Yosemite’s Historic Bracebridge Dinner Returns After Five-Year Hiatus

After a five-year break, Yosemite National Park’s cherished Christmas tradition, the Bracebridge Dinner, has made its much-anticipated return at the Ahwahnee Hotel.

Since 1927, the Bracebridge Dinner has enchanted visitors with its unique blend of pageantry, theater, and music. Set in a Tudor-style feast, the event features elaborate costumes, jesters, villagers, choral singers, and musicians, creating an immersive holiday experience.

Artistic director Andrea Fulton now leads the production that involves over 100 cast and crew members. Fulton grew up around the dinner, which was famously directed by Yosemite photographer Ansel Adams starting in 1929. Adams’ influence can still be seen in handcrafted stained glass decorations that adorn the Ahwahnee’s dining hall.

Known for its grandeur and occasional chaotic moments—such as accidental stage fires or surprise animal appearances—the Bracebridge Dinner is a beloved piece of Yosemite history. Actor Jonathan Spencer, part of the production since 2008, described it as a Christmas version of “controlled chaos.”

This year’s return has seen high ticket demand, prompting additional performances. For those lucky enough to attend, the event offers a magical escape into a century-old tradition.