You are here

Home » Yosemite's Legendary Bracebridge Dinner Returns This Christmas Season

Yosemite's Legendary Bracebridge Dinner Returns This Christmas Season

Share

By

Justin Housman

Published Date

December 9, 2024
Ahwahnee Hotel / Wikipedia

Ahwahnee Hotel with Half Dome in the background / Wikipedia-Mark James Miller photo

After a five-year hiatus, the Bracebridge Dinner returns to the Ahwahnee Hotel in Yosemite National Park this holiday season. 

It's a nearly century-old dinner theater Christmas pageant, famous for both the elaborate seven course meal (that will set you back a bit — tickets for this year's event are over $500 each) and the equally lavish entertainment. 

The event began in 1927, and was largely conceived of as a way to showcase the massive dining room of the newly built Ahwahnee Hotel, near the eastern end of Yosemite Valley. For the first two years of the show, photographer and part-time Yosemite Valley resident Ansel Adams played the role of the Lord of Misrule. In 1929, Adams was given the job of directing the show. He stayed on helping with the production of the Bracebridge Dinner as director, actor, and host, for the next 40 years. 

Ansel Adams, right, as Lord of Misrule / NPS

“The Bracebridge intrigued me from the start, not only as a creative concept and challenge but because its inherent level of aesthetics and style seem to relate to the emotional potential of the natural scene,” Adams wrote in July 1983, in the foreword of the official Bracebridge Dinner Brochure, noting Yosemite’s “natural grandeur and beauty.”

Tickets are difficult to come by in any year, but especially now since the show paused starting in 2019. Two more shows were added this year, on December 23 and 24, to accomodate demand. As of this writing, there were still tickets available for some dates. 

The performance dates in 2024 are as follows:

Tuesday, December 10, 2024

Thursday, December 12, 2024

Saturday, December 14, 2024

Monday, December 16, 2024

Wednesday, December 18, 2024

Friday, December 20, 2024

Sunday, December 22, 2024

Monday, December 23, 2024

 

 

 

Related Stories:

A Day In The Park: Yosemite National Park
Staffing Issues May Affect Your 2025 National Park Plans
Yosemite To Delay Summer Campground Reservation Sales Amid Staffing Crisis

Stories about:

Story Categories:

Support National Parks Traveler

Your support for the National Parks Traveler comes at a time when news organizations are finding it hard, if not impossible, to stay in business. Traveler's work is vital. For nearly two decades we've provided essential coverage of national parks and protected areas. With the Trump administration’s determination to downsize the federal government, and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum’s approach to public lands focused on energy exploration, it’s clear the Traveler will have much to cover in the months and years ahead. We know of no other news organization that provides such broad coverage of national parks and protected areas on a daily basis. Your support is greatly appreciated.

 

EIN: 26-2378789

Support Essential Coverage of Essential Places

A copy of National Parks Traveler's financial statements may be obtained by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope to: National Parks Traveler, P.O. Box 980452, Park City, Utah 84098. National Parks Traveler was formed in the state of Utah for the purpose of informing and educating about national parks and protected areas.

Residents of the following states may obtain a copy of our financial and additional information as stated below:

  • Florida: A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR NATIONAL PARKS TRAVELER, (REGISTRATION NO. CH 51659), MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING 800-435-7352 OR VISITING THEIR WEBSITE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.
  • Georgia: A full and fair description of the programs and financial statement summary of National Parks Traveler is available upon request at the office and phone number indicated above.
  • Maryland: Documents and information submitted under the Maryland Solicitations Act are also available, for the cost of postage and copies, from the Secretary of State, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401 (410-974-5534).
  • North Carolina: Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 888-830-4989 or 919-807-2214. The license is not an endorsement by the State.
  • Pennsylvania: The official registration and financial information of National Parks Traveler may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling 800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.
  • Virginia: Financial statements are available from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, 102 Governor Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219.
  • Washington: National Parks Traveler is registered with Washington State’s Charities Program as required by law and additional information is available by calling 800-332-4483 or visiting www.sos.wa.gov/charities, or on file at Charities Division, Office of the Secretary of State, State of Washington, Olympia, WA 98504.

Add comment

CAPTCHA

This question is for testing whether or not you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions.

Image CAPTCHA
Enter the characters shown in the image.

Your urgent support helps the National Parks Traveler increase awareness of the wonders and issues confronting national parks and protected areas.

Support Our Mission

INN Member

The easiest way to explore RV-friendly National Park campgrounds.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

Here’s the definitive guide to National Park System campgrounds where RVers can park their rigs.

Our app is packed with RVing- specific details on more than 250 campgrounds in more than 70 national parks.

You’ll also find stories about RVing in the parks, tips helpful if you’ve just recently become an RVer, and useful planning suggestions.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

FREE for iPhones and Android phones.