Traditional Wassail Days Celebrations Return to Frisco November 25 – December 3

Frisco’s Wassail Days celebrations will take place from November 25 – December 3, 2023, to pay a weeklong homage to all things winter. The celebration will feature fireworks, a holiday tree lighting, Santa visits, Breakfast with Santa, story time at the Historic Park, and wassail sampling from 50+ local businesses. 

The event welcomes locals and visitors to embrace the winter holidays and discover or reacquaint themselves with Frisco businesses, as they stroll through charming Frisco and sample wassail from participating businesses. Wassail is an Old English toast to health, and more importantly, is a hot cider made with spices and fruits, traditionally served during the winter holidays. Since Frisco started this festival in 2008, Frisco businesses have perfected their recipes and are excited to offer samples up to the popular vote. In 2022, 56 businesses collectively served over 25,296 sips of wassail.  

This year, over 50 local businesses will serve their own wassail or an alternative holiday treat, from November 25 – December 3, and participants 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 2023 commemorative Wassail Days mug, while supplies last. Each year the commemorative mug features an iconic Frisco scene. This year’s mug features an original design from Summit County-based artist Erika Donaghy, owner of Erika Donaghy Creative Studio. Most notable for her watercolor paintings and newfound love of pottery, Erika pulls her inspiration from the surrounding nature of Summit County. 

“Frisco’s Wassail Days event highlights the impact that our local businesses have on the Town’s charm and personality, and the importance of supporting those businesses when it’s otherwise so easy to go online for your holiday shopping. The event encourages everyone to slow down and browse while spending quality time with friends and family in a beautiful setting,” stated Zane Myers, 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 2023 Frisco holiday tree lighting and fireworks. The festivities at the Frisco Historic Park Gazebo on Frisco Main Street will start at 5:00 pm on November 25 with caroling, wassail, spiced wine, and cookie sales benefiting the Family & Intercultural Resource Center’s (FIRC). A special guest will make a visit to illuminate the town tree at 6:30 pm. Right after the tree lighting, fireworks, visible from the tree lighting, will illuminate the sky. 

Santa’s Calling 

Wassail Days is a great time to sign up for another annual Frisco tradition – Santa’s Calling from November 25 through December 3, parents or guardians are invited to sign up their children for a call from Santa. The Frisco Historic Park & Museum, the Stork & Bear Co., and The Sunny Side Up Studio will have a QR code displayed to scan for the online form. The online signup form for Santa’s Calling is available at WassailDays.com, with Santa scheduled to call all the kids on his list on Tuesday, December 5, 2023 from 6:00 – 8:00 pm.  

2023 Wassail Days Schedule* 

*Schedule is subject to change.  

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 25 – SUNDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2023 

Wassail Sampling – Taste different versions of this festive hot spiced cider at 50+ Frisco businesses, fill your “12 Sips of Wassail Card” and bring it in to the Frisco/Copper Information Center for a free, commemorative Frisco Wassail Days mug while supplies last! 

Sign Up for Santa’s Calling – Sign up online between November 25 and December 3 for a call from Santa. The Frisco Historic Park & Museum, the Stork & Bear Co., and The Sunny Side Up Studio will have a QR code displayed to scan for the online form. Santa will be calling all the kids on his list on the evening of Tuesday, December 5, 2023 between 6:00 and 8:00 pm.  

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2023 

Small Business Saturday – Start your Wassail Days celebration on Small Business Saturday and shop local at businesses on Main Street and in the Summit Boulevard area and grab a bite to eat at one of Frisco’s many great dining establishments, while filling your “12 Sips of Wassail Card”. 

5:00 pm-7:00 pm 

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

6:00 pm with the Tree Lighting and Fireworks at 6:30 pm 

Frisco Tree Lighting and Fireworks at the Frisco Historic Park – A special guest will join the festivities to illuminate the town tree and start the fireworks at 6:30 pm. Sing along with carolers, enjoy fireworks, and warm up with fire pits. Hot wine, wassail, and cookie sales will benefit the Family & Intercultural Resource Center. Santa visits will follow the lighting at the Frisco Historic Park gazebo. 

6:30 pm-8:30 pm 

Santa Visits at the Frisco Historic Park Gazebo– Santa will visit with children to find out their fondest wishes. Bring your camera for photos. 

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2023 

11:00 am-1:00 pm 

Santa Visits at the Frisco Historic Park in the Schoolhouse Museum – Santa will visit with children to find out their fondest wishes. Bring your camera for photos. 

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2023 – RESCHEDULED TO MONDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2023

9:00 am-4:00 pm 

Free Nordic skiing and snowshoeing at the Frisco Nordic Center – Free Nordic skiing and snowshoeing trail use and rentals at the Frisco Nordic Center, while supplies last. Last rental goes out at 2:00 pm. *Snow conditions permitting 

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2023 

8:30 am-10:30 am 

Breakfast with Santa organized by the Summit County Preschool and presented by Breckenridge Grand Vacations and FirstBank– This breakfast with the holiday’s favorite big guy will take place at the Summit County Preschool located at 70 W Main Street in Frisco. Santa will arrive at 9:00 am. Enjoy a breakfast buffet, pictures with Santa, and holiday arts and crafts from 9:00 am-10:30 am. Tickets are $10 per person and benefit the Summit County Preschool. Purchase Breakfast with Santa tickets at WassailDays.com. 

10:00 am-12:00 pm 

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

10:30 am-12:00 pm 

Story Time at the Historic Park Gazebo – Come pet Santa’s reindeer and listen to “The Snowy Day” written by Ezra Jack Keats, which won the Caldecott Medal in 1963. Enjoy wassail, hot chocolate, cookies, and take-home craft kits for the kids. 

11:00 am-1:00 pm 

Santa Visit at the Historic Park in the Schoolhouse Museum – Santa will visit with children to find out their fondest wishes. Bring your camera for photos. 

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2023 

11:00 am-1:00 pm 

Santa Visit at the Historic Park in the Schoolhouse Museum – Santa will visit with children to find out their fondest wishes. Bring your camera for photos. 

*Schedule is subject to change.  

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.