Festival of Christmas and Midwinter Traditions

About the Event

Our 77th annual Festival of Christmas & Midwinter Traditions! Founded by Jane Farwell in 1947 as an antidote to the growing commercialization of the season, this festival celebrates and shares the customs and traditions of people worldwide. This joyous festival features dance workshops with Andy Taylor-Blenis, singing workshops with Sarina Partridge and Heidi Wilson, music, crafts, and more; cultural teas; festive evening parties; children’s programming; and much more. 

Schedule

Sunday, December 29

8:30 - 9:15am - Breakfast with RedBarn Catering - Main Hall

9:30 - 10:45

Nature Printing Community Project with Phoebe DeWitt - Balcony

Dance with Andy Taylor-Blenis - Main Hall

Balfolk Music with Bob Walser - Music Room 

Celtic Craft with Lucy Richards - Craft Room

11:00am - 12:15pm

Nature Printing Community Project with Phoebe DeWitt - Balcony

Singing with Sarina Partridge & Heidi Wilson - Church

Balfolk Dance with Bob Walser - Main Hall

Party Planning with Johanna Gorman-Baer - Gallery

12:15 - Lunch Set Up - Main Hall

12:30-1:30 - Hmong Lunch with RedBarn Catering - Main Hall

1:45 - 3:00pm

Dance with Andy Taylor-Blenis - Main Hall

Festival Band with Amy McFarland, Maria Terres, & Liam Kantor - Music Room

Mexican Embroidery with Ireri Andrea Ortega Muniz - Craft Room

Blacksmithing with Greg Winz & Hans Barkei (kids 8+ welcome with an adult) - Outside

3:15 - 4:30pm

Singing with Sarina Partridge & Heidi Wilson - Church

Irish Set Dancing with Steve Pike - Main Hall 

Celtic Skit with Johanna Gorman-Baer - Costume Room

Blacksmithing with Greg Winz & Hans Barkei (kids 8+ welcome with an adult) - Outside

4:15 - Tea Set Up - Main Hall

4:30 - Hmong Tea with Pao Lor - Main Hall

Sponsored by the Wisconsin Historical Society

6:00 - Dinner Set Up - Main Hall

6:30 - Irish Dinner with RedBarn Catering - Main Hall

7:45 - Gaelic Galivant Evening Party - Main Hall

Click here to register

Date: December 28, 2024 – January 1, 2025

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