The Yuletide at Devon festival has moved from Devon to Liberty Hill, writes Caroline O’Halloran for SAVVY Main Line.  

The holiday event, led by father-son duo Rob and Jes Bickhart, will be smaller and cheaper than last year. 

The move comes after some problems with the Devon Horse Show facility, as it required winterizing and was too big of a venue. The smaller footprint “allows us to maximize our holiday decorations,” Bickhart said.  

There had been rumors that Devon was unhappy with Yuletide, some sources citing broken glass being left behind and impairing horse safety, and that Yuletide didn’t draw the expected crowds. 

“They had a one-year lease, and we wish them well,” said Devon Horse Show President and CEO Wayne Grafton. 

As for the crowd, Yuletide pulled in 80,000 people instead of the anticipated 120,000 and Bickhart admitted that vendors are still owed money from last year but are now being paid in installments. 

Yuletide founders have taken the criticism and are ready to make major changes, including lower ticket prices, two new attractions, new rides, improved conditions for vendors, and local performers. 

“We didn’t know what we didn’t know for our first season,” Bickhart said.  “We feel fortunate that we’ve been given a second chance at the Union League.” 

Yuletide will run from Nov. 22, 2024 – Jan. 5, 2025. 

Read more about the changes to this year’s Yuletide at Devon festival at SAVVY Main Line. 

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