Bracebridge Dinners at the Ahwahnee

Description

Celebrating its 85th anniversary this holiday season, The Bracebridge Dinner is an American theatrical and culinary tradition that transforms the historic Ahwahnee Hotel into a 17th century English manor for an elaborate feast of food, song and mirth. The Ahwahnee is a full-­‐service, AAA Four-­‐Diamond hotel located in the winter wonderland of Yosemite National Park. The evening celebration transports guests to Old England, where more than 60 professional singers, court characters and other performers tell the story of a Christmas feast with Lord Merrick of Bracebridge and his entertaining household. During each of eight performances, up to 300 guests enjoy a lavish, seven-­‐course dinner inspired by elaborate Old English Christmas cuisine by The Ahwahnee’s Executive Chef Percy Whatley, with service meticulously choreographed as part of the show. The Ahwahnee Dining Room, with its 50-­‐foot ceiling topped by massive sugar pine beams, serves as the Great Hall at Squire Bracebridge’s manor. The entire room is a stage, crowned by a Squire’s table at the far end of the room and decked with elaborate holiday decorations, many of which are restored originals from the first productions in the late 1920s. The Bracebridge Dinner is recognized as one of the most sought-­‐after holiday events in the U.S. In 2006, The Wall Street Journal reported, “Bracebridge is, without much doubt, the country’s, if not the world’s, premier Christmas dinner.”
Enhancing The Bracebridge Dinner experience at The Ahwahnee are six special concert presentations in the hotel’s Great Lounge by the show’s producer, Bay Area-­‐based Andrea Fulton, and her Chorale and soloists. The concerts feature musical performances of holiday favorites, as well as pieces from the opera and Broadway repertoire.

The Bracebridge Dinner performances: December 13, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24 and 25, at 6 p.m. The concerts, for which admission is free of charge, are: December 15, 17, 19 and 21 at 8 p.m., December 23 at 2 p.m., and December 24th at 1:30 p.m.

One-­‐ and two-­‐night lodging packages for two are available at The Ahwahnee, Yosemite Lodge at the Falls and the Wawona Hotel. The 2011 package rates start at $953 plus tax, and include lodging for two, two tickets to The Bracebridge Dinner, gratuity, a portrait sitting and shuttle service for non-­‐Ahwahnee guests. Dinner-­‐only tickets are available for $425 (adults) and $265.50 (12 and under), including tax and gratuity. Single tickets are not available online. For more information or to make reservations, visit http://www.yosemitepark.com/bracebridge or call (801) 559-­‐4903.