Celebrate the 250th Anniversary of Washington Crossing the Delaware

On Christmas night in 1776, the future of the American Revolution hung in the balance. Facing long odds, General George Washington devised a bold plan to cross the icy Delaware River and surprise Hessian forces stationed in Trenton, New Jersey. 

The heroic effort that turned the tide of the war is commemorated at Washington Crossing Park in New Hope, Pennsylvania. 2026 marks the 250th anniversary of this historic event. We invite you to come celebrate this monumental occasion with us at Olivia’s Bridge Street Inn.

The History

The Revolutionary War was hard fought. Beginning in April of 1775 with the Battles of Lexington and Concord, by December of 1776, the American cause was in serious trouble. The Continental Army had endured a series of defeats, morale was low, and many soldiers' enlistments were about to expire. Washington devised a daring plan: cross the ice-filled Delaware River on Christmas night and launch a surprise attack on Hessian forces stationed in Trenton, New Jersey.



Despite freezing temperatures, dangerous river conditions, and challenging weather, approximately 2,400 soldiers successfully crossed the Delaware and marched toward Trenton. Their victory on December 26 revitalized the Patriot cause and renewed hope for independence. Historians often point to the crossing and the victories that followed as a turning point in the Revolutionary War.

Today, visitors can stand along the very riverbank where these events unfolded and experience the story where it happened.

Washington Crossing Historic Park

Washington Crossing Historic Park has more than 500 Acres of beautiful nature and American history to explore. 

Some notable features include:



• The Historic Village
• Gallery Exhibits
• Bowman’s Hill Tower
• Thompson-Neely House
• Thompson-Neely Mill
• Soldier’s Graves
• Gardens
• The Visitor’s Center

Visitors arriving in 2026 will discover a park that is both preserving its past and investing in its future. Restoration projects include improvements to historic buildings, gardens, and landscapes that played important roles during the Revolutionary era. Enhancements to the Thompson-Neely House and Mill, the reopening of the Taylorsville General Store, and restoration work at McConkey’s Ferry Inn are exciting updates to the park experience!

Park Exhibits

In addition to the many historic buildings, the park also encourages visitors to explore the exhibits in its Visitor Center. The gallery hosts several regular and rotating exhibits that immerse guests in the stories of those who lived through the Revolutionary War. 

Some current exhibits on display this year include:

• A Glorious Enterprise: Washington’s Crossing of the Delaware 
• Soldier Health in Revolutionary Pennsylvania: 1776-1778 
• A Hessian musket, a pistol, and other military objects on loan from the Pennsylvania Historical Museum Commission
• A child-friendly, interactive area where kids can explore reproduction tents and gear
• A full-size reproduction of Leutze’s famous painting, Crossing of the Delaware 
• And much, much more!
  

A Beloved Holiday Tradition

While the park is open year-round, the annual December Crossing Reenactment has become one of the park’s most popular and cherished events. During the celebration, hundreds of reenactors dressed in authentic Continental Army uniforms gather in the Historic Village. Visitors can watch military drills, hear period music performed by fifes and drums, and learn about daily life during the Revolutionary era.

A Once-in-a-Lifetime Anniversary

As previously mentioned, 2026 is an extra special year. The park is not only celebrating the anniversary of Washington’s Crossing, but the nation’s 250th birthday. The commemorative activities extend far beyond December.

Washington Crossing Historic Park is planning community-wide celebrations all throughout the year. Some highlights include a special Independence Day event in addition to the Crossing Reenactment in December. These large-scale events feature living history demonstrations, Revolutionary War encampments, readings of the Declaration of Independence, music, vendors, and fireworks over the Delaware River.

Plan Your Visit at Olivia’s Bridge Street Inn

For history enthusiasts, families, students, and patriotic travelers, 2026 offers a rare opportunity to witness history at Washington Crossing Historic Park.  After exploring the highlights of the American Revolution, we invite them all to stay with us at Olivia’s Bridge Street Inn. 

Located in New Hope, Pennsylvania, our historic bed and breakfast offers romantic, canal-side lodging just minutes away from the park. Guests can enjoy private bed and bathrooms, made-to-order breakfasts, and beautiful accommodations in the heart of Bucks County. 

Come celebrate the 250th anniversary of Washington’s Crossing with us. Book your stay!