Annual festival turns winter fun into critical support for local families

For nearly three decades, the Lambertville-New Hope Winter Festival has proven that winter along the Delaware River is anything but quiet. Each year, the festival draws residents and visitors into the heart of these river towns for a weekend of music, dancing and food, all while raising money for neighbors in need.

The 2026 Winter Festival continued that tradition, as it kicked off January 30 with a Tom Rush concert, followed by the Saturday night Dance Party. While a pending winter storm forced organizers to postpone the Chili Cook Off, the spirit of the festival remained strong, with the popular culinary competition now set for March 1.

At its core, the Winter Festival is about bringing people together at a time of year when many are ready to get out of the house , and giving them a meaningful way to help others while doing it.

The annual event benefits Fisherman’s Mark, the Delaware Valley Food Pantry and the Bucks County Emergency Homeless Shelter, organizations that provide critical support to local residents facing food insecurity and housing challenges.

According to festival leadership, that mission is what has sustained the event for almost 30 years.

Executive Director John Danaher, a longtime New Hope resident who has helped produce the concert portion of the festival for more than two decades, said the goal has always been clear: give people something fun to do in the dead of winter while raising funds for those who need help the most.

Danaher refers to this concept as “passive activism,” a way for people to make a difference simply by participating.

He added, “By buying a ticket to a concert, dance party or cook off, attendees directly support local food banks and social service organizations. It’s a way for people who may not have time to volunteer, or have large sums to donate, to still make a meaningful impact.”

And despite the perception that Lambertville and New Hope are largely affluent communities, Danaher emphasizes the need is very real.

“There is still a very large community of people in this area in need,” he said. “That’s why we are committed to continuing this event.”

Historically, the festival has supported a wide range of community causes, from first responders and school programs to parks and recreation departments. In recent years, organizers narrowed their focus to core human services organizations following the challenges of the pandemic.

The results have been significant. In some years, the Winter Festival has raised tens of thousands of dollars. In other years, even smaller totals, such as about $6,000 last year, have made an important difference for the three charities. Danaher hopes to surpass that amount this year.

The Winter Festival didn’t always look the way it does today.

Eric Green, co-chairperson of the Chili Cook Off along with Jim Ludivici, both volunteers who have been involved for roughly 25 years, said the festival actually grew out of the Cook Off itself.

The event began decades ago in Lambertville at River Horse Brewing Company. Over time, it expanded into a full winter weekend celebration, at one point featuring more than 10 attractions, from kids events to formal dinners and restaurant showcases.

After COVID, the event scaled back as volunteer pools shrank and leadership changed. Today’s streamlined version focuses on three signature experiences: the concert, dance party, and cook off, with hopes to expand again in the future.

Green said the driving force behind keeping the event alive was simple. “Local food pantries and social service agencies rely heavily on Winter Festival donations. Letting the event disappear was never an option.”

The long-term goal is to grow participation and awareness, which ultimately increases donations and expands the festival’s community impact.

This year’s festival opened with a full house Tom Rush concert at New Hope Winery, a venue that seats about 250 guests in a theater and cabaret-style setting.

Rush, a legendary figure in the 1960s folk revival, helped introduce audiences to artists like James Taylor and Joni Mitchell.

Rush performed for nearly two hours, mixing storytelling and classic songs including “No Regrets” and “The Circle Game.” The 84-year-old performer’s humor and stage presence kept audiences engaged throughout the night.

The concert is often considered one of the festival’s biggest draws, and past performers have included major names like John Oates and Micky Dolenz.

The celebration continued Saturday night at Triumph Brewing Company where Solebury Township Parks & Recreation sponsored the Winter Festival Dance Party, an evening of live music by The Semi Tunes.

About 100 people attended, filling the space with energy and movement. The horn-driven band played everything from Motown and show tunes to contemporary favorites, with music spanning decades.

For organizers, the highlight wasn’t just the music; it was seeing people come together during the coldest stretch of the year.

By late January, Danaher said, people are ready to get out after the holidays and reconnect with friends and neighbors. The Dance Party provides that release while continuing to support the festival’s charitable mission.

The final event of Winter Festival, the Chili Cook Off, was originally scheduled for Feb. 1 but was postponed due to forecasted severe winter weather. The event is now set for Sunday, March 1 from noon to 3 pm at Triumph Brewing Company.  Tickets are on sale at events.ticketleap.com/tickets/chili-cook-off-lambertville-new-hope-winterfest/lambertville-new-hope-winter-festival-chili-cook-off.

Organizers said safety drove the decision, noting the new date should allow for stronger attendance, which ultimately means additional donations for those in need.

Everything else about the event remains the same, including vendors, ticketing and charitable beneficiaries.

The Cook Off will feature 10 plus local restaurants competing for People’s Choice and Judge’s Choice honors. Tickets include a commemorative pint glass, all you can eat chili and all you can drink (within reason) beer, making it one of the most festive winter food events in the area.

Green says the Cook Off  perfectly captures the spirit of Winter Festival. “My favorite thing about the Lambertville New Hope Winter Festival Chili Cook Off is how it brings our community together while giving back at the same time,” he said. “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 added that helping others while celebrating community is what makes the event so meaningful.

Organizers say the future of the Winter Festival looks strong. With a dedicated volunteer board and growing attendance, they hope to reintroduce some of the larger programming the festival once featured.

But no matter how big the event gets, the mission will stay the same: helping neighbors in need while creating something fun and meaningful for the community during the darkest, coldest days of winter.

For Danaher, the formula works because it’s simple; people want to help, and they want to enjoy themselves while doing it. In Lambertville and New Hope, the Winter Festival offers both.

And with the Chili Cook Off still ahead on March 1, residents still have one more chance this season to shake off winter, gather with friends, and support causes that make a real difference close to home.