76th Annual Festival of Christmas & Midwinter Traditions
December 28, 2023 – January 1, 2024
Online registration is closed. We may still have space for you; call (608) 924-4000.
Mark your calendars for our 76th 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 year’s joyful, immersive celebration of folklore and community will feature Polish dance workshops with Duane & Slavka Tomka, singing workshops with Brendan Taaffe, crafts, evening parties, teas, and much more.
Online registration is closed. We may still have space for you; call (608) 924-4000.
On this page:
-Schedule & Activities
-Featured Artists
-Registration
-Scholarships
-Accommodations
-Cancellations
Schedule & Activities
Click here to view the festival schedule
*This schedule is in-progress and subject to change. Check back for updates!
Each day features hours of engaging workshops and kids programming. Whether you are interested in dance, folk singing, crafting, music, or a block-printing community project, there’s bound to be something for you. Read more about our workshops here.
After a full day of folk activities, enjoy an afternoon tea and treats. Our festival features four afternoon teas: the Ostfriesen Tea, a Sankta Lucia tea, a Yemeni Cultural Tea, and our annual Live Auction tea. Learn more about each tea here.
Each exhilarating day concludes with an evening party featuring dancing, music, games, and more. Learn about each evening here.
Featured Artists
Our 76th Festival of Christmas & Midwinter Traditions features Duane & Slavka Tomka, Brendan Taaffe, Karen Ann Hoffman, and more. Read about our artistic staff here.
Registration
Online registration is closed. We may still have space for you; call (608) 924-4000.
Full-Time Registration by noon on December 7
Adult (18+): $450
Teen (13-17): $285
Youth (5-12): $225
Children under 5 are admitted free
Full-Time Registration after noon on December 7
Adult (18+): $480
Teen: (13-17): $305
Youth (5-12): $245
Children under 5 are admitted free
Full-time registration includes all meals, workshops, parties, teas, and other events from the afternoon of December 28 through brunch on January 1.
Click here for Part-Time Rates
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): $15 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.
Super 8 (608) 935-3888
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
Cancellations
Folklore Village will retain a $20 processing fee up to midnight Central Time on December 14. 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.
* If you have tested positive for COVID-19 or have symptoms of COVID-19 please DO NOT attend the festival. Contact programs@folklorevillage.org or (608) 924-4000 for COVID-19 cancellation policies.