Dickens on Centre 2023: The Amazing Transformation of Amelia Island into Victorian London!
If you prefer a cuppa Earl Grey to a Starbucks latte and the BBC to Disney+, then you’ll find kindred spirits on Amelia Island – and I don’t just mean the spirits of Christmas Past, Present, and Future!
During the month of December, Amelia Island hosts a multi-day festival called Dickens on Centre. With a sprinkle of Christmas magic and imagination, historic Fernandina Beach becomes Victorian London. Lights, decor, and costumes become an effective time machine that would make Charles Dickens himself feel right at home. And you will, too!
This cozy festival has lots of family-friendly fun, with theatrical performances, contests, vendors, and trolley rides. There are also gorgeous twinkle lights and Santa Claus sightings – in other words, this is one celebration you don’t want to miss!
After all, what could be better than Christmas on the beach?
The English Heritage of Amelia Island
Inspired by the literary classic A Christmas Carol, Dickens on Centre in Amelia is nearly a decade-long run. With food and fun, it’s no wonder this festival has become an annual staple! But how did this brilliantly British festival end up on the Florida coastline? Believe it or not, it’s actually rather fitting!
No, Charles Dickens never visited Amelia Island (that we know of), but the British flag once waved over Amelia Island – which was called “Amelia” after the daughter of King George II. Downtown Fernandina Beach even boasts beautiful Victorian-era architecture that has been recognized by the National Trust! Additionally, many of our favorite Christmas traditions, like decorating Christmas trees, exchanging gifts, and eating turkey, were popularized by Queen Victoria.
While the Amelia Island connection to one of history’s most iconic eras might not be obvious at first glance, it’s truly the perfect Florida locale to transform into blustery London during the holidays!
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Dickens on Centre: Festival Schedule
The annual Dickens on Centre festival will be held on December 7 – 10, 2023, and is celebrating its ninth year of bringing old-fashioned Christmas to Florida’s shores. Here’s the full schedule via the Dickens on Centre official website:
Festival Hours
- Thursday, December 7th, 2023: 5 – 7 pm
- Friday, December 8th, 2023: 5 – 9 pm
- Saturday, December 9th, 2023: 10 am – 9 pm
- Sunday, December 10th, 2023: 10 am – 5 pm
Trolley Hours
- Friday, December 8th, 2023: 4:45 – 9:30 pm
- Saturday, December 9th, 2023: 9:45 am – 9:30 pm
- Sunday, December 10th, 2023: 9:45 am – 5:30 pm
No tickets are required to attend this holiday soiree – festivities are FREE to the public. Talk about a Christmas gift!
Activities & Entertainment: Victorian Style!
What exactly does the Dickens on Centre festival entail? So much fun! Oh, but you probably wanted more detail than that, huh? Not to worry! Here’s an in-depth look at all of the activities; you’ll find there’s something for everyone to enjoy, from Mr. and Mrs. Cratchit to all the small assorted Cratchits! Some events are pay-to-experience, while other portions of the festivals are included with your free admission.
Dickens After Dark
When the sun sets, magic comes alive on Amelia Island! On December 9, from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm, you can attend the Victorian costume party at historic Lesesne House and enjoy a showcase of talent by the Kristen Sparrow Circus, complete with stilt walkers, jugglers, and a Fire & Ice themed performance! There will also be live music provided by Mama Blue and of course, plenty of great food and drink to go around. Please note that Dickens After Dark is a separately ticketed event and is for Victorians who are 21 and older, as wine and beer are served.
Run Like the Dickens
This 1-mile (round trip) fun run takes place right on the beach! Everyone is welcome to participate – even your K9 companion! Those who register and run will receive a complementary Run Like the Dickens t-shirt. The fun run is from 8:30 am to 12:00 pm on December 9th and costs $25 to enter.
Illuminated Procession
You won’t want to miss the annual Dickens Illuminated Procession on December 7th! From 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm, everyone is welcome to hop in line and march down the road carrying brightly shining objects. Participants are encouraged to bring their own lanterns, lights, or other glowing objects – but no open flames, please. We’ll save that for the EPCOT Candlelight Processional!
Portraits with St. Nick
You can find St. Nick in Tiny Tim’s Kid Zone from December 8th to 10th. You can reserve your portrait time online and take home some adorable snaps of St. Nick and the kiddos. A $35 fee covers the St. Nick meet and greet experience, a print copy of your photo, and a digital copy.
Enchanted Village
Another pay-to-experience specialty, Dickens Enchanted Village, lets you live inside a snow globe! (Well, for an hour, anyway.) Each private snow globe is perfectly equipped for a family picnic of up to six people. Each guest will receive a charcuterie grazing box, including the kiddos, whose boxes are tailored for smaller tummies and different tastes. Though the tickets are a little pricey ($69 adults, $40 for children), it is a truly fun and unique experience. And, if you’re lucky, you may even see snow!
Holiday Entertainment
Musical acts, theatrical performances, and costumed characters will make Dickens on Centre one of the liveliest Christmas parties of the season! As of writing, details on performances are yet to be announced, but we know it’ll be great! There will also be holiday movies playing in Tiny Tim’s Kid Zone, including The Santa Clause, Polar Express, Elf, and The Muppets Christmas Carol. You can find the schedule of showtimes here.
Vendors
2023 promises more Dickens on Centre vendors than ever before! You can browse a variety of crafted goods like artwork, accessories, home decor, and spa essentials. There will also be several different food trucks whose fare will include BBQ, tacos, shrimp, hot dogs, and more! Vendors are also present in Tiny Tim’s Kid Zone with face painting, cotton candy, brownies, and other sweet treats!
Parade of Paws
Celebrate Christmas with your furry friend at Dickens on Centre! On December 9th, animals can enter a dress-up contest and win a prize for Best Victorian, Most Original, Looks Most Like Owner, and top 3 overall. The entry fee is $20 per animal, and all proceeds go to a local humane society.
Christmas Wishes
Write down your Christmas wish and tie it to the tree by Amelia Island Coffee! This Christmas tradition is simple yet oh-so-magical. (Almost like tying a wish to the Wilding Tree!)
Letters to St. Nick
Visit St. Nick’s Workshop and compose a letter to Santa! Once you’re done, simply pop it into the big red mailbox – it goes straight to the North Pole! No postage is necessary.
There’s so much fun to be had at the Dickens on Centre Christmas celebration! From the annual Dickens Illuminated Procession to the Parade of Paws, it’s truly a festival that everyone can enjoy.
Have you been to Dickens on Centre? Are you planning to go this year? Tell us about your experience in the comments below!
Merry Christmas and God bless everyone.
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