Washington Crossing Historic Park
Washington Crossing Historic Park sits on the Delaware River where General Washington's army crossed on Christmas night 1776, and each December thousands gather here for The Crossing Reenactment. A visit starts indoors at the Visitor Center and its exhibit gallery, then heads outside to the riverbank. Attendance is capped, so book ahead.
Before you go
- Indoor or outdoor
- Both: an indoor Visitor Center and exhibit gallery, then outdoors along the riverbank
- Official site
- washingtoncrossingpark.org
- Next festival here
- Washington Crossing the Delaware Reenactment, Dec 25, 2026
Worth knowing before you go
- Attendance is capped and tickets may sell out, so book in advance rather than planning to buy at the door.
- The visit is a walking tour: it starts indoors at the Visitor Center before heading outside to the riverbank.
- Food vendors are on site, so you do not need to bring your own meal.
- There are activities for visitors of all ages, not just adults interested in the history.
Festivals here
Venue basics: Indoor gallery plus outdoor riverbank · Attendance capped, book ahead · Activities for all ages.
Getting there and parking
We don't yet have confirmed information about parking at Washington Crossing Historic Park. The venue's own pages are the place to check: washingtoncrossingpark.org.
Accessibility
We don't yet have confirmed information about accessibility at Washington Crossing Historic Park. The venue's own pages are the place to check: washingtoncrossingpark.org.
Camping
We don't yet have confirmed information about camping at Washington Crossing Historic Park. The venue's own pages are the place to check: washingtoncrossingpark.org.
Food, water and what you can bring
Festival-specific · The Crossing ReenactmentFood vendors are on site at The Crossing Reenactment.
Recently at Washington Crossing Historic Park
Washington Crossing Historic Park Lectures Series
From the venue · Aug 20, 2026
Friends of Washington Crossing Park Live Stream
From the venue · Aug 18, 2026
Lecture250, “The Writing of the Declaration and What It Meant in 1776″ with Dr. Emily Sneff (ASL)
From the venue · Jul 6, 2026
Quick answers
What is The Crossing Reenactment?
It is an annual December event at Washington Crossing Historic Park that commemorates George Washington's crossing of the Delaware on Christmas night 1776, with hundreds of reenactors portraying 18th century military and civilian life, fife and drum performances, and a crossing into New Jersey by replica Durham boat.
What actually happened at Washington's Crossing in 1776?
Washington's army crossed the ice choked Delaware River near McConkey's Ferry on the night of December 25, 1776, after a run of defeats had pushed the Continental Army across New Jersey into Pennsylvania. About 2,400 troops began crossing by around 6pm in sleet and a snowstorm.
Is Washington Crossing Historic Park an indoor or outdoor experience?
Both. A visit starts indoors at the Visitor Center, which includes an exhibit gallery, before heading outdoors to the riverbank where the crossing took place.
Is there food available at The Crossing Reenactment?
Yes. Food vendors are on site at the event.
Is The Crossing Reenactment suitable for kids?
Yes. There are activities for visitors of all ages alongside the reenactment itself.
Do I need to buy tickets in advance for The Crossing Reenactment?
Yes. Attendance is capped and tickets may sell out in advance, so registration is required rather than relying on buying at the door.
A little history
Each December, thousands of visitors gather along the Delaware River at Washington Crossing Historic Park for The Crossing Reenactment, which commemorates General George Washington's crossing on Christmas night 1776. Hundreds of reenactors and living historians portray 18th century military and civilian life, with fife and drum performances, artillery and musket demonstrations, and a crossing into New Jersey aboard replica Durham boats.
Washington's army crossed the ice choked Delaware River near McConkey's Ferry on the night of December 25, 1776, after a series of defeats had pushed the Continental Army across New Jersey into Pennsylvania. About 2,400 troops began crossing by around 6pm, slowed by sleet and a snowstorm, while supporting brigades elsewhere on the river could not cross at all.