Twelfth Night Holiday Tree Bonfire

Twelfth Night is a tradition celebrated around the world, but Pleasant Prairie has a unique twist on it! January 6th each year, the twelfth night after Christmas, marks the time when many end their holiday festivities and take down their decorations. Pleasant Prairie celebrates by inviting folks to enjoy a showstopping bonfire made from the community’s discarded Christmas trees.

🎶 Sing carols with neighbors and new friends!

☕ Enjoy hot chocolate, coffee, and cookies!

❄️ Bid the holiday season adieu, and get ready to welcome the year ahead!

HOW DOES THE COMMUNITY ENJOY TWELFTH NIGHT?

HISTORY OF PLEASANT PRAIRIE’S TWELFTH NIGHT TRADITION

With the arrival of the New Year, the holiday season is celebrated by many. In English tradition, it is unlucky to leave Christmas decorations hanging after the Twelve Days of Christmas or Twelfth Night (January 6th). In the 1980’s, the Town of Pleasant Prairie (it didn’t become a Village until 1989) adopted its version of the Twelfth Night tradition in a different way - with a huge bonfire of the community’s Christmas trees that featured caroling while sharing holiday leftover treats. This tradition was celebrated for 13 years. It was revived in 2020, with plans for it to be an annual tradition once again!

TWELFTH NIGHT FAQ

How can I participate in the Twelfth Night event in Pleasant Prairie?

Option #1: Supply a bare, dried holiday tree! The preferred drop-off location to contribute a tree to the event is Prairie Springs Park at the designated area along the west side Park Drive by Lake Andrea Beach. Village holiday tree drop-off sites will be open for Village residents beginning December 26th. 

Option #2: Attend the event and enjoy hot chocolate, coffee, and treats - all donated by local businesses! Take it one step further by entering a raffle to be chosen as that year's official Cheermiester - complete with a magic wand and the ability to light the HUGE pile of trees (with guided help of our Fire Department, of course!).

We advocate for everyone to do both of the above options - the more the merrier!

When is Twelfth Night?

Twelfth Night is every January 6th. The event opens to the public at 5:30 p.m. At 6 p.m. there will be a brief welcome with the tree burning to commence shortly after.

Where is Twelfth Night?

RecPlex Wruck Beach Pavilion along the shores of Lake Andrea. The precise address is 9999 Park Drive, Pleasant Prairie, WI 53158.

What time does the event begin?

5:30 p.m.

How much does the Twelfth Night Holiday Tree Bonfire cost to attend?

This event is always FREE to attend.

Who hosts Twelfth Night?

This historic tradition is hosted by Visit Pleasant Prairie, the Village of Pleasant Prairie, and the Pleasant Prairie Historical Society! Our Village's Fire and Public Works departments coordinate the bonfire itself.

Where should I park?

Attendees may park in lots on either side of the RecPlex Wruck Beach Pavilion. 

Is Twelfth Night safe for my whole family?

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 judgment. Parking along Park Drive will be reserved for Fire and Rescue to keep safety trucks and equipment closest to the fire.

How can I support the event?

Donations at the Twelfth Night event are welcomed and will support the Pleasant Prairie Historical Society. Be sure to check out the Pleasant Prairie History Museum located in the renovated historic Dublin School.