December is here and that means it’s time for us to reenact George Washington’s daring crossing of the Delaware! If you plan to attend one of our two crossing reenactments, we’ve compiled a list of answers to the most common questions we receive.
What are the dates for the 2021 Crossings?
Washington Crossing Historic Park will host the First Crossing on Sunday, December 12 from 10 am to 4 pm. Narration begins at 12:30 pm. The crossing begins at approximately 1 pm.
The 69th Annual Christmas Day Crossing Reenactment will take place on Saturday, December 25th from Noon to 3pm. Actual crossing at approximately 1 pm.
Is there an admission fee?
An admission fee will be charged for the First Crossing on December 12. Admission is $8 for adults, $4 for children ages 5-11, and Free for children under 5, active military and park members. There is also a family rate of $20 for two adults and two children under age 18. Purchase your tickets today.
There is no charge for the Christmas Day crossing.
Where do I park?
Handicap parking is available directly across from the Visitor Center. General parking will be diagonally across from the Visitor Center. Directional signs will be posted.
What is the best vantage point for watching the Crossing?
We say the best place to watch is along the riverbank in Washington Crossing, PA. But both reenactments can be viewed from either the NJ or PA riverbank – depending on whether you’d like to see the boats leaving or arriving. For the Christmas Day event, the bridge over the Delaware will be closed to motor vehicles. Spectators may view the crossing from the bridge if they choose.
Which reenactment is more crowded?
The Christmas Day Crossing tends to be the more crowded event.
Will there be other activities the day of the Crossing?
During the First Crossing on December 12, there will be period demonstrations, kids’ activities, and the opportunity to learn how people lived during the Revolution. Also at the First Crossing, author Patrick O’Donnell will be presenting two, 20-minute talks at 11 am and 3 pm followed by a Q&A and book signing for his latest book, The Indispensables: The Diverse Soldier-Mariners Who Shaped the Country, Formed the Navy, and Rowed Washington Across the Delaware.
The Christmas Day event will consist of the narration and reenactment of the crossing.
Will there be food and beverages available?
There will be food and beverage vendors at both events.
Is there any way to watch the crossing online?
The First Crossing will be narrated by Peter Hegseth. It will be available for viewing on Fox’s Video on Demand app and on FoxNation.com beginning 12/17/21.
On Christmas Day, we will re-broadcast our 2020 Crossing Reenactment video on Facebook.
Are there any COVID restrictions for the crossing events?
Social distancing is encouraged when possible and all park staff and volunteers are required to wear masks inside. Masks are recommended for visitors when inside and in situations where social distancing isn’t possible.
What if river conditions prevent the crossing reenactment from happening?
If river conditions do not allow for river crossing, ceremonies, speeches, and commemorative activities still occur. River crossings are contingent upon safe conditions for participants.
Are dogs allowed at the crossing events?
While the park always welcomes well-behaved, leashed dogs, we do request that you leave your pets home if they are skittish or easily scared as there are artillery and musket firing demonstrations that take place as part of both reenactments.
