Mark your calendars for the evening of Saturday, January 6, 2024, and plan to attend the Twelfth Night Ceremony in Pleasant Prairie. Join the Village of Pleasant Prairie, Visit Pleasant Prairie, and the Pleasant Prairie Historical Society for this free, family-friendly event set against the beautiful backdrop of Lake Andrea.
The Twelfth Night holiday tree bonfire, a Pleasant Prairie tradition with roots dating back to 1980, is an annual celebration that marks the official end of the holiday season. The event features a traditional holiday tree bonfire and welcomes area communities to attend to help celebrate the Twelfth Night tradition.
“The Village is extending an invitation to the community and surrounding areas for the 2024 Twelfth Night Ceremony,” stated Village Administrator Eric Rindfleisch. “This tradition is rooted in Pleasant Prairie’s history and is an annual event that is fun for the whole family. Join us on January 6 as we celebrate the end of the holiday season and enjoy the warmth of a large bonfire.”
The 2024 Twelfth Night ceremony will take place on Saturday, January 6, starting at 5:30 p.m. at the Donald Wruck Beach Pavilion on the west side of Lake Andrea, at 9999 Park Drive in Pleasant Prairie. Highlights at the event include hot chocolate, s’mores, fire pits, cookies, holiday caroling, and a giant holiday tree bonfire. Additionally, Pleasant Prairie Fire & Rescue and Police staff will be present, attendees can enjoy fire truck and police squad tours.
The Village invites residents to contribute their dried holiday trees to the historic Twelfth Night ceremony. The Pleasant Prairie holiday tree drop-off sites will open on Tuesday, December 26. The preferred drop-off location for this event is inside the fenced-in area along Park Drive, near the beach, on Lake Andrea’s west side. To contribute a holiday tree to the bonfire, residents are asked to bring it to the drop-off location before January 6.
Public safety at the event is a top priority. The bonfire area will be at least 100 square feet and is subject to the Fire Chief and onsite Public Safety Personnel’s judgment. Some parking along Park Drive will be reserved for Fire & Rescue to keep safety trucks and equipment closest to the fire. Guests may park in lots on either side of the Wruck Pavilion.
The Twelfth Night Celebration is free and open to the public. The holiday tree bonfire will start at 6:15 p.m. with a welcome from Visit Pleasant Prairie Executive Director Sarah Howard. Donations for the Twelfth Night are welcome to support the Historical Society’s efforts to restore a 1935 Peter Pirsch Model 21 Fire Engine, the first fire engine the Pleasant Prairie Fire Department purchased when formed in 1935.
Join Pleasant Prairie for this memorable evening celebrating history, community, and the spirit of the holiday season.