United Reformed Church is host to the Central Jersey Twelfth Night-Boar’s Head Festival, which takes place every year in January. The performance is scheduled for Sunday, January 7, 2024 at 4:00 p.m.. Please check back regularly for any updates. This is a free event that we offer to the community as our gift. We appreciate your continued support and look forward to hosting this special gathering after several years absence.
All are welcome to come and revel in the celebration of the Twelve Days of Christmas, as they did in Elizabethan times.
In medieval times, the boar was a symbol of evil, the “king” of the great forests, and a ferocious menacing animal to man. The presentation of the boar’s head at Christmas symbolized good over evil. The church endowed this custom with symbolic meaning, transforming it to the worship of God, and the triumph of Christ over evil. The ceremony of the boar’s head became a part of Christmas celebrations in the great manors throughout the middle ages. Here at United, we have made this festival one of our own Christmas traditions.
All are invited to join us as we celebrate the story of Christmas as perhaps once done in an Elizabethan Manor. Our sanctuary will be transformed into an English manor with candlelight, banners, trees, and crests. The Lord and Layde of the manor will welcome guests to share in this festive celebration and the story of the Nativity.
You will see and hear through pageantry and song, a 125-member cast, in Elizabethan and Biblical costumes, present vocal and instrumental music including handbells, bagpipes, drums, organ, harp and brass quintet. Cast members have included members of United Reformed Church, Bernardsville United Methodist Church, Peapack Reformed Church, Westminster Choir College, Rutgers University, Somerset County Police Pipes and Drums, and local Boy Scout and Girl Scout troops.
The Central Jersey Twelfth Night Boar’s Head Festival is directed by Linda Hayes, member of the URC Great-Consistory. Everyone is welcome to attend. There is no charge for admission, however a freewill offering will be appreciated.
We are always looking for committee members to help with the year-round planning. If you have a special talent or interest and would like to volunteer to help with costumes, props, or general planning, we’d love to hear from you. New cast members are always welcome too! For more information, please send an email to:This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call the church office: (908) 725-4545.
All are invited to join us as we celebrate the story of Christmas as perhaps once done in an Elizabethan Manor. Our sanctuary will be transformed into an English manor with candlelight, banners, trees, and crests. The Lord and Layde of the manor will welcome guests to share in this festive celebration and the story of the Nativity.
You will see and hear through pageantry and song, a 125-member cast, in Elizabethan and Biblical costumes, present vocal and instrumental music including handbells, bagpipes, drums, organ, harp and brass quintet. Cast members have included members of United Reformed Church, Bernardsville United Methodist Church, Peapack Reformed Church, Westminster Choir College, Rutgers University, Somerset County Police Pipes and Drums, and local Boy Scout and Girl Scout troops.
The Central Jersey Twelfth Night Boar’s Head Festival is directed by Linda Hayes, member of the URC Great-Consistory. Everyone is welcome to attend. There is no charge for admission, however a freewill offering will be appreciated.
We are always looking for committee members to help with the year-round planning. If you have a special talent or interest and would like to volunteer to help with costumes, props, or general planning, we’d love to hear from you. New cast members are always welcome too! For more information, please send an email to:
News Coverage of the 2017 Performance -