Each month, we share expert-led training sessions to help community orchard stewards grow and care for thriving fruit trees. On this page, you’ll find a recorded workshop, a summary of key takeaways, and additional resources to deepen your knowledge. Be sure to explore past workshops for even more insights into urban orcharding best practices!

Interested in attending a workshop? Sign up for our workshop series email list!

A video recording of an online workshop on how to hold a wassail celebration.

History of a Wassail

Origins in southwestern England as a midwinter orchard-blessing ceremony
Meaning of “Wassail” (“Waes hael” = be well / be whole)
Purpose: to wake the trees, scare away bad spirits, and encourage a good harvest
Common traditions: songs, noise-making (pots/pans), toasting the trees with cider, decorating with ribbons
How modern orchards have adapted it: inclusive, family-friendly, seasonal community-building event

Elements of a Great Orchard Wassail

Welcome & Orientation: Share history and intentions
Tree Blessing: Choose one “representative tree” or move in a procession
Song or Chant: Simple, repeatable lines
Noise-Making: Pots, bells, clapping to “wake up” the orchard
Cider (or juice) Toast: Hang toast in the tree
Decorating: Ribbons, yarn, paper wishes, ice lanterns
Warm Gathering: Hot cider, fire pits (if in-person), snacks

Why Wassail Works for Community Engagement

A fun winter event when engagement usually dips
Creates cultural connection, stewardship pride, and local identity
Easy to make multi-generational and low-cost
Opportunities for storytelling, local history, music, winter warm beverages, kid-friendly activities

Order of Ceremony (KCCG Event)

Team 4p-Assist w/Telescope
Set out Ice Lanterns 4:30-4:45
4:45 Set Candles in Tree
5:00 Guests Arrive- Greet at Front walk direct to MPR
Start a fire in the center of the raised fruit beds
A blessing of the seeds and the 2025 gardening season
5:10-5:30 MPR-Mingle, Eat, Drinks
Read aloud the Introduction & History of the Old & English Tradition of Wassailing
Fill Drinks & Grab Lyrics, Noisemakers & Walk to Orchard
5:35 Gather in the Orchard Around the Fire
Lead Singing “Here We Come A Wassailing”
Sounds Bell
Reads Orchard Blessing
Instructions to Place Pieces of Toast in the Tree Branches (Toast the Trees!)
Sound Maker-Create Noise To Ward Off Evil Spirits
Toast To The Trees (Print many copies)
Read a Traditional Poem
Conclude By Reading “Advice From A Tree”
6:15-6:30 Group Proceeds To The Star Gazing Area-by gardeners gazebo

10 Best Practices for Hosting a Community Wassail

Keep it welcoming and inclusive with simple songs, accessible language, and activities for all ages.
Plan for winter comfort with warm drinks, a warming station, and clear guidance on dressing warmly.
Create a clear ritual flow (welcome → song → noise → toast → decorate).
Highlight a “grand tree” or procession to focus the event and guide movement.
Invite community talent—musicians, youth groups, storytellers, or volunteers.
Use low-cost, low-barrier materials like ribbons, homemade noise makers, and bring-your-own mugs.
Make the event meaningful with shared wishes, gratitude, or orchard stories.
Communicate clearly about timing, accessibility, and what to expect.
Prioritize safety with good lighting, clear paths, and appropriate supervision.
Leave time for connection through socializing, warm drinks, and opportunities to engage. Consider a simple call to action: volunteer signups, upcoming pruning workshops, or spring planting events.