Saturday
May 18, 2024 
Each December, thousands gather on the banks of the Delaware River to watch the reenactment of George Washington’s daring 1776 Christmas night river crossing.
During the event, several hundred reenactors in Continental military dress listen to an inspiring speech by General Washington and then row across the river in replica Durham boats.
The public has two opportunities to view the reenactment at Washington Crossing Historic Park (PA).
The first is on Sunday, Dec. 11, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. (actual crossing at approximately 1 p.m.). On this day, in addition to the crossing, special Colonial-era activities and demonstrations throughout the historic village will provide families with a full day of fun and learning.
The cost to attend the Dec. 11 crossing is $8 for adults, $4 for children ages 5 to 11, and free for those under 5. The family rate is $20 for two adults and two children. Tickets are available at WashingtonCrossingPark.org/cross-with-us. Proceeds from this reenactment support future programs in the park.
The 70th annual Christmas Day crossing will take place from noon to 3 p.m. Dec. 25 (actual crossing at approximately 1 p.m.). The Christmas Day crossing is free, and it is recommended that visitors arrive well before 1 p.m. to ensure a good place along the viewing line.
River crossings are contingent upon safe conditions for participants. However, even if conditions do not allow for crossing, ceremonies, speeches and commemorative activities still occur.
In addition to the live reenactment, the Friends of Washington Crossing Park will broadcast a short film on Christmas Day that captures scenes from the crossing reenactment. Many of the scenes in this 2020 film offer “up close and personal” perspectives that are impossible to get in person. The film will be broadcast at 10 a.m. on Christmas morning on the park’s Facebook page (facebook.com/washingtoncrossingpark). It is also available for viewing anytime on the park’s YouTube channel (bit.ly/washingtoncrossingYT).
Washington Crossing Historic Park is located at the intersection of routes 532 and 32 (River Road) in Washington Crossing, Pa.. To stay up to date on what is happening in the park, visit WashingtonCrossingPark.org.
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