’Tis the season, and nowhere gets more into holiday character than the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire, where summer’s jousting knights and fair maidens are replaced by a wonderous winter wonderland. The magic of the holiday season comes alive amid a realm of fanciful characters, pleasing delicacies, superb beverages and a selection of unique gifts
A parade of carolers entertained visitors with the songs of the season.
Last year marked the debut of Yuletide at the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire. As we passed through the gates, everything felt slightly familiar but with a festive twist. After being greeted by a basket-wielding townsperson handing out maps and an event timetable, we quickly made our way to a performance at the Hart Stage, one of the eight performance areas throughout the grounds. There, we watched Yuletide Tales by the Fantasticals, a merry group embodying all things winter.
The Fantasticals were a hodgepodge of holiday characters, including a reformed Ebenezer Scrooge (played by Jake Dailey), Jacob Marley (Tay Porter), and an older Tiny Tim (Cole Parker), mixed with The Sugar Plum Fairy (Sheila Barton), Jack Frost (Graham Luker) and The Snow Queen (Harper LaBrozzi). Together, they performed a hilarious retelling of blended tales, filled with improv games and a little audience participation. (Be sure to visit the Faire’s website, parenfaire.com, to check out this year’s schedule, lineup of activities and performances, themed weekends and other happenings.)
The Mount Hope Mansion was decorated to reflect holiday décor and entertaining in the 1800s. Daisy Grubb (center), who was the last Grubb family member to live there, was “on hand” to greet visitors.
At the same time, over at the Moon Stage, townsfolk played Reindeer Games – another improv-based performance. As we wandered about, we noticed a crowd gathering around Krampus (Matt Celly). With his sharp fangs and long, twisted tongue, he may have struck fear into the hearts of mischievous children, but adults eagerly snapped photos of this darker side of the season.
At 1:30 p.m., the Grand Yuletide Parade of wassailers snaked its way through the shire, from The Globe Fountain to the Swashbuckler, where Father Christmas (Doug Wallace) read stories to young and old. Afterwards, we decided to split from the crowd and head to the Absinthe Garden, an oasis for adults. We sent the under-21s to the S’mores Station, where they happily roasted marshmallows, while we enjoyed an R-rated comedy performance by Arthur Greenleaf Holmes, England’s Preeminent Poet of the Perverse. His one-man act had the audience in stitches as the bartender mixed drinks with Ren Faerie Absinthe. Some cocktails were simple, like the Root of All Evil (root beer and absinthe), while others, such as the Cranberry Krampus (absinthe, cranberry juice and ginger beer), were festive for the occasion. Here and other spots around the Faire served brews from Swashbuckler Brewing Co. The Hart Stage Bar offered a wide selection of libations, including clover mead, plum wine, fruited ciders and even eggnog for those who preferred it.
Krampus was both revolting and fascinating.
After some time, we ventured back out onto Guildman’s Way, interacting with various townsfolk, including the whimsical confectioner Benjamin T. Fraiche (Richie Richardson) and Noel the Elf (Jessie Smith). Many of the regular vendors who work the Ren Faire were still open during the holiday event, making it a wonderful place to shop for unique gifts. I found handcrafted reindeer antlers for my daughter at one spot and honey-related stocking stuffers – including those honey sticks everyone loves – at The Crown & The Comb. There was also Yuletide merch available (and the Mount Hope Wine Shop was open, too). As we perused the shops, we ended up in the gaming glen, where the kids tried their hands at archery, axe throwing and feats of strength.
The S’mores Station was a busy place.
I was never one for the giant turkey leg, so I was glad to spot Archer’s Cheese Kitchen & Pantry, which served artisan grilled-cheese sandwiches. I also enjoyed kabob items from Steak on a Stake. The Royal Kitchens were open too, offering sit-down service at the Anchor & Mermaid, while nearly every food stand sold hot chocolate.
Laughter and song filled the air. Three times each day, the Deere Reign Family Carolers took the Hart Stage. Vicky Vixen Deere (Grace Taylor) was the life of the party, while Demetria Dancer Deere (Jordan Bell) was footloose and full of holiday spirit. The most reserved member of the troupe, Norah Dasher Deere (Robin Fertitta), brought her own unique energy to the group. Led by Uncle Jonathan Euchariah Donner Deere (Pete Hedberg), the twin-family of singers included Henrietta Comet Reign (Christina Coulter), Penelope Prancer Reign (Delaney Hagy), Chester Cupid Reign (Matt Levy), and Percival Blitzen Reign (Nick Wasileski). Rudolph, it seemed, was an outcast.
Visitors are greeted by townspeople providing maps and schedules of events.
In between shows, the Carolers wandered the grounds. We ran into Chester and Percival, who may have had a bit of grog to warm himself, while the ladies of the Deere family flitted about nearby. They posed for a photo, bewildered by the “apparatus” I used to capture the moment.
For those wanting to join the festivities in costume, a themed contest took place at 12:15 and 2 p.m. In 2023, the theme changed each weekend, with ugly sweaters, Charles Dickens and holiday movies as focuses, all of which will return this year. (As per the Faire’s costume policy: costumes must be appropriate for all ages; shoes are mandatory, and offensive language or imagery is not allowed. Layered clothing may be searched, and full-face masks must be removed upon request.)
A warm drink is always appreciated on a chilly December day.
Before departing, we visited the Mount Hope Mansion, where the rooms of the circa-1800 Victorian home had been transformed into a seasonal wonderland. Daisy Grubb (Jennifer Espenshade) and other merrymakers roamed the house, chatting with guests who marveled at the intricate Christmas tree displays on the first floor. The mansion had been set up to host a series of interactive dinner theater events – I think I might check those out this year!
Yuletide at the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire will welcome visitors November 29-December 1, as well as December 7-8 and 14-15. Hours are from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Parking is free, and most events at the Faire are dog friendly (guidelines and the “dog decrees” can be found on the website: parenfaire.com). 2775 Lebanon Rd., Manheim.
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