Now in its 11th season, Dickens on Centre transforms downtown Fernandina Beach into a Victorian Christmas village inspired by Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. With carolers, costumed performers, holiday-inspired arts & crafts, and festive cheer around every corner, it’s become a cherished holiday celebration for those near and far.

But even longtime fans might be surprised by these 11 little-known facts about the island’s most magical event.

1. It’s a decade-long tradition born from local imagination.

What began in 2015 as a creative idea from the Amelia Island Convention & Visitors Bureau (AICVB) — supported by the Amelia Island Tourist Development Council (AITDC) — Dickens on Centre has grown into a nationally recognized Christmas Market and holiday festival. The goal was simple: share Amelia Island’s Victorian charm with visitors during a typically slow period for lodging, restaurants, and businesses.

2. The setting is right out of a storybook.

Few places are better suited to a Dickens-inspired festival than Fernandina Beach. The historic architecture and waterfront setting provide the perfect backdrop for a 19th-century Christmas celebration. Add costumed characters, twinkling white lights, and holiday music — and you’ll swear you’ve stepped back in time.

3. Dickens on Centre partners with over 100 small and local businesses.

From food vendors and artisans to local retailers and entertainers, many are Nassau County residents who pour their heart into the event each year. The economic impact of Dickens on Centre has grown to over $6 million from visitors who live outside of Nassau County – a great example of how the festival not only supports the local economy but showcases Amelia Island’s warm hospitality as well.

4. The Enchanted Village celebrates its 5th anniversary.

This cozy collection of private, life-sized domes offers guests the chance to sip, snack, and relax in their very own holiday-themed “snow globe.” The idea came from one of the AICVB team members’ experience dining in an outdoor igloo in New York City — and it’s since become one of the festival’s most sought-after experiences, always selling out fast. Themes were inspired by The Nutcracker, Charles Dickens’, A Christmas Carol, and other holiday favorites of which the AICVB brought to life by adding décor and whimsy to each individual snow globe.

5. Local businesses are at the heart of it all.

Downtown shops, galleries, and restaurants fully embrace the Dickens theme — decorating windows, offering specials, and dressing in Victorian attire. For many businesses, the festival weekend is one of the busiest (and most joyful) of the year.

6. It’s a labor of local love.

Behind the scenes, the AICVB coordinates with Fernandina Beach Mainstreet, public safety teams, vendors, performers, and an army of volunteers to pull it all together. The planning starts nearly a year in advance, ensuring every “i” gets dotted and every “t” gets crossed with holiday magic.

7. The first Dickens Drone Show took place in 2022.

In 2022, 150 drones lit up the night sky after the Illuminated Procession that kicks off the weekend. Just three short years later, the show has grown into a can’t-miss spectacle of more than 500 drones, dazzling crowds with a choreographed light display that brings holiday imagery to life over downtown Fernandina Beach.

8. Dickens After Dark brings an evening of mystery and merriment.

Dickens After Dark began at the Florida House Inn before moving to the historical Lesesne House and quickly grew into the holiday party of the season. Now being held in the new downtown covered Pavilion, Dickens After Dark is an adults-only ticketed event that adds a spirited twist to the festivities. In 2024, Marley’s Masquerade theme joined the costumed fun, along with tarot card readings, a souvenir photo booth, specialty entertainment, and seasonal sips to toast the night away. It’s always a good time. 

9. National attention has found its way to our island.

Dickens on Centre has been featured in national travel magazines, blogs, and TV features as one of the top holiday festivals in the Southeast. Thousands of visitors from across the country now plan their Amelia Island getaways around this signature event.

10. It takes a village, and the village shows up.

Local performers, artisans, and families play a huge role in bringing the festival to life. From volunteer greeters and performers to shop owners in costume, the community’s enthusiasm is what makes Dickens on Centre so authentic. Even the Run Like the Dickens 5K gets a local twist with the T-Rex mascot squad from the Fernandina Beach Swim Group leading the fun and cheering on runners every step of the way.

11. It’s about joy, togetherness, and small-town magic.

At its heart, Dickens on Centre is a celebration of everything Amelia Island represents – hospitality, creativity, and connection. It’s not just an event; it’s a feeling. And it wouldn’t happen without the passion, planning, and support of the Amelia Island Convention & Visitors Bureau, Amelia Island Tourist Development Council, and the entire community that calls this island home.

A Timeless Tradition

So, whether you’re shopping for holiday goodies, sipping a glass of bubbly in a snow globe, or posing for photos with St. Nick himself, Dickens on Centre captures the best of the season, and the best of Amelia Island.

For details on event particulars, parking, and the full entertainment schedule, visit https://www.ameliaisland.com/dickens-on-centre/. We can’t wait to see you there!