AMELIA ISLAND, Fla — The 12th annual Dickens on Centre festival will take place Dec. 11-13 in downtown Fernandina Beach. The free event transforms the historic district into a Victorian holiday village inspired by Charles Dickens’ novella “A Christmas Carol.”
Dickens published “A Christmas Carol” in 1843, as many modern Christmas traditions were taking shape in Victorian Britain. The festival draws on that legacy to construct a holiday atmosphere set against Fernandina Beach’s historic architecture, featuring areas named after characters and locations from the book.
The festival features a Christmas market filling the downtown district. Local and small-business vendors offer handcrafted gifts, holiday decor and specialty foods across enclaves including Oliver’s Alley, Cratchit’s Corner, Peddler’s Village, and Artist’s Alley.
For younger visitors, Tiny Tim’s section includes photos with St. Nick, holiday movie screenings at the Old Vic Theatre alley, and activities at the Elves at Work tent.
The event also includes the Enchanted Village Snow Globe Experience, where attendees can reserve private, snow-globe-inspired spaces for food and refreshments. Fezziwig’s Courtyard offers separate dining and beverage options by reservation.
Active and pet-focused events accompany the downtown festivities. Run Like the Dickens is a one-mile fun run at Main Beach Park where participants are encouraged to wear Victorian attire. The Parade of Paws features dogs in holiday costumes competing in categories such as Best Victorian, Most Original, and Looks Most Like Owner.
Throughout the weekend, stages across the festival grounds host theatrical performances, live music, costumed characters and street entertainers, along with a glowing procession and a drone show. At night, the festival features Dickens After Dark: Marley’s Masquerade, an adults-only event with stilt walkers, jugglers and live entertainment.
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