Amelia Island — Amelia Island’s Dickens on Centre Victorian Christmas Festival kicks-off on Thursday, December 9, and run through Sunday, December 12. Celebrating the beloved Charles Dickens novella, A Christmas Carol, the annual event, now its seventh year, transforms Historic Centre Street into an English Victorian Christmas wonderland.
Attendees will enjoy costumed characters, Saint Nicholas, and artisans showcasing their wares in betwixt and between everything a festival could possibly offer. Dancers, musicians, and jugglers will roam the street artists along with more than 50 food vendors against a backdrop of Christmas music, parades, concerts and holiday movies. And if that isn’t enough entertainment for the kids they can decorate cookies and take pictures with Santa in the kid zone.
The themed festival will also feature a performance of A Christmas Carol, staged by Jason Woods, a local actor and producer.
Also, new this year, the festival will host an Enchanted Village, a one-of-a-kind ensemble of themed snow globes for guests to enjoy unique dining experiences. The garden igloo themes include the Ghost of Christmas Past; the Ghost of Christmas Future; The Ghost of Christmas Present; the Sugar Plum Fairy; and The Nutcracker.
Maurie Dugger, the Director of Program Development for the Amelia Island Convention and Visitors Bureau, describes the town’s mutation of all things Victorian English as fitting since the island was named after Princess Amelia King, the daughter of King George II. The British flag was one of eight that once flew over the island.
Dugger says the festival is “an opportunity for the whole family to enjoy the weekend.”
What began as a need period - to fill the island’s tourist gap between Thanksgiving and Christmas - has evolved to become one of the most popular holiday and Christmas season destinations. Dugger estimates that more than 10,000 people will attend.
Gil Langley, president and CEO of the Amelia Island Convention & Visitors Bureau said that new additions such as the Enchanted Village, plus the great special offers from award-winning hotels, resorts and inns, will make the season a truly special time to enjoy.
Trolley Transportation will be provided.
Amelia Island Holiday Schedule of Events:
Amelia Island Chamber Music Festival on December 3. Big Band Holidays and The Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra features global superstar Wynton Marsalis with special guest vocalist Alita Moses.
Holiday Home Tour runs from December 3 to December 4. The tour will showcase five beautifully decorated homes in the downtown historic district of Fernandina Beach from 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Dickens on Centre Dining Week runs from December 3 to December 12. The annual 10-day culinary delight features several of Amelia Island’s most popular dining spots offering Dickens-themed/Victorian-inspired menus. Restaurants include The Alley/ Amelia Island Brewing Company; Amelia Island Tea House; Bantam & Biddy; Beech Street Bar & Grill; Brett’s Waterway Café; Café Karibo; Coast Restaurant at The Ritz-Carlton/Amelia Island; Island Kitchen; Lagniappe Restaurant; Leddy’s Porch Bistro at the Florida House Inn; Story & Song Bookstore Bistro; The Tavern/Amelia Island Brewing Company; Tides Pool Bar & Grill; and Tidewater Grill at the Ritz-Carlton/Amelia Island.
Dickens Illuminated Procession on December 9. Grab anything that glows and twinkles for a leisurely stroll through Fernandina’s historic district. Fireworks will be on display over the Fernandina Harbor Marina at 7 p.m.
Dickens Enchanted Village runs December 1- through December 12. The Dickens Enchanted Village is an exclusive picnic dining experience in one of six festive domed snow globes.
Run Like the Dickens on December 11. This seasonal scramble is a one-mile fun run at Amelia Island’s Main Beach which begins at 8:30 a.m. Kids and dogs are welcome.
Dickens After Dark on December 11. A VIP, adult-only event (attendees must be 21 or older) features specialty entertainment, a historic ghost tour, festive food, open bar and more at the historic Lesesne House in downtown Fernandina Beach.
For a complete list of events, as well as special offers and packages from Amelia Island’s collection of hotels, resorts and B & B’s visit AmeliaIsland.com/Holiday .