We love a good festival and market. If the Texas Renaissance Festival wasn’t enough for you, and there’s enough time in the weekend to do something other than the Tomball German Christmas Market: check out the Sherwood Forest Faire Yuletide Festival. Taking place in the town of McDade, the festival returns this weekend with a 25-acre medieval village filled with all sorts of bands, vendors, and merriment!
The Sherwood Forest Faire began as an annual Celtic music festival that’s been going on in McDade, Texas since 2011. Traditionally, the mid-year festival was held in September; however, one too many scorching hot weekends lead organizers to recently reschedule the festival for December under a Yuletide theme. Thus, the Sherwood Celtic Yuletide Festival was born.
Taking place this weekend, December 12 – 14, the special Yuletide event is held at a 25-acre medieval village 35 miles east of Austin in McDade, about a two hours’ drive from Houston. Here, the village will come alive with multiple stages, a Christmas marketplace featuring over 80 artisans selling all sorts of wares from glass-blown gifts to leather goods, as well as warm, spiced mead, tasty medieval food, and more.
Traditional Irish and Scottish music fans can rejoice with its lineup of over 30 bands performing over the weekend. Featured acts include The Byrne Brothers, Killian’s Angels, SYR, Blaggards, Andrew McKee: The Irish Bard, and more. On Saturday night, the festival will host a special adults-only music celebration at Ye Olde Irish Pub.
Visitors can also witness the performance of traditional Scottish Highland Games. Such include a Scottish Hammer Throw, a Celtic Archery tournament, Shot Put, and festival-favorite Caber Toss.
Other special events include the Kirkin’ o’ th’ Tartan ceremony held on Sunday, where those can honor passed loved ones at the Maid Marian’s Chapel.
Throughout the weekend, Santa and his company of elves will be wandering the festival grounds to give a little holiday cheer to the kids.
Tickets to the Sherwood Celtic Yuletide Festival are available through its website. Day passes start around $15 for Adult GA admittance for Friday. Prices vary by date. GA Youth passes begin around $9. Camping options are also available.