Wassail Festival
Join us for our Annual Wassail Festival!
What is a Wassail Festival? A Wassail Festival is a traditional winter celebration with deep roots in ancient English folklore. The festival is held to bless the apple orchards, encourage a bountiful harvest, and ward off evil spirits. Participants gather in orchards to sing wassail songs, make loud noises (banging pots, pans, and drums), and pour cider around the base of the trees to “wake them up” from winter slumber. There is often a large bonfire, and the celebration includes folk music, storytelling, dancing (often Morris dancing), and, of course, plenty of warm mulled cider.
The word “wassail” comes from the Old English phrase “waes hael,” meaning “be in good health” or “be well.”
Click to learn more about the history of Wassailing
Join us for this family-friendly day with the Orange Peel Morris Dancers, as they help us bless our apple orchard. They will perform the traditional Wassail song and dances, and lead a procession into the orchard to bless the trees!
What’s Happening:
11:00 AM & 1:00 PM – Wassail Performance by the Orange Peel Morris Dancers
- In the Spirit Tree parking lot, the OPM Dancers will perform several traditional Wassail songs and dances. This is interactive for everyone to get involved. They will then lead a procession into the Apple Orchard to toast the trees, with cider-soaked bread.
12:00 PM & 2:00 PM – FREE Cidery Tours
- Learn more about Wassailing and the history of cider making, while touring Spirit Tree Estate Cidery
ALL DAY:
- Free hot cider!
- Bonfire in the Cider Gardens
- Craft table for kids to make their own noisemakers
- Family Scavenger Hunt
- Join us for lunch in the Bistro with our Irish-inspired menu << Make a Reservation in the Bistro >>
Our Wassail Festival is a lively, family-friendly event that blends history, community, and cider culture.
It’s a perfect way to embrace winter, celebrate local traditions, and enjoy the warmth of good company!