October 21, 2026
The 12th Annual Dickens on Centre festival is back and better than ever! From December 11 – 13, the young and young at heart celebrate the holidays with a fun run at the beach, life-sized snow globes, adults-only Dickens After Dark, many new vendors, festive entertainment, pictures with St. Nick, and so much more. Make your plans now – this beloved holiday event will be here before you know it!
Here’s what’s happening in 2026!
Start a new holiday tradition with Tidings & Twinkle at Amelia River Waterfront Park! Enjoy a festive community gathering filled with storytelling, live music, performances, a community marketplace, and seasonal treats. Celebrate the spirit of the season through generosity, connection, and holiday traditions while supporting local businesses and community arts organizations. Admission is free, and everyone is welcome! Free trolley service from Central Park will be available from 5-7:30 pm.
Thursday, December 10, from 5pm – 7pm. Amelia Waterfront Park (Front Street)
Dash into the holiday spirit at the Run Like the Dickens 1-mile fun run at Amelia Island Main Beach! Inspired by A Christmas Carol, this festive Dickens on Centre tradition welcomes runners, walkers, families, and four-legged friends. Check-in and on-site registration begin at 7:30 am at Sandbar Amelia Island, with a pre-race warm-up, finisher medals, an awards ceremony, and complimentary photos with Santa.
Saturday, December 12 at 8:30am. Sandbar Amelia Island/Main Beach Park (21910 Atlantic Ave)
Step into a magical holiday escape inside one of ten beautifully themed Christmas Snow Globes, each decorated to capture the wonder of the season. Gather with family and friends for a 75-minute experience for up to six guests, with European-inspired hospitality from Le Marché featuring festival culinary offerings such as Winter Conservatory Tea Service, Grand Merchant’s Charcuterie Collection, or Alpine Hearth Fondue Experience – each paired with a beverage selection. Pricing is $300 for a party of four, with additional guests at $75 each for up to two more. Confection and wine upgrades will also be available.
Held all weekend on S 2nd Street. Tickets go fast!
Dickens After Dark brings an adults-only twist to the holiday festivities at The Pavilion! Enjoy expanded entertainment, elevated food and drinks, and surprises all evening. Live performances by Mama Blue and Kristen Sparrow Circus, along with a tarot reader, set the stage for a hauntingly elegant night inspired by Jacob Marley from A Christmas Carol. Word has it, old Jacob himself may make an appearance. Victorian-era costumes required – masks optional.
Saturday, December 12, from 6 – 9pm. The Pavilion (N 2nd Street)
Inspired by the warmth and merriment of Dickens’ beloved holiday celebrations, newly reimagined 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. Toast the season as live music and holiday entertainment create an unforgettable Victorian Christmas experience – one sip, one bite, and one memory at a time.
Held all weekend at the Welcome Center Train Station platform (foot of Centre Street)
Dickens on Centre transforms downtown Fernandina Beach into a classic English village, sure to enliven your Christmas spirit. With two stages of entertainment including dancers, carolers, readings of ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas, and theatrical performances, along with streets of roving Victorian-costumed characters, and a Kid Zone featuring visits and photos with St. Nick himself, there’s a lot to get excited about. Pre-schedule your time with St. Nick!To go along with top-notch entertainment will be a variety of vendors selling seasonal gifts, wares, and treats, including handmade Victorian ornaments, hand-crafted sterling silver jewelry, leather and cowhide accessories, homemade fudge, a variety of clothing, artwork, homemade soaps & bath products, and much, much more! Between the Dickens on Centre Vendors and the downtown Shops, you can get ALL of your Christmas shopping done in one weekend!
Discover all the holiday fun on Amelia Island!
Stay festive at any of these Amelia Island Accommodations.
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