For the riverfront communities of Lambertville, New Hope and beyond, the annual WinterFestival with its Friday night concert, Saturday night Dance Party, Chili competition, and chilly ice displays –
has become synonymous with cold weather fun. For 30 years WinterFestival has drawn locals and
out-of-town visitors to Lambertville and New Hope.
John Danaher, President of the nonprofit , with a team of dedicated volunteers, has co-produced the annual concert for 21 years. Funds raised benefit Fisherman’s Mark Social Services (food bank), Delaware Valley Food Pantry, and Bucks County Emergency Homeless Shelter.
“Lambertville – New Hope WinterFestival 2026 is shaping up to be another outstanding fundraising event, supporting people in need throughout our community,” Danaher said. “Our dedicated team of volunteers works tirelessly to create engaging, creative experiences for all to enjoy. We believe that collective action achieves far more than individual efforts—strengthening connection, fostering belonging and inclusion, and embracing shared responsibility for the well-being of our community.”
This year’s event kicks off Jan. 30 with Tom Rush in concert at New Hope Winery. An avid storyteller and singer songwriter, Rush helped shape the folk revival movement in the 60s, forging his early musical career playing the Boston-area club circuit while a Harvard student. His 1968 single “No Regrets” became a folk standard and was covered by Emmylou Harris and Waylon Jennings.
He introduced audiences to Joni Mitchell, Jackson Browne, James Taylor, and, years later, Nanci
Griffith and Shawn Colvin.
In an interview with Rolling Stone, Taylor said Rush “was not only one of my early heroes, but also
one of my main influences.”
Prior Winter Festival concerts have included Jimmy Webb, John Oates, John Hall Band, Micky Dolenz,
and many others.
New Hope Winery accommodates 250 concertgoers and offers theater and cabaret-style seating
with the opportunity to have dinner before the show at the tavern with a full bar and exceptional menu.
In addition to the concert, WinterFestival includes a Dance Party on Saturday, Jan. 31 and a Chili cookoff on Sunday, Feb. 1, both held at Triumph Brewing Co. of New Hope.
The Chili cookoff has become wildly popular with up to 30 local restaurants vying for top honors in the people’s choice and judge’s choice categories. Chili fans can sample some of the area’s best chili with a variety of ticket options which include chili and beer with commemorative pint glasses with lanyards.
Organizer Eric Green shares his favorite aspect of the event.
“It brings our community together while giving back at the same time. The laughter, the love, and of course the incredible chili all come together to create an unforgettable event that supports our local food pantries and social services,” he said. “Few things are more rewarding than helping others in need, and it truly warms my heart to be part of this outstanding Winter Festival tradition.”
The icing on top of the Lambertville-New Hope Winter Festival is the creation and display of ice sculptures at the concert, chili cookoff and local businesses.
If you go
Lambertville-New Hope WinterFestival will be held Friday, Jan. 30, Saturday, Jan 31 and Sunday, Feb. 1. The event kicks off with a Tom Rush concert on Friday at 8 p.m. at New Hope Winery, 6123 Lower York Road, New Hope. The Dance Party is Saturday from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. at Triumph Brewing Co., 400 Union Square Dr., New Hope. Chili cookoff is Sunday, Feb. 1 from noon to 3 p.m. at Triumph Brewing Co. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit this link, or call 267-987-7855.
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