The holiday season is in full force, and for the second year in a row, the creators of the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire are revving up to again bring merriment to all with upcoming Yuletide festivities — featuring themed weekends and special events that offer a unique experience for guests of all ages.

Located at Mount Hope Estate & Winery in Lancaster County, Yuletide at the Faire offers something for everyone, from holiday-themed performances like Christmas Caroling to interactive activities for children, along with plenty of seasonal food and drink options, including selections from Mount Hope Estate & Winery.

“The excitement and energy surrounding the first year of Yuletide at the Faire was very encouraging and the buzz carrying from the end of the Renaissance Faire season gives us high hopes for a great Holiday season,” said Candace Smith, Communications/Operations Director for the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire. “Having sold out two of the three Saturdays in 2023, we plan to continue to grow Yuletide at the Faire, expanding both the use of the Faire grounds and audience size to match the popularity of the Renaissance event.”

The event is jam-packed with interactive experiences and delights in every corner, and Smith shares that a popular part of this interactive component of Yuletide at the Faire is the self-guided tour of the first floor of the Victorian Mount Hope Mansion.

“Historical character, Miss Daisy Grubb, will be on hand to answer questions and welcome guests into the six rooms of her Mansion brimming with spectacular Victorian decorations.”

About Yuletide at the Faire

Located in Manheim (2775 Lebanon Road), Yuletide at the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire will take place on Nov. 29-30, Dec. 1, 7-8, and 14-15, with hours of operation from 11:00 AM-4:30 PM. Yuletide at the Faire tickets are available only via the virtual box office. Tickets are not available at the gate.

Yuletide at the Faire allows guests of all ages to be whisked away into a wonderous winter wonderland, where the magic of the holiday season comes alive amid a realm of fantastical characters, mouthwatering delicacies, and exquisite beverages. 

“Yuletide at the Faire is a perfect family outing providing everything from Storytime with Father Christmas for children to Christmas Caroling and Yuletide Tales to adult poetry by Arthur Greenleaf Holmes,” stated Smith. “Families can tailor their visits to their own interests and needs.”

Endless Holiday Delights to Discover at Yuletide

Smith details that the Faire has 16 in-house operated food booths serving items from baked potatoes to personal pizzas to campfire s’mores. There are also eight pour houses serving Mount Hope Estate’s own wine, beer, cider, and spirits. She also notes that with the fantastical characters being a huge highlight at the first season’s Yuletide at the Faire, the full list will be returning — including Father Christmas, Scrooge, the Sugar Plum Fairy, The Snow Queen, Jack Frost, Tiny Tim, Jacob Marley, Ebenezer Scrooge, and Krampus.

Smith adds that in addition to the list of talented live independent performers providing unique entertainment to the event, the Kamikaze Fireflies will be making their debut at Yuletide.

“As a fan favorite of the Renaissance Faire, this funny, fast-paced and fiery two-member troupe holds five Guinness World Records and received a standing ovation on America’s Got Talent with their unique blend of skills such as fire juggling and fire hula hoops,” Smith said.

Also in attendance at Yuletide at the Faire are the resident glassblower (Dragon’s Breath Glassblowing) and blacksmith (LaForge Smithing), and these merchants will perform artisan demos three times daily. Blacksmith demonstration times are at 12:00, 2:00, and 3:15 PM, and glassblowing demonstrations are at 11:30, 1:30, and 3:00 PM.

Making Merry while Supporting Local, Small Businesses

While Yuletide at the Faire is indeed a great way to spend some of your holiday season, it’s also a great way to support local businesses and discover new merchants.

“The Glassblower and Blacksmith perform their demonstration throughout the season of the Renaissance Faire and are popular both as living history and as merchants who sell the wares that they create on-site,” said Smith. “Providing the opportunity for guests to learn and shop with these and over 60 other merchants is a great way to promote small businesses.”

She also adds that Yuletide at the Faire is a great addition to the entertainment offerings within a 2-hour drive from Philadelphia and the surrounding counties, stating, “Having options can encourage out-of-state travelers to stay overnight to experience all there is to offer in our combined areas.”

Regardless of whether you’re a local or exploring from a different area, Yuletide at the Faire is excited to welcome everyone to explore this seasonal Manheim attraction.

“The creators of Yuletide at the Faire welcome one and all to this magical holiday celebration,” said Smith. “Different than many other events, Yuletide at the Faire invites guests to explore the Shire, meet fantastical characters, enjoy seasonal entertainments, and indulge in festive food and drink. Yuletide at the Faire is a unique blend of Renaissance Charm and holiday magic.”

Find complete details and secure your tickets to Yuletide at the Faire here.

Learn more at Discover Lancaster.