ornament to commemorate a special event or milestone for yourself or as a gift. Homestead Princeton, 43 Hulfish Street, Princeton. $15 More information

 

Carillon Concert at Princeton University – Holiday music will be performed on the carillon. Considered the largest musical instrument in the world, a carillon consists of a series of at least 23 tuned bells, played from a keyboard that allows expressiveness through variation in touch, and on which the player, or carillonneur, can play a broad range of music. 1 p.m., Princeton University Graduate College, Grover Cleveland Tower, 88 College Road West, Princeton. Free More information

Santa Visits Weeden Park in Lawrenceville – Visit Weeden Park from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and usher in the holidays with Santa and Mrs. Claus. There will be crafts to make, carols to sing, hot chocolate to sip, and treats to munch on at this festive event, which will be topped off with the lighting of the tree.  More information

Let the Bells Ring: Handbell Concert – Hyosang Park, music director and solo handbell artist at Princeton United Methodist Church, will present a handbell choir and ensemble in the concert “Let the Bells Ring.” Park will play solo handbells with Akiko Hosaki at the piano.5 p.m., Princeton United Methodist Church, 7 Vandeventer Avenue, Princeton. More information

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