A hallmark of Waldorf education is the tradition of seasonal and cultural celebrations which support a sense of reverence and respect for the earth and its people. Campus life is enhanced by festivities such as Michaelmas, Diwali, Advent Spiral, Hanukkah, Chinese New Year, Maypole Dances and many other cultural traditions.
Classroom activities are brought to life at various times of the year to honor various world cultures such as Indigenous Peoples’ Event, Hispanic Heritage Event, Black History Month, Unity Day, and many more. In this way, the students are given the opportunity to experience the richness of the many cultures in the world via stories, songs, art, and dance. A tenet of Waldorf education is to respect all cultures, traditions, and religions of the world, incorporating them into the age-appropriate curriculum as much as possible.
At Highland Hall, the Parent Association hosts two annual community events, the Winter Faire and the May Faire, where our entire school comes together to celebrate the rhythm of the year in these traditional ways. A partial list of our festivals is provided below.
Autumn Festivals
- Rose Ceremony: Marks the start of the school year; older students (12th graders) welcome and present roses to the incoming 1st graders.
- Michaelmas (Late September): A Festival of Courage celebrating inner strength, harvest gratitude, and the story of St. Michael and the dragon (often featuring plays, physical challenges, and dragon bread).
- Martinmas / Lantern Walk (November 11): A quiet, reverent evening tradition where children carry handmade lanterns into the growing darkness to symbolize inner light, empathy, and sharing.
- Dia de los Muertos & Thanksgiving: Honoring ancestors, community altars, and gratitude gatherings like Stone Soup celebrations.
Winter Festivals
- Advent / Winter Spiral: Children walk a quiet, candlelit spiral path of evergreen boughs, placing a glowing candle in the spiral symbolizing the inner light that might be found during the darkest days of the year.
- Saint Nicholas Day (December 6): A traditional classroom appearance commemorating the giving and good deeds of St. Nicholas.
- Santa Lucia (December 13): Sometimes done, this is a “Queen of Light” procession featuring songs, and the sharing of special treats like saffron buns.
- Winter Faires & Holidays: Community craft markets, music performances, and celebrations of Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or the Winter Solstice.
Spring and Summer Festivals
- Candlemas (February 2) & Spring Equinox (March 20): Marking the return of lengthening daylight, candle-dipping, and themes of renewal.
- May Day / May Faire (May 1): A vibrant celebration of spring abundance featuring Maypole dancing, ribbon weaving, flower crowns, and community merriment.
