DowntownFamilyFestivals & EventsItineraryKid Friendly
Amelia Island's beloved Dickens on Centre festival returns to historic downtown Fernandina Beach from December 11-13, celebrating its 12th year as the largest Christmas Market in Northeast Florida. Immerse yourself in the magic of the season with lively entertainers, seasonal treats, festive music, bustling shops, vendor booths filled with holiday treasures, and beautifully decorated streets. Leave the holiday hustle behind and step back in time for a memorable Victorian Christmas getaway, filled with cheer and nostalgia.
Settle into Courtyard/Springhill Suites by Marriott, offering the perfect mix of comfort and convenience. With thoughtfully appointed guest rooms, a fire pit for cool nights, multiple dining options, full bars, and a fitness room, this property is ideal for families, couples, and friends looking to relax and soak up Amelia Island’s Victorian holiday atmosphere.
If you want to stay true to the theme of the weekend, the Fairbanks House is a testament to Victorian elegance and architecture and is the Grande Dame of S 7th Street. It’s also just a short stroll from all the weekend festivities!
Get settled in and get ready to explore the charming downtown shops, vendor booths, and restaurants, beautifully decorated for the holiday season.
The beloved Christmas Wish Tree is back—and more magical than ever. Stop by the Pocket Park beside Amelia Island Coffee, write your holiday wish onto a wooden ornament, and hang it on the tree. It’s a Dickens tradition folks look forward to year after year, and this season’s tree is sure to be filled with festive hope and cheer.
Have you ever shaken a snow globe at Christmastime and wondered what it would feel like to live in that scene? Now’s your chance to find out in the Enchanted Village where up to six friends can spend an hour in your own private, holiday-themed snow globe!
During your 75-minute experience, you’ll enjoy thoughtfully curated fare from Le Marché while savoring exceptional wines and taking in the enchanting surroundings.
INSIDER TIP: Make reservations now to claim your spot!
Inspired by the warmth and merriment of Dickens’ beloved holiday celebrations, Fezziwig’s Courtyard invites you to slow down, savor the season, and celebrate together.
Enjoy an hour relaxing at your reserved table with festive fare, a holiday beverage, and the joyful energy of the Christmas festivities all around you.
Stay a while. Toast the season.
INSIDER TIP: Go ahead and make a reservation.
What would this beloved weekend be without seeing Charles Dickens’ classic “A Christmas Carol”? After all, it’s really the inspiration behind this festival. What if I told you that one man will perform the entire story – by himself? Yep, the incredible Jason Woods is back for his One Man Performance of A Christmas Carol. Watch the story come to life in a whole new way as Jason plays all 20 characters!
7:30pm – Wharf Main Stage
Saturday begins at Main Beach Park with a Run Like the Dickens 1-mile fun run. Complete with costumed characters and hot chocolate at the finish line, this family-friendly event is open to all ages (including pets), so feel free to bring your furry friend!
On your mark. Get set. GO!
8:30am – Main Beach
By far the most popular event of the weekend is the pet parade, where adorable furry family members don their very best Christmas, Victorian, or most original holiday outfits to see who will claim first prize. If it were up to us, they would ALL win.
This is the perfect chance to see the community’s creativity and holiday spirit on full display. Register your pet or simply be a witness to cuteness overload. Either way, your day will be made.
9:00am – Registration
10:00am – Parade begins Downtown
Visit Tiny Tim’s Kid Zone for family-friendly fun, including kids’ activities, outdoor holiday movies, face painting, and a photo op with St. Nick himself.
Let your kids write their letter to Santa here to make sure it gets to the North Pole on time!
INSIDER TIP: Go ahead and reserve your time slot with Santa now. They fill up fast!
Step back in time and celebrate in true Victorian style at Dickens After Dark – Marley’s Masquerade—the most festive costume party of the season!
Held at its exciting new venue, The Pavilion on N 2nd Street, the evening will feature stilt walkers, jugglers, live music, dancing, and plenty of unforgettable fun. This 21+ costumed soirée, proudly presented by Jacksonville International Airport, is one holiday affair you won’t want to miss.
6:00-9:00pm – Ticket and costume required
Note: This sells out FAST. Get your tickets now!
End each day (Fri & Sat, 9pm) with an awe-inspiring holiday-themed drone show over the Amelia River harbor.
If this doesn’t get you in the spirit, I don’t know what will.
Grab a hot drink and dive into the Dickens on Centre Christmas Market in Oliver’s Alley, Artists Alley, Cratchit’s Corner, and Peddler’s Village, where vendors offer holiday gifts and artisanal items.
This year, leave the boring Christmas gifts behind and get everyone on your list something original.
Throughout the weekend, there will be live entertainment all around the festival with street artists, holiday movies, roving characters, and more.
Two stages (Wharf Main Stage and 2nd Street Stage) will feature theatrical performances, holiday music, dances, holiday readings, and the opening and closing ceremonies.
Oh my. So much to see and do!
After enjoying the sights, sounds, and tastes of the Dickens on Centre festival, take one last stroll through the decorated downtown, say goodbye to new friends, and head home filled with holiday cheer and memories of a Victorian Christmas getaway.
Don’t forget to make plans to come next year… and bring your friends.
Happy Holidays!
This 3-day itinerary captures the festival’s highlights and unique events to make for a memorable holiday experience. These suggestions are just a sneak peek of all Amelia Island has to offer as you plan your Dickens on Centre Holiday Getaway. Discover more and plan you perfect trip on WWW.AMELIAISLAND.COM for a complete list of places to stay, eat, and play.