YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK, CALIF.-A soft blanket of snow carpets Yosemite Valley and dusts the rocky peaks of the high Sierras each Christmas just in time for a tradition known as Bracebridge Dinners. Held in the dining room of the historic Ahwahnee Lodge, a craftsman style hotel that has hosted presidents, kings, queens and diplomats, the evening begins with Christmas carols sung around a massive fireplace where two baby grands melodically and joyfully provide accompaniment. Bells softly chime as women in sparkly, festive gowns and men in fine attire are called to dinner.

Let the show begin!

Celebrated annually since 1927, the Bracebridge Dinner transforms The Ahwahnee into a 17th century English manor for a feast of food, song and mirth. The inspiration for this yuletide ceremony that famed photographer Ansel Adams helped create and promote is Washington Irving's Sketch Book that describes Squire Bracebridge and English Christmas traditions of that period.

An elegant and artistic four-hour pageant of classic carols, Renaissance rituals and entertainment introduces a cast of 100 players bringing to life the roles of the Squire and his family, their servants, the Lord of Misrule, minstrels and other performers. Ahwahnee Dining Room becomes the Great Hall and stage for the festivities, decked with magnificent wreaths, an elaborate Squire's table, and traditional Yuletide decorations. The centerpiece of this revered event is a seven-course banquet prepared by The Ahwahnee's world-class culinary staff.

In 2010, the dinner includes The Bracebridge Dinner included a sumptious feast that includes:

Relish
Savory Chevre Cheesecake
Arugula Pesto, Crispy Root Vegetables

Soup
Roasted Kobocha Squash
Crème Fraiche, Pumpernickel Croutons

Fish
Smoked Salmon & Dungeness Crab Timbale
Upland Cress, Citrus-Farm Egg Vinaigrette

Peacock Pie
Braised California Pheasant & Chestnut Pithivier
Roasted Parsnip Purée, Huckleberry Jus

Boars Head and Baron of Beef
Roasted Brandt Beef Tenderloin
Pommes Fondantes, Cauliflower Gratín, Swiss Chard,
Sauce Bordelaise

Endive Salad
Candied Pecans, Shaved Fennel, Blood Orange Vinaigrette

Plum Pudding & Wassail
Brandy-Apricot & Hard Sauces

Mignardise

Dinner-only tickets are available starting at $299 plus tax, gratuity included. Call reservations desk to make a dinner-only reservation - (801) 559-4884. These tickets are not available online. yosemitepark.com

Check out Yosemite Lodge at the Falls, where most rooms overlooking the cascading waterfalls that drop down the sheer face of a mountain.