Bracebridge Dinner

Celebrating its 85th anniversary in Yosemite National Park, 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 Bracebridge Dinner Ahwahnee 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 Bracebridge Dinner 2011 takes place at 6 p.m. on Dec. 13, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24 and 25.

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.
 
In addition to The Ahwahnee Bracebridge Dinner, there will be five special concerts in the hotel's Great Lounge. Produced by Bay Area-based Andrea Fulton, and her Chorale and soloists, the concerts feature holiday favorites, as well as pieces from the opera and Broadway repertoire.  The free concerts will be held at 8 p.m. on Dec. 15, 17, 19 and 21; at 2 p.m. Dec. 23 and at 1:30 p.m. Dec. 24.

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.

The Ahwahnee is located at 1 Ahwahnee Drive, Yosemite National Park, CA  95389. For more information or to make reservations, visit http://www.yosemitepark.com/bracebridge or call (801) 559-4903.

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