Medieval and modern victuals
Your choices are many, and all delicious. From turkey legs to meat pies. Vegetarian options too!
Food and drink
Yuletide Medieval FestivalA Medieval Christmas in Lakeside, California
December 5–6 & 12–13, 2026
Saturdays 10:00 am – 8:00 pm · Sundays 10:00 am – 6:00 pm · El Monte County Park, Lakeside
Adult admission $35.00 · Military or 65+ $30.00
The Yuletide Medieval Festival brings jousting, living history, an artisan marketplace and the St. Nicholas Day Feast to El Monte County Park in Lakeside, California, on four days across two weekends: December 5–6 and 12–13, 2026.
Step into a world where Christmas magic meets medieval might! Join us for a fully reimagined Yuletide Medieval Festival featuring unforgettable events, history brought to life, and holiday wonder for all ages.
Meet St. Nicholas and Krampus, watch the joust and the battle reenactments, shop the artisans, and stay for music and performers. See what’s at the festival, the ticket options for each day, and parking, accessibility and what to bring.
Festival Highlights
Explore our food, vendors, and entertainment
Shops from weapons to whimsy
Our shops have all manner of artisans. Along with many other offerings.
The marketplace
Jousting, music, skilled performers
Meet St Nick, Krampus, and others. Then watch the joust and fights, or a more peaceful turn with the musicians and performers.
Jousting and shows
St. Nicholas Day Feast
A grand five-course holiday-inspired sit-down feast. Saturdays 6:00 PM, Sundays noon.
Feast menu and times
Ticket Information
Four days: December 5–6 & 12–13, 2026. Adult admission $35.
Tickets and prices
Join the Festival
Vendor, entertainer and guild applications, plus the waiver.
How to applySt. Nicholas Day Feast
A five-course holiday sit-down feast at the King’s table, with music, jesters and storytellers between courses, King Henry V and St. Nicholas of Myra in attendance, and a Yuletide gift for every guest.
- A Mini Charcuterie to begin the merriment
- A Warming Seasonal Soup
- A Fresh Garden Salad
- A Succulent Roasted Game Hen served with a Bangor, Mash, Traditional Stuffing, and Cranberry Relish
- A Sweet Apple Cobbler to bring the feast to its joyful end
Saturdays at 6:00 PM · Sundays at noon
Feast $85.00 · Kids Feast (under 10) $65.00 · General Admission with the Feast $110.00. Ale or wine with the meal; a festive drink for guests under 21. Seats are limited.
Get Your Tickets Now!!
Step into a world where Christmas magic meets medieval might!
Four days only. Adult admission $35.00 · Military or 65+ $30.00.
Directions to the Festival
Yuletide Medieval Festival – El Monte County Park, 15805 El Monte Road, Lakeside, CA 92040
Parking at the Festival
Parking is an add-on bought with your tickets; it is not admission. Shuttles run from off-site parking. Parking details
- General Shuttle & Parking
- $10.00
- Fairgrounds Premium Parking
- $35.00Limited availability
- Questions?
- Call (858) 864-0020
or send us a message
Medieval Christmas Traditions
The customs of the season in Henry V’s England, and where they came from.
Christmas at Henry V's Court: The Royal Year of 1420
Henry V spent Christmas 1420 in Paris, lodged at the Louvre with his new queen, Catherine of Valois, and Christmas 1421 in camp at the siege of Meaux. Between the two, his only son was born at Windsor on St. Nicholas Day.
St. Nicholas Day: The Bishop of Myra and His December 6 Feast
St. Nicholas Day, December 6, honors a bishop of Myra in what is now Turkey about whom almost nothing is certain. His legends of secret generosity inspired centuries of gift-giving, England's medieval boy bishops, and eventually Santa Claus.
Krampus: The Alpine Folklore Behind St. Nicholas's Dark Companion
Krampus is the horned, chain-rattling companion of St. Nicholas in Alpine folklore, out on the night of December 5. His roots lie in medieval Nicholas plays and Alpine custom; the popular claim that he is an ancient pagan god is disputed.