Yuletide Medieval Festival 2026

The Yuletide Medieval Festival brings a Christmas celebration set in England in 1420 to El Monte County Park in Lakeside, California. The festival opens on two weekends, December 5–6 and 12–13, 2026. Visitors can watch mounted jousting, meet St. Nicholas and Krampus, and join King Henry V at a five-course feast.

Festival Hours and Feast Times

• Saturday, December 5: 10:00 AM–8:00 PM. The feast begins at 6:00 PM.
• Sunday, December 6: 10:00 AM–6:00 PM. The feast begins at noon.
• Saturday, December 12: 10:00 AM–8:00 PM. The feast begins at 6:00 PM.
• Sunday, December 13: 10:00 AM–6:00 PM. The feast begins at noon.

Jousting, Living History, and the Christmas Market

Armored riders meet in the joust, while reenactors stage battles and bring camp life to the festival grounds. Between performances, visitors can listen to musicians, browse the artisan stalls, and meet two figures from European winter traditions: St. Nicholas of Myra and Krampus, his horned companion in Alpine folklore. The first Sunday of the festival falls on December 6, St. Nicholas Day.

Food vendors offer turkey legs, meat pies, and vegetarian dishes. Visitors can pick up the daily entertainment schedule and festival map in the printed program at the gate.

St. Nicholas Day Feast

King Henry V and St. Nicholas host a seated meal with musicians, jesters, and storytellers between courses. The menu opens with charcuterie, seasonal soup, and a garden salad. Roasted game hen follows with mash, stuffing, and cranberry relish. Apple cobbler closes the meal, and each guest receives a Yuletide gift. Seating is limited.

Tickets and Admission

• General admission, ages 11 and older: $35.
• Military personnel and visitors ages 65 and older: $30. Bring military ID for the military rate.
• Children ages 10 and under: free festival admission. No entry ticket is needed.
• General admission with the St. Nicholas Day Feast: $110.
• Feast only: $85.
• Kids Feast, children under 10: $65. Children attending the feast need a feast ticket.

Select your date when booking. Cell service is unavailable near the park, so save a screenshot of your confirmation or print it before leaving home. Choose a festival date and buy tickets.

Parking and Visitor Information

The festival takes place at El Monte County Park, 15805 El Monte Road, Lakeside, CA 92040, rain or shine. Off-site parking with a shuttle costs $10 per vehicle. Premium parking at the fairgrounds costs $35 and is available until the lot fills. Visitors with a disability placard can use designated spaces for $10, subject to availability.

For the shuttle lot address and operating hours, call (858) 864-0020. Pets are welcome on leashes up to 6 feet long.

Approximate Driving Distances to Lakeside

• El Cajon — 7 mi
• La Mesa — 11 mi
• Poway — 14 mi
• San Diego — 21 mi
• Chula Vista — 22 mi
• Escondido — 34 mi

Explore more Renaissance and medieval festivals in California or browse the December 2026 festival calendar.