Traditional Wassail Days Traditions Return to Frisco November 27 – December 5

Frisco’s Wassail Days celebrations will take place from November 27 – December 5, 2021, complete with the return of old traditions, such as wassail sampling, and the addition of some new experiences, such as the après wassail concert with Hazel Miller & The Collective. This weeklong homage to all things winter features a holiday tree lighting and fireworks at Frisco’s Historic Park, Santa visits, Breakfast with Santa, story time at the Historic Park, a concert, and a chance to experience the Frisco Nordic Center.

The Wassail Days event welcomes locals and visitors during the winter holidays by offering everyone free wassail samples from participating businesses, as they stroll through charming Frisco. Wassail is an Old English toast to health, and more importantly, is a hot cider made with spices and fruits, traditionally served over the winter holidays. Since Frisco started this festival in 2008, Frisco businesses have perfected this drink. In 2019, 63 businesses collectively served over 21,000 sips of wassail.

Wassail sampling was not a part of the 2020 celebration in order to support public health considerations. This year, over 50 local businesses will serve their own wassail or an alternative treat, from November 27 – December 5, and guests will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite wassail recipe and fill their “12 Sips of Wassail” card. Completed “12 Sips of Wassail” cards may be redeemed at the Frisco/Copper Visitor Information Center for a free 2021 commemorative Wassail Days mug, while supplies last. Each year the commemorative mug features an iconic Frisco scene, and this year’s mug features an original design from the Frisco Art Collective.

“Frisco provides a picture-perfect, quiet spot to enjoy the holiday season and spend quality time with your friends and family, browsing local shops and sampling Frisco’s restaurants. Guests are invited to slow down and enjoy their wassail during what is normally a very hectic time of year, and discover or rediscover all of the unique businesses that make Frisco such a magical place. It remains so important to spend locally when you are shopping for holiday gifts to help keep our favorite Frisco businesses thriving,” stated Nora Gilbertson, Frisco Events Manager.

Wassail Days Kickoff Event- Small Business Saturday, Tree Lighting, Fireworks and More

The first day of wassail tasting and celebrations kick off on Small Business Saturday, and feature the 2021 Frisco Holiday Tree Lighting and fireworks. The festivities at the Frisco Historic Park Gazebo on Frisco Main Street will start at 6:00 pm on November 27 with caroling, wassail, spiced wine, and s’mores kit sales benefiting the Family & Intercultural Resource Center’s (FIRC). A special guest will make a visit to illuminate the town tree at 6:30pm. After the tree lighting, a fireworks show right in Town will light up the sky.

Santa’s Calling

Wassail Days is a great time to sign up for another annual tradition – Santa’s Calling. Sign up between November 27 and December 5 at Frisco Town Hall, the Frisco Adventure Park, the Frisco Historic Park & Museum, Summit County Preschool, The Frisco/Copper Information Center, Stork & Bear Co., The Sunny Side Up Studio, or online for a call from Santa. The online signup form for Santa’s Calling will be available the week of Thanksgiving, with Santa scheduled to call all the kids on his list on Tuesday, December 7 from 6:00 – 8:00 pm.

Frisco Wassail Days Full Schedule:  

Saturday, November 27, 2021

All Day:

Small Business Saturday and first day of wassail tasting – Start your Wassail Days celebration on Small Business Saturday and shop local at businesses on Main Street and in the Summit Boulevard area, grab a bite to eat at one of Frisco’s many great dining establishments and remember to sign up for Santa’s Calling.

6:00 pm:

Frisco Tree Lighting in the Historic Park – A special guest will join us to illuminate the town tree at 6:30pm. Sing along with carolers, enjoy fireworks, and warm up with fire pits. Hot wine, wassail, and s’mores kit sales will benefit the Family & Intercultural Resource Center.

Sunday, November 28, 2021

10:00 am -12:00 pm:

Santa Visits at the Historic Park – Santa will visit with children for a photo opportunity and to listen to their fondest wishes.

Saturday, December 7, 2019

8:30 am – 11:00 am:

Summit County Preschool’s Breakfast with Santa -This breakfast with the holiday’s favorite big guy will take place at the Summit County Community & Senior Center located at 83 Nancy’s Place, Frisco. The event will benefit the Summit County Preschool. Reservations are required and tickets can be purchased online or by calling 970-668-5508 ext. 1.

10:30 am – 11:30 am:

Story Time at the Historic Park Gazebo – Come pet Santa’s reindeer and enjoy a holiday story with Frisco’s own Bill Thomas. Guests are also invited to check out the individually decorated trees in each of the Historic Park and Museum’s buildings, which will be up from November 26, 2021 through January 17, 2022. 

11:30 am – 1:30 pm:

Santa Visits at the Historic Park – Santa will visit with children for a photo opportunity and to listen to their fondest wishes.

4:30 pm – 6:30 pm:

Carolers on Main Street – Carolers will make their way up and down Main Street filling the town with good cheer and holiday music.

Sunday, December 5, 2021

This is the last day for free wassail tasting at participating businesses and the last day to vote for your favorite wassail.

12:00 pm – 2:00 pm:

Carolers on Main Street – Carolers will make their way up and down Main Street filling the town with good cheer and holiday music.

3:00 pm – 4:30 pm:

Après Wassail Concert New this year, enjoy live music with Hazel Miller & The Collective at the Historic Park Gazebo.

*Schedule is subject to change.

**Free skiing and snowshoeing at the Frisco Nordic Center – Due to a lack of natural snowfall and unseasonably warm weather, this annual event had to be moved from November 30. Guests will have the opportunity to Nordic ski and snowshoe on Frisco Nordic Center trails and rent equipment at no charge. The last rental will go out at 2:00 pm. Please call 970-668-2570 with any questions.

Visit WassailDays.com for more information. For more information about the Town of Frisco, visit TownofFrisco.com or contact the Frisco-Copper Visitor Information Center at 800-424-1554.