“Dickens on Centre” once again will be a highlight of the season. A Victorian-themed celebration of food, fun and entertainment takes place under twinkling lights in historic downtown Fernandina Beach.
A variety of accompanying Dickens on Centre special events, including The Enchanted Village, are also returning this year.
“Dickens on Centre” brings the entire Amelia Island community together and offers everyone a special opportunity to make lasting holiday memories,” said Gil Langley, president and CEO of the Amelia Island Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB). “Since it was introduced eight years ago, Dickens has become a great family tradition, in part due to the wide variety of activities and events.”
The schedule this year includes:
Dickens on Centre (Dec. 8-11): Enjoy costumed characters, themed entertainment, visits from Saint Nick, and a variety of vendors selling seasonal wares. Inspired by Charles Dickens’ novella, “A Christmas Carol,” Dickens on Centre transforms downtown Fernandina Beach into a classic English village.
Dickens Dining & Drinks (Dec. 2-11): Enjoy this 10-day gamified culinary trail featuring several restaurants offering a holiday-themed dish or beverage. Check in at participating locations, collect points, and win unique prizes.
Dickens Illuminated Procession (Dec. 8): Bring something that twinkles or glows and join in a leisurely stroll through Fernandina’s historic district for an evening of merriment and cheer. Enjoy food trucks and entertainment and stay for the light show over the Fernandina Harbor Marina at 7:30 p.m. Create your own masterpiece for the procession at one of several lantern-making workshops with local artisan Faith B. Elliott. Dates and details can be found online.
Dickens Enchanted Village (Dec. 9-11): Step into an exclusive holiday experience that will bring to life the magical feeling of snow globes in one of eight festive domes, each decorated in a unique Christmas theme. The forecast calls for snow!
Dickens After Dark (Dec. 10): A Dickens event for adults 21 and older at the historic Lesesne House. This VIP party features unique specialty entertainment, historic ghost tours, festive food, drinks and much more.
Run Like the Dickens (Dec. 10): Get moving and join this fun run at Main Beach at 8:30 a.m. All are welcome, including dogs and kids!
I will definitely be attending – but I do wish it was a little bit closer to Christmas. I have family coming into town the week before Christmas and it would be awesome to be able to share it with them! (I’m sure that the organizers have worked out the timing to maximize attendance, so this is more of a “me” issue.)
Can hardly wait…love this event!!