Boar's Head
Sunday, December 14th, 2025 5:00 PM
The colorful Boar’s Head ceremony became part of the Christmas celebration in the great manor houses of the Middle Ages but had its roots in pagan times when the boar was the first dish served at a Roman feast. The Church endowed the custom with symbolic Christian meaning and elevated it to the service of God, enriching the lives of all it touched. Sponsored by the Lord of the Manor, the ceremony became a service of praise to Jesus Christ, Lord of the Universe and Redeemer of the World.
In medieval England the ferocious boar was the sovereign of the forest, a menace to man, and a symbol of evil. The presentation of the boar’s head at Christmas signified triumph of the Christ Child over sin.
No one knows who planned the first Boar’s Head procession, but it was in use at Queen’s College, Oxford, England, shortly after that University was founded in 1340 and continues to be presented there today.
In medieval England the ferocious boar was the sovereign of the forest, a menace to man, and a symbol of evil. The presentation of the boar’s head at Christmas signified triumph of the Christ Child over sin.
No one knows who planned the first Boar’s Head procession, but it was in use at Queen’s College, Oxford, England, shortly after that University was founded in 1340 and continues to be presented there today.
The ceremonies attending the presentation of the boar’s head grew and became more elaborate over the centuries. The Yule Log lighted at Christmas with embers burning all year symbolizing Christ as the Light of the World, the wise men and shepherds, good King Wenceslas and his pages, and the Beefeaters, English ceremonial guards, were all added over the years.
The Boar’s Head Christmas Festival spread from these early beginnings to be celebrated in many Christian settings, including Concordia University in Ann Arbor, Michigan; Bethlehem Evangelical Lutheran Church in Saginaw, Michigan; Zion Lutheran Church in Holland, Michigan; and Immanuel Lutheran Church in St. Charles, Missouri.
Immanuel Lutheran Church in Broken Arrow brings this ancient tradition to Oklahoma, adding our voices, music, and drama to our prayer that it will be an offering of praise to the One whose birth we celebrate and a witness to the joy we share in our salvation through Him. We offer the Christmas message told through the Boar’s Head Festival as our gift through Christ to the greater Tulsa community.
The Boar’s Head Christmas Festival spread from these early beginnings to be celebrated in many Christian settings, including Concordia University in Ann Arbor, Michigan; Bethlehem Evangelical Lutheran Church in Saginaw, Michigan; Zion Lutheran Church in Holland, Michigan; and Immanuel Lutheran Church in St. Charles, Missouri.
Immanuel Lutheran Church in Broken Arrow brings this ancient tradition to Oklahoma, adding our voices, music, and drama to our prayer that it will be an offering of praise to the One whose birth we celebrate and a witness to the joy we share in our salvation through Him. We offer the Christmas message told through the Boar’s Head Festival as our gift through Christ to the greater Tulsa community.
EVENT DETAILS
Date & Time: Saturday, December 14, 5:00 p.m.
Length: Approximately 1 hour, followed by cookies and cider in the fellowship hall
Admission: Free and open to the public (freewill donations welcome)
Seating: First come, first served
Parking: Available on the west side of the building
What to Expect: Our church is transformed into a candlelit setting filled with kings, jesters, shepherds, and angels — all leading to the joyful celebration of Christ’s birth. Experience a powerful blend of music, drama, and storytelling, featuring familiar Christmas hymns you’re invited to sing along with. After the performance, stay for cookies, cider, and fellowship with our church family.
VOLUNTEER TO HELP
This event takes almost 200 volunteers — from choir and cast members to ushers, decorators, costumers, and hospitality helpers. If you’d like to be part of this year’s Festival, contact Rebecca Winston at rwinston@immanuelba.org. Everyone has a role to play — no experience needed!
STAY CONNECTED
Follow us on Facebook for updates, behind-the-scenese photos, and sneak peeds.
What to bring a group? Contact Rebecca Winston at rwinston@immanuelba.org to make arrangements
The Boar’s Head Festival is one of Immanuel’s gifts to our community — a joyful reminder that Christ’s light shines through every generation. We can’t wait to celebrate with you!
Date & Time: Saturday, December 14, 5:00 p.m.
Length: Approximately 1 hour, followed by cookies and cider in the fellowship hall
Admission: Free and open to the public (freewill donations welcome)
Seating: First come, first served
Parking: Available on the west side of the building
What to Expect: Our church is transformed into a candlelit setting filled with kings, jesters, shepherds, and angels — all leading to the joyful celebration of Christ’s birth. Experience a powerful blend of music, drama, and storytelling, featuring familiar Christmas hymns you’re invited to sing along with. After the performance, stay for cookies, cider, and fellowship with our church family.
VOLUNTEER TO HELP
This event takes almost 200 volunteers — from choir and cast members to ushers, decorators, costumers, and hospitality helpers. If you’d like to be part of this year’s Festival, contact Rebecca Winston at rwinston@immanuelba.org. Everyone has a role to play — no experience needed!
STAY CONNECTED
Follow us on Facebook for updates, behind-the-scenese photos, and sneak peeds.
What to bring a group? Contact Rebecca Winston at rwinston@immanuelba.org to make arrangements
The Boar’s Head Festival is one of Immanuel’s gifts to our community — a joyful reminder that Christ’s light shines through every generation. We can’t wait to celebrate with you!
