Holiday Postcards from Princeton, NJ with Princeton BMW
This post is sponsored by Princeton BMW. All opinions are my own.
We’ve been considering getting an electric vehicle for our family for quite some time. Not surprisingly, I’m the one who has been stalling on this decision. As a self-proclaimed “change-denier” and busy mom, I didn’t love the idea of having to charge a vehicle – specifically, needing to plan ahead to ensure a full charge, or finding charging stations, both of which seemed tedious tasks to me. When Princeton BMW reached out to me to test-drive the new BMW i7 all-electric luxury sedan for the weekend, my interest was piqued. I wanted to see what living with an electric vehicle would be like. Spoiler alert: 10/10 highly recommend! The BMW i7 is a super quiet and smooth ride, charges fast, and let’s not forget the high-tech, luxurious interior details.
We took the i7 around to do all of our family’s favorite holiday things in Princeton, (arguably the most Christmasy town in New Jersey) – and driving this vehicle definitely elevated our driving experience! Before I get to our Princeton holiday itinerary, allow me share a few notes about the BMW i7 (coming from a first-time driver of an electric vehicle).
What does it feel like to drive the BMW i7 all-electric vehicle?
Riding in an electric vehicle is much quieter than regular vehicles. Since electric cars don’t have a clutch, gearbox, or tailpipe, driving an electric car can also feel smoother than a non-electric vehicle. The BMW i7 is whisper-quiet, which is HUGE if you’re the day chauffeur to a crew of noisy kids like I am. You can also accelerate much faster without having to press much on the pedal, and thanks to regenerative braking, don’t have to brake as often.
How often do you need to charge the BMW i7?
The BMW i7 can go over 300 miles on a single charge. It can charge from 0-100% in 12 hours.
Where do you charge?
BMW offers a comprehensive charging program for BMW electrified vehicles, providing tailored solutions for both home and public charging.
How much does it cost?
Owning an all-electric BMW pays off. There are potential future benefits, including eligibility for state and utility incentives, and fuel savings. While the upfront cost of purchasing the vehicle and charging equipment is usually more expensive than comparable non-electric models, you save money in the long run.
BMW i7 interior features that I love
The BMW i7 interior is meticulously designed down to every high-tech luxury detail, including, including a panoramic Sky Lounge LED Roof, ambient interior light moods, glass controls, and a sleek Curved Display dashboard. But my favorite, hands down, are the heated and massage seats in the BMW i7. This makes waiting in the carpool lane way more fun! My kids described the BMW i7 as “sick” – translation: cooler than cool.
Now that I’m slowly shifting my mindset in favor of electric vehicles, allow me to take you on a little, energy-efficient holiday trip around Princeton, arguably perhaps the most Christmasy town in New Jersey. You decide!
Featured Holiday Itinerary in Princeton, New Jersey (as seen in my video on Instagram)
1. Spend the morning in Palmer Square // You’ll feel transported to a Hallmark Christmas movie set at Palmer Square. Stay for a holiday inspired meet-cute, do some shopping at the many boutiques, and grab a bite to eat. You’ll find Christmas carolers, live music, and a strolling Santa on weekends in the Square.
2. See the Christmas tree lit up at night in Palmer Square // The town’s giant, bell shaped spruce has over 32,000 lights! It gets lit every year on November 24th during a festive tree lighting celebration complete with carolers, musical performances, and Santa on a rooftop.
3. Shop at the Arts Council of Princeton artist winter chalets // Runs November 24-Christmas Eve. Visit Arts Council of Princeton for the vendor schedule.
4. See a holiday show at McCarter Theatre // My family always kicks off the holiday season with The Nutcracker ballet, which typically runs November 24-26 at McCarter. Charles Dickens’ ‘A Christmas Carol’ returns December 6-24 to McCarter Theatre.
5. Stay warm with a hot chocolate at The Bent Spoon // Don’t forget to add the whipped cream and homemade marshmallows at The Bent Spoon.
6. Indulge in an artisan grilled cheese from Olsson’s Fine Foods // We love The Noble and The Newton grilled cheese sandwiches at Olsson’s.
7. Visit Santa at Kale’s Nursery // My kids believe he is the “real” Santa and that’s because he looks legit! Plump, white beard, and the merry laugh to go with it, Kale’s Santa is the real deal! While you’re here, pick out your perfect Christmas tree and some beautiful ornaments to go with it. Visit Kale’s Nursery for Santa’s visiting hours.
Huge thanks to Princeton BMW for loaning us this beautiful BMW i7 luxury sedan for the occasion – she treated us oh so well.
Princeton BMW is located at 3630 Quakerbridge Road, Hamilton Township, NJ 08619. Princeton BMW is part of the Holman Fleet & Automotive Services.
Looking for more holiday things to do and see in Princeton?
Pick Your Own Christmas Tree at Carroll’s Christmas Tree Farm
Annual Menorah Lighting in Palmer Square
Princeton Holiday Trolley Tour
Grounds For Sculpture Night Forms exhibit
Morven Museum & Garden Festival of Trees
Winery Weekend Music Series with Firepits and Mulled Wine at Terhune Orchards
Christmas Decor Shopping at Madden Family Farms
Breakfast with Santa in the Yankee Doodle Tap Room
Hamilton Jewelers’ holiday windows and decor
American Repertory Ballet’s The Nutcracker
Princeton Symphony Orchestra Holiday Pops!
Princeton Pro Musica A Feast of Carols
Gian Carlo Menotti’s 'Amahl and the Night Visitors', Boheme Opera NJ
DIY Holiday Workshops with Arts Council of Princeton
Princeton Playspace’s Annual Evening with Santa & Mrs. Claus
“The Polar Express” movie at Princeton Garden Theatre
Holiday Hay Ride and Seasonal Classes at Cherry Grove Farm
Caroling with the Choirs - Princeton Girlchoir and Princeton Boychoir