The Annual Christmas Crossing

Updated 12/25/12 from the Friends of Washington Crossing Historic Park:

Best time to arrive is around 11:30 am to secure a spot to watch the Crossing at 1 pm.  Please note we will only cross the river if the US Coast Guard deems it is safe. Safety is of course one of our top concerns. 

WASHINGTON CROSSING, Pa. – Each December, thousands of people gather on the banks of the Delaware to watch the reenactment of George Washington’s daring 1776 river crossing. During the event, visitors watch as two hundred reenactors in Continental military dress listen to an inspiring speech by General Washington and then row across the river in three replica Durham boats and the battoe “Moon”, a small river boat. 

The Christmas Crossing, which General Washington and his brave troops performed, will occur on Christmas Day at 1 PM. Cost to attend the dress rehearsal is $8 for adults, $4 for children age 5 – 11, and free for children under age 5. Proceeds support future crossings.

“During the dress rehearsal, the troops cross the river in uniform just as they do on Christmas Day, plus additional activities and demonstrations take place throughout the historic village,” says John Godzieba, president of the Friends of Washington Crossing Park and current General Washington interpreter. “It’s a wonderful family event.”

Washington Crossing Historic Park commemorates the site of General George Washington’s famous Delaware River crossing on Christmas Day 1776. The 500 acre park also includes the Thompson-Neely House, an 18th century farmhouse used as a hospital to care for sick and wounded Continental soldiers, and Bowman’s Hill Tower, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.  Recreational areas of the Park are available for picnicking, hiking and wildlife-watching.

Washington Crossing Historic Park is located at the intersection of Rtes. 32 and 532. Individuals with disabilities, who need special assistance or accommodations to participate in this event, or for additional information, please call 215-493-4076.
This program is sponsored by the non-profit Friends of Washington Crossing Park in partnership with the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission. To learn more about upcoming events in the Park, follow the Friends of Washington Crossing Park on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest @FriendsofWCP, and visit us at www.ushistory.org\washingtoncrossing.