It's that time of the year again! From Friday, Dec. 1st to Saturday, Dec. 2nd, Downtown Denton merchants will be serving up their greatest renditions of one of our favorite holiday libations during one of our favorite weekends: Wassail Weekend! But what is Wassail and how did Wassail Weekend begin in our downtown?
History of Wassail Weekend
Wassail Weekend is a 2-day tasting event. What is Wassail? Well, it's just a fussy old English word for hot cider. Some downtown merchants stir up their best recipe to give free tastings for all ages. They are competing for the public's love and approval of their Wassail and bragging rights, of course. It's all fun and a great time out with friends and family.
The Denton Main Street Association merchants first hosted a Wassail tasting event in 1999 with the intention of giving the attendees at the annual tree lighting a little something warm and yummy for the festivities. What started out as a small, friendly competition among merchants has now become one of the most anticipated holidays treats in Denton and this year is no exception. There are nearly 50 Downtown Denton Denton Main Street Association members preparing their secret recipes as this blog is written. The crock pots will be warm with Wassail during the annual Denton Holiday Lighting Festival this Friday, Dec. 1st and some stores will serve it again on Saturday afternoon, Dec. 2nd while visitors shop and dine in downtown.
Schedule of Events
Wassail tasting hours are Friday, December 1st from 5:30 - 8:00 p.m. and more downtown merchants will hold tastings on the following day, Saturday, December 2nd from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. or until supplies run out. Friday night's tastings will take place among the festivities at the lighting festival. Saturday, Dec. 2nd will have some background activities to create the spirit of the season as visitors browse downtown:
SATURDAY Wassail Tastings and other events:
1 p.m. - Tastings start at Saturday participating locations until 4:00 p.m. or until supplies last.
1 p.m. to 4 p.m. - Denton musicians will stroll the sidewalks to entertain tasters in various locations during the event.
ADDITIONAL EVENTS happening in downtown Saturday:
9 a.m. to 1 p.m. - Holiday Express Train presented by Denton County Friends of the Family - Get ready to jump aboard and ride the local DCTA A-Train to the North Pole! Family-fun, Santa, and more. Tickets and event information here.
1 p.m. to 5 p.m. - Oak-Hickory Historic Homes Tour presented by the Oak-Hickory Historic District - purchase tickets at the Discover Denton Welcome Center, 111 W. Hickory, or online.
RAIN OR SHINE, the event still takes place.
Denton MSA looks forward to seeing you and yours at Wassail Weekend!
Wassail weekend participant information, schedule and more details found here.