Top Medieval and Renaissance Fairs in December 2024

December is a magical month for fans of medieval and Renaissance fairs. As winter approaches, many Renaissance and medieval festivals continue to celebrate the spirit of the past, offering unique experiences filled with performances, food, music, and crafts. Whether you're a fan of jousting tournaments, period costumes, or just love the atmosphere of these events, December is the perfect time to immerse yourself in the rich history of medieval and Renaissance times.

Here's a look at some of the best medieval and Renaissance fairs in December 2024.

1. Louisiana Renaissance Festival

Location: Hammond, LA

Dates: November 2 - December 8, 2024

One of the largest Renaissance festivals in the U.S., the Louisiana Renaissance Festival offers a delightful journey back to the medieval and Renaissance periods. The fair is spread across 16 acres of land and features a variety of themed events, from jousting tournaments to medieval archery. You can explore the artisan booths selling handmade crafts, enjoy delicious period-inspired food, and watch live performances of music, dance, and comedy. The event is family-friendly, with plenty of activities for children, including games and educational demonstrations.

Key Highlights:

• Jousting tournaments

• Artisan and craft markets

• Live performances and medieval music

• Kid-friendly activities

2. Sarasota Medieval Fair

Location: Myakka City, FL

Dates: November 2 - December 1, 2024

The Sarasota Medieval Fair offers an enchanting experience with its variety of performances, jousting, and vendor booths. Set in the beautiful outdoor grounds of Myakka City, visitors can immerse themselves in the medieval world, enjoying everything from sword fighting to historical reenactments. The festival also includes themed areas such as the "Viking Village" and the "Enchanted Forest." Plus, there are a variety of food vendors offering delicious dishes inspired by medieval cuisine.

Key Highlights:

• Jousting and medieval combat

• Viking Village and historical reenactments

• Delicious period-inspired food

• Themed shopping areas

3. Camelot Days Medieval Festival

Location: Hollywood, FL

Dates: November 9 - 24, 2024

Camelot Days in Hollywood, Florida, celebrates the tales of King Arthur and his knights in a delightful medieval fair atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy live performances of Shakespearean plays, jousting tournaments, and musical performances. The festival's marketplace is filled with artisans offering hand-crafted goods and medieval-inspired items. Whether you're interested in the legend of King Arthur or just love medieval culture, Camelot Days is the place to be in December.

Key Highlights:

• King Arthur-themed performances and activities

• Jousting tournaments

• Live music and comedy acts

• Artisan crafts and medieval shopping

4. Victorian Medieval Festival (VIC)

Location: Various Locations

Dates: TBA December 2024

The Victorian Medieval Festival, though not always set on specific dates, offers a beautiful blend of Victorian and medieval themes. Often held in December, this fair is an enchanting blend of two fascinating historical periods. Expect period costumes, traditional crafts, and beautiful medieval and Victorian-style music. The event typically offers storytelling, period dancing, and a variety of performances that blend the elegance of the Victorian era with the rugged appeal of the medieval period.

Key Highlights:

• Victorian and medieval theme fusion

• Period costumes and historical reenactments

• Live performances and music

• Vintage and medieval-inspired crafts

5. Tennessee Medieval Faire

Location: Harriman, TN

Dates: December 7 - 8, 2024

Tennessee's Medieval Faire offers an exciting weekend of entertainment, showcasing everything from medieval combat to music and dance performances. Whether you’re a lover of historical reenactments or enjoy browsing unique medieval crafts, this fair has something for everyone. The festival’s highlights include medieval jousting, knightly combat shows, archery demonstrations, and an expansive marketplace offering handmade goods, including clothing, pottery, and jewellery.

Key Highlights:

• Jousting tournaments and medieval combat

• Archery and falconry demonstrations

• Live medieval music and dance

• Handmade medieval crafts and clothing

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6. Whoville Medieval Festival

Location: Lakewood, CO

Dates: December 13-15, 2024

This quirky, holiday-themed medieval festival mixes medieval traditions with a festive twist, inspired by Dr. Seuss's How the Grinch Stole Christmas. The event features local vendors selling handmade crafts, live music, and medieval entertainment that caters to both history lovers and those looking to get into the holiday spirit. Expect a lot of holiday cheer, unique performances, and themed activities that combine the magic of the season with the charm of the medieval era.

Key Highlights:

• Holiday-themed medieval performances

• Live music and entertainment

• Artisan booths with medieval crafts

• Holiday market with festive foods

7. VikingFest

Location: Saint Joseph, MO

Dates: December 7, 2024

VikingFest is a smaller, but incredibly fun festival that celebrates all things Viking. It’s an opportunity to enjoy Viking-themed games, live music, and traditional Viking combat reenactments. There’s also a Viking marketplace where you can shop for hand-forged weapons, Viking-style jewelry, and other historically-inspired items. The festival provides a truly immersive Viking experience, especially for fans of Viking culture and history.

Key Highlights:

• Viking-themed games and competitions

• Viking reenactments and combat shows

• Viking marketplace with handmade goods

• Traditional Viking music

8. Jubilee Renaissance Faire

Location: Milton, FL

Dates: December 21-22, 2024

The Jubilee Renaissance Faire in Milton, Florida, closes the year with a spectacular celebration of all things medieval. This fair is known for its lively atmosphere, featuring music, dancing, jousting, and a variety of family-friendly activities. The event is also known for its impressive array of local vendors offering unique handcrafted items, from jewellery to pottery. The Jubilee Renaissance Faire promises to be a delightful weekend of entertainment and historical fun.

Key Highlights:

• Jousting and medieval tournaments

• Live music and performances

• Family-friendly activities

• Artisan and food vendors

December is a wonderful time to celebrate medieval and Renaissance history, as these fairs bring the past to life with jousting, performances, medieval food, and authentic crafts. Whether you’re in Florida, Tennessee, or any other part of the country, there's a fair that will transport you to a world of knights, kings, and queens. So, grab your favorite medieval costume and step into a world of historical reenactments, amazing food, and memorable experiences this December.