77th Annual Festival of Christmas & Midwinter Traditions
December 28, 2024 – January 1, 2025
Registration is now open!
Mark your calendars for 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.
More information will be posted here when available. Questions? Contact the Program Manager, Kelli Emerson, at programs@folklorevillage.org.
On this page:
-Schedule & Activities
-Featured Artists
-Registration
-Cancellations
-Scholarships
-Accommodations
Schedule & Activities
Click here to view the festival schedule
Each day features hours of engaging workshops and kids programming. Whether you are interested in dance, folk singing, crafting, music, or community projects; there will surely be something for you! Click here to read more about our workshops.
After a full day of folk activities, enjoy an afternoon tea and treats. Our festival features four afternoon teas: the Ostfriesen Tea, a Hmong Cultural Tea, a Sankta Lucia tea, and a Live Auction tea. Click here to read more about our teas.
Each exhilarating day concludes with an evening party featuring dancing, music, games, and more.
**This year’s festival overlaps with Chanukah. We will have a space available for candle lighting before each night’s dinner. Those who would like to participate are invited to bring a menorah or Chanukah candles.
Featured Artists
Our 77th Festival of Christmas & Midwinter Traditions features dancing with Andy Taylor-Blenis, singing with Sarina Partridge and Heidi Wilson, traditional Mexican embroidery with Ireri Andrea Muñiz Ortega, and more. Read more about our featured artists here!
Registration
Click here to register for the Festival of Christmas & Midwinter Traditions!
Full-time registration includes all meals, workshops, parties, teas, and any other events from the afternoon of December 28 through brunch on January 1. Teens (ages 13-17) and youth (ages 5-12) will receive discounted tuition. Children under 5 years of age are admitted free but must be registered.
Full-Time Registration (before noon, Central Time, on December 7)
Adults: $485
Teens (ages 13 – 17) : $305
Youth (ages 5 – 12): 235
Full-Time Registration (after noon, Central Time, on December 7)
Adults: $515
Teens (ages 13 – 17) : $325
Youth (ages 5 – 12): 255
Part-Time Registration
| Adults | Teens (ages 13 – 17) | Youth (ages 5 – 12) | |
| Full Day (3 meals, all workshops, tea, and party) | $200 | $145 | $115 |
| Breakfast | $15 | $15 | $12 |
| AM Workshops | $60 | $40 | $30 |
| Lunch | $20 | $20 | $16 |
| PM Workshops | $60 | $40 | $30 |
| Afternoon Tea | $20 | $14 | $10 |
| Supper and Evening Party | $65 | $45 | $32 |
| Evening Party Only (No Supper) | $32 | $26 | $20 |
| New Year’s Day Brunch | $16 | $16 | $12 |
Cancellations
Folklore Village will retain a $20 processing fee up to midnight Central Time on December 7. After that date $20 or 50% of the festival registration fee, whichever is greater, will be non-refundable. There will be no refunds* if you cancel after midnight Central Time on December 21. However, you may receive credit for a tax-deductible donation to Folklore Village.
Learn more about our other policies here.
Scholarships
We have both need-based and work exchange scholarships available for this festival. Whether you’re a first-time participant or you help with dishes every year, there may be a scholarship that suits your needs. Click here to learn more about our need-based and work exchange scholarships. Contact Kelli, the Program Manager, at programs@folklorevillage.org or by calling (608) 924-4000 to inquire about scholarships.
Scholarship Fund
Do you have fond memories of attending the Festival of Christmas and Midwinter Traditions over the years? Can’t come but want to help others experience this great event? Consider contributing to the Midwinter Scholarship Fund! Scholarship monies collected through this fund will be allocated to the Jane Farwell Memorial Festival of Christmas & Midwinter Traditions Scholarship and the Howard Capon Memorial Scholarship. These scholarships provide tuition assistance to families and first-time participants. Donations of all sizes are welcome and greatly appreciated.
Click here to contribute to the Midwinter Scholarship Fund!
Accommodations
Bunkhouse (Very rustic): $20 per person per night
Stay on-site within walking distance (about 3 blocks) of Farwell Hall (main activities building). The bunkhouses are heated, with cots provided, and camp-style toilets and hand pump nearby. Showers are located in Farwell Hall. Bring your own bedding, pillow, towel, flashlight, etc. Men and woman are housed in separate buildings. You can register for bunkhouse accommodations via the festival registration form.
Other Accommodations:
Motels are available with 7-15 miles of Folklore Village. Please make your own arrangements.
AmericInn Dodgeville (608) 270-8935
Mention you are coming to a Folklore Village festival; our partner AmericInn Dodgeville will provide you with a special rate!
Deer Valley Lodge (608)924-1600
Best Western (608)935-7739
Pine Ridge Motel (608)935-3386
Quality Inn (608)987-4747
Lodging in Mineral Point