The 8th Annual Dickens On Centre festival is back and better than ever! From December 8 – 11, the young and young at heart celebrate the holidays with a lantern parade, life-sized snow globes, adults-only Dickens After Dark in a real Victorian home, 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 2022!

DICKENS ILLUMINATED PROCESSION:

Kicking off this year’s festivities is the 3rd annual Dickens Illuminated Procession. Folks will begin gathering at 5pm on Front Street to enjoy music, food trucks and holiday merriment. At 7pm, parade-goers and their lanterns will take a leisurely stroll up Ash Street to 6th Street and back down Centre Street to the waterfront, where they will be greeted by a surprise illuminated finale at the riverfront! Participants are encouraged to bring illuminated lanterns or something that shines, glows or twinkles. Only battery operated lights and lanterns will be permitted (no open flames or candles). Show off your holiday spirit and creativity by creating your very own homemade lanterns at a class with local artist, Faith B. Elliott.

WHEN:
Thursday, December 8, 5pm – 8pm

WHERE:
Front Street, Downtown Fernandina Beach

RUN LIKE THE DICKENS:

Join us for family fun (all ages welcome) and to “Run Like The Dickens!”. The course will run 1/2 mile north or south on the beach depending on the conditions of the sand, and back to the start/finish area. Pre-race warm up, courtesy of Run Like the Dickens partner, McArthur Family YMCA. This is not a chipped race. Pre-register through Friday, December 9th until 6pm – all who pre-register get an official Run Like the Dickens t-shirt!

WHEN:
Saturday, December 10th, 8:30am

WHERE:
Main Beach Park – 32 North Fletcher Ave

DICKENS ENCHANTED VILLAGE: 

Experience the magic of the Christmas season in the Enchanted Village where life-sized snow globes, each decorated in a unique holiday theme, will feature an exclusive picnic experience that will bring the holidays to life.

Reserve your magical hour in one of eight festive domes accommodating up to six people and including a private snow globe, a delicious individual charcuterie grazing box curated by Luxe Picnics By Les and a bottle of natural spring water. Additionally, the Enchanted Village will feature its own tavern, “The Portly Gentleman” brought to you by Disco Witch Brewing with a selection of red or white wine, beer and bubbly which can be purchased on-site to accompany your grazing box. If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to be inside a snow globe, now’s your chance to find out!

WHEN:
Friday, December 9th, 5 – 9pm
Saturday, December 10th, 10:30am – 8:30pm
Sunday, December 11th, 11am – 4:30pm

WHERE:
Corner of S. 2nd Street and Centre Street.  

DICKENS AFTER DARK:

Back by popular demand, Dickens After Dark is a Twisted Dickens event for Adults 21+. Held at the historic Lesesne House, the entertainment includes stilt walkers, jugglers, acrobatic performances and live music from Mama Blue. There might even be a surprise or two! Don your best Victorian ensemble and get ready for the holiday party of the season. Your ticket includes complimentary heavy hors d’oeuvres, an open beer & wine bar, tours of the Lesesne House, and a Ghost Tour!

The Lesesne House was built in 1860 and was once home to Dr. John Lesesne, who treated injured soldiers during the Civil War. The Lesesne House is the oldest remaining post-and-beam home on Amelia Island and remains the crown jewel of Centre Street. 

WHEN:
Saturday, December 10, 5 – 9pm

WHERE: 
The Lesesne House
415 Centre Street

TICKETS:
$125 per person
Must be 21 years or older, ID’s will be checked at the door. Purchase tickets online!

DICKENS DINING & DRINKS: 

Get ready to kick your Bah Humbugs to the curb during DICKENS DINING & DRINKS – where the island’s most popular dining and drinking hot spots will offer Dickens-themed or holiday-inspired food and drinks plus the opportunity to earn cool prizes along with those great experiences.

The Dickens Dining & Drinks trail lets merry-makers check in at the locations and unlock prizes along the way.  Sip and sup your way to sweet swag when you check in and check it out.  Whether you’re looking to try a new spot or enjoy your tried and true favorite, kick off your holiday season with Dickens Dining & Drinks.

WHEN:
Friday, December 2nd – Sunday, December 11 

WHERE:
Paricipating restaurants around Amelia Island

VENDORS, ENTERTAINMENT, AND ST. NICK: 

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 jewelery, leather and cowhide accessories, roasted chestnuts, 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 fell swoop!

MAKE YOUR PLANS:
Stay Festive at any of these Amelia Island Accommodations