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 SAVE THE DATE FOR dickens on centre - december 7-10, 2023!!!




See how much fun we had in 2022!

A Victorian Christmas festival that transforms historic Fernandina Beach into Victorian London!

Travel back in time December 8-11, 2022 during the eighth annual Dickens on Centre festival in historic downtown Fernandina Beach, Florida, on beautiful Amelia Island. Free to the public, this Victorian holiday festival is sure to enliven your Christmas spirit. Throughout the weekend, feel the spirit of the holiday with Victorian-inspired entertainment on two stages.  Families will enjoy a plethora of fun including Tiny Tim's Kids Zone, visits with St. Nick, holiday entertainment and shopping, festive food and drink, costumed characters, holiday movies and plenty of Christmas inspiration. 

This Christmas, Come Make Memories.
 

Dickens on Centre 2022

Holiday Entertainment
The Entertainment for 2022 was top-notch with many Dickens on Centre favorites returning to both stages throughout the weekend!  Jason Woods Productions wowed audiences with his one-man A Christmas Carol as well as several performances of The Legend of St. Nick and Alice in a Christmas Wonderland.  Kristen Sparrow Circus’ stilt walkers and jugglers amazed with their performances throughout the festival, along with Victorian-era carolers, dance ensembles, musicians, chalk artists, mural artists, and so much more!
 
Vendors
2022 was one of our biggest festivals with more vendors than ever before. Several favorites were back with new displays and items to sell, as well as a variety of new vendors offering more options for holiday gifting.
 
Dickens on Centre Special Events
The Enchanted Village was a huge success with the addition of two new snow globes and it's own on-site tavern, The Portly Gentleman! Guests spent a magical hour inside a festively decorated snow globe with friends or loved ones enjoying their own luxury charcuterie grazing box from Luxe by Les and beverages by Disco Witch Brewery.  Globes sold out again this year, so be sure to reserve early for 2023!
 
Dickens After Dark at the Lesesne House offered guests a fun surprise along with food, drinks, and exclusive entertainment from Mama Blue. Tickets sold out fast for this unique, 21+ VIP Dickens experience. Don't miss out in 2023!
 

 

Dickens on Centre 2023 Festival Hours

Thursday, December 7th, 2023   5 - 7pm
Friday, December 8th, 2023  5 - 9pm
Saturday, December 9th, 2023  10am - 9pm
Sunday, December 10th, 2023  10am - 5pm


Countdown to Dickens on Centre 2023!



Complimentary parking and trolleys will be available from the Nassau County School Board lot on Atlantic Avenue across from Central Park.
 
Trolley Hours:
Friday 12/8,  4:45 - 9:30PM
Saturday 12/9,  9:45AM - 9:30PM
Sunday, 12/10, 9:45AM - 5:30PM


 

Dickens on Centre Special Events!

Dickens After Dark

This VIP event for Adults 21+ features specialty entertainment, historic ghost tours, food & drink, and more!
COMING SOON!

Dickens Enchanted Village

Step into an exclusive, magical experience in one of eight uniquely decorated Christmas-themed snow globes!
STAY TUNED FOR MORE INFORMATION

Portraits with St. Nick

St. Nick is setting up his workshop in Tiny Tim's Kid Zone. Be sure to capture the moment with a treasured keepsake photo!
STAY TUNED

Run Like the Dickens

"Run Like the Dickens" during this 1-mile fun run on Amelia Island Main Beach. Everyone is welcome - even dogs!
MORE INFO TO FOLLOW!

Dickens Dining & Drinks

Enjoy this 10-day holiday trail featuring the island's most popular dining spots offering holiday-inspired cocktails and food! Check-in at participating locations, collect points and choose unique prizes!
YUM!

Dickens Illuminated Procession

Gather with something that glows or twinkles and take a stroll through Fernandina's historic district for an evening of music, food and fireworks!
JOIN IN THE FUN
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Christmas Wish Tree

Visit the Amelia Island Welcome Center, starting December 2nd for your wooden wish tag to write your secret wish of Christmas. Hang it on the Christmas Wish Tree in the pocket park next to Amelia Island Coffee where it will remain throughout the holidays. While supplies last.
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Tiny Tim's Kid Zone and Letters to Santa

Join the fun at a space designed with kids in mind- from stories, to games and toys, the Kids Zone puts the magic in the season. Come write and mail letters that go straight to the big guy himself!
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Parade of Paws

Watch the annual PARADE OF PAWS on Saturday, December 10th with the Nassau Humane Society. Prizes awarded for Best Victorian, Most Original, and Looks Most Like Owner, and top 3 overall.
AWWWWHHHHHH
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Holiday Movies

Take a moment to escape to your favorite holiday classic movie! Young and old will enjoy this chance to hit pause and watch movies that inspire holiday cheer!
2022 MOVIE SCHEDULE

Entertainment on 2 Stages!

From theatrical performances and costumed characters to musical acts and visits from jolly old St. Nick, the entertainment lineup offers something for everyone!  Join us for a weekend of inspired performances!

 
2022 SCHEDULE OF ENTERTAINMENT

What does Amelia Island have to do with Dickens?

With so many ties to Britain and the Victorian era, it seemed fitting that during this special time of year the Dickens on Centre festival was created and that each December our sleepy seaport village is transformed into a spectacular Victorian atmosphere that even ole Ebenezer would love.
LEARN MORE

Victorian Costume Inspiration

There's something about the style and grace of fashion from an era gone by!  The Victorian era, where classic was always in style, is a great one to emulate. If you don't have a Victorian costume, never fear - here are great ideas to make one with items already in your closet! 
IDEAS TO INSPIRE



Rediscover the joy of the holiday season at Dickens on Centre 2022!

 
 
 
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I will honour Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year. I will live in the Past, the Present, and the Future. - Ebenezer Scrooge in Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol

Illuminated Procession

Kicking off Dickens on Centre annual festival, stroll down historic downtown with anything that glows, glimmers and shines!

Run Like the Dickens

Run Like the Dickens is a 1-mile fun run on Amelia Island's Main Beach - fun for the whole family, kids and dogs included!

Enchanted Village

Have you ever wondered what it felt like to be inside a snow globe? Discover the magic in a Christmas themed snow globe experience in the Dickens Enchanted Village!

Dickens After Dark

This VIP event for Adults 21+ features specialty entertainment, historic ghost tours, festive food, open bar and more at the historic Lesesne House.

Located just off the coast of northeast Florida, Amelia Island is easy to reach, but hard to forget. With 13 miles of beautiful beaches, abundant native wildlife, and pristine waters, this barrier island has long been a beloved destination for visitors and residents alike.