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One of the most creative transformations of an English Christmas story is the annual Bracebridge Dinner in Yosemite National Park. Sheer granite cliffs serve as the backdrop for the Bracebridge Dinner at the Ahwahnee Hotel in Yosemite Valley each Christmas. The granite face of Yosemite Falls is framed in frost and the meadows are blanketed in glistening snow.
The Hotel has hosted a recreation of the Bracebridge Christmas Dinner almost every year since the hotel opened in 1927. While traveling in England in the early 19th century, famous American author Washington Irving (1783 –1859) was a guest at the country estate of Squire Bracebridge. Irving wrote about his experience in “The Sketch Book of Geoffrey Crayon” published in 1820. The Bracebridge Dinner is a re-enactment of Irving’s account of Christmas at Bracebridge Hall. Christmas dinner at Bracebridge Hall dated back to the 17th century.
Ansel Adams, renowned photographer and naturalist, made Yosemite his home. He orchestrated Irving’s description of the 17th century feast with period music and verse and played the role of the Lord of Misrule for many years. The Adams’ version of the pageant is still used today at the Ahwahnee.
In the story, Squire Bracebridge has invited family and friends to his ancestral home to celebrate Christmas Dinner. The players are dressed in vibrantly colored period costumes. The Ahwahnee Dining Room, already one of the most breathtaking in the world, is transformed into a 17th century English Manor Hall with evergreen wreaths and colorful banners hanging from the massive ceiling beams high above the floor. The entire dining room is the backdrop for the dinner performance. A large alcove at the end of the dining room serves as the dais for the Squire and his guests.
The program is an elegant and artistic three-hour pageant of classic carols, Renaissance rituals, Middle Age music and sumptuous food. Chimes and trumpets herald the Squire’s arrival as everyone rises to pay him honor. The Bracebridge Singers add their voices to the pageantry as each course is presented to the Squire for his approval prior to serving his guests. There are four presentations: The Fish, The Peacock Pie, The Baron of Beef and The Boars Head, and The Pudding and The Wassail. Chimes, trumpets, and the Bracebridge Singers herald the presentation of each course. The props are elaborate recreations of 17th century food presentation. Each presentation is marched through the Grand Hall by costumed servants and presented to the Squire. Once the Squire has approved each course, white glove servers serve the guests.
The Lord of Misrule plays the part of a jester and juggler and entertains the Squire and his guests during the meal. Operatic singers, minstrels, and the housekeeper perform solos throughout the pageant. A band of paupers from the village arrive and Squire Bracebridge invites them to partake in the feast, true to the Christmas tradition. After the elaborate affair the Squire and his company exit the Hall greeting their guests as they leave.
The Bracebridge Dinner has been presented every year except during the Second World War when the Ahwahnee served as a rehabilitation hospital for the U.S. Navy. This unique event has become a National Treasure and a California tradition.
"There's such a magical feeling to being in Yosemite at that time of year," said Andrea Fulton, the producer and director, who has been performing in the event for the past 52 years. "It's quiet, the valley is usually filled with snow, and you walk into the most incredibly beautiful room at the Ahwahnee Hotel."
Cameras are not allowed in the Ahwahnee dining room
during the performance. This is one of the few photos of the cast
available and was copied from the cover of a 1985 menu and program.
The centerpiece of the event is the seven-course feast that is prepared by the Ahwahnee's world-class culinary staff and planned months in advance. Rich and wondrous dishes delight the eye and palate.
A feast for the Body and Soul
Mushrooms a la grecque, Medley of Cured Olives, Marinated Baby Artichokes,
Pickled Baby Carrot Trio, Pickled Quails Eggs, Caviar
Roasted Butternut Squash “Mulligatawny”
Tart Apple, Pumpkin Seed Cracker
Chilled, Herb Grilled Gulf Coast Jumbo White Prawns
Cucumber Seaweed Salad
Fresh Tomato Horseradish Coulis, Parsley Emulsion
Wild Mushroom Ragout
Truffle Julienne, Pheasant Dumplings, Seared Squab Breast
Pistachio Crusted Angus Beef Tenderloin
Sweet Potatoes Dauphinoise
Haricot Vet, Orange Glaze Baby Beets
Béarnaise Demi-glace
Baby Spinach, Frisee, Baby Red Endive
Poached Crimson Pear, Sonora Gold Mineshaft Aged Blue Cheese Custard
Plum Pudding with Hard Sauce,
Hot Mulled Cider, Assorted Holiday Cookies and Chocolates
Although there are only eight seatings of 335 people, as many as 15,000 people request tickets for the highly coveted seats (yes, even at the $275 per person ticket price). Previously awarded by lottery due to the high demand, seats are now available on a first come, first-served basis.
Listen as Robert Anderson,
the Executive Chef,
describes the Ahwahnee kitchen.
The Ahwahnee ~ A World Class Hotel....
any time of the year.
As a National Historical Landmark and one of the most distinctive resort hotels in North America, The Ahwahnee is well known for its great granite façade, striking beamed ceilings, massive stone hearths, richly colored Native American artwork, and finely appointed rooms.
Grand Hotel, Grand Design
Completed in 1927, The Ahwahnee features a unique blend of design influences including Art Deco, Native American, Middle Eastern and Arts & Crafts Movement. These elements can be seen in every aspect of the hotel including stenciling, woodwork, lighting fixtures and china patterns. Every room is finely appointed for comfort and visual delight and reflects the natural surroundings and Native American influence of Yosemite
Some of the most well loved aspects of The Ahwahnee are its grand public spaces featuring giant stone fireplaces, massive hand-stenciled beams, rich tapestries and elegant stained glass.
Yosemite and the Ahwahnee Hotel provide the perfect snowy backdrop for this story of Christmas Day at Bracebridge Hall in Yorkshire, England.
I hope you have enjoyed this presentation
of the Bracebridge Christmas.
This unique event has become a
National Treasure and a California tradition.
Have a Wonderful Wednesday!
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