Travel – Eat – Sleep

Did you know that there are some nice Yosemite traditions at Christmastime? One particular tradition includes the Bracebridge Dinner. It has been held every year since it was created in 1927. The dinner changes the 17th century English Ahwahnee Hotel into a place of song, dance and food. How was this Yosemite tradition started?

Actually, it began from a short story by Washington Irving in which Irving described English Christmas traditions and the Squire Bracebridge. If you are looking for something different, join the thousands of others who enjoy this Yosemite tradition. It’s a celebration that is completely different and is sold out every year.

What does the Bracebridge Dinner entail? First, there is a four-hour pageant full of Christmas carols, Middle Age music, Renaissance rituals and lavish food. The roles of the squire and his family and others are taken on by hundreds of actors, actresses and vocalists. The Ahwahnee Dining Room is the Great Hall, decorated with all kinds of Christmas decorations such as wreaths and banners. There are kinds of Yuletide decorations during this Bracebridge Dinner.

On the dinner menu, you have a choice of foods including Peacock Pie, Soup, Fish, Salad and even pudding. There is plenty to choose from. If you want some memories, you can by the two disc CD “Christmas in Yosemite”. You can also have portraits made of the dinner.

The Yosemite tradition does have a package as well. It includes:

- Two adults for two nights;
- Voucher to redeem for a Bracebridge ornament that can be purchased at the gift shop;
- One portrait and sitting;
- At the Bracebridge Celebration, you have a dinner for two coupon you can use; and
- Shuttle provided to the Bracebridge Dinner from area hotels.

If you want to get involved in this Yosemite tradition, it’s important to reserve your places early.

To learn more about the Ahwahnee Hotel and the Yosemite tradition, visit http://www.NationalParkReservations.com.