Dickens on Centre

Save The Date For
Dickens on Centre 2023

Dec 7-10, 2023
A Victorian Christmas Festival That Transforms Historic Fernandina Beach Into Victorian London!

Travel back in time December 7-10, 2023 during the ninth 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.

Festival Highlights

Holiday Entertainment

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!

Vendors

2023 promises to be one of our biggest festivals with more vendors than ever before. Several favorites are back with new displays and items to sell, as well as a variety of new vendors offering more options for holiday gifting.

Dickens Dining & Drinks

Get ready to kick your Bah Humbugs to the curb at Dickens Dining & Drinks — where the island’s most popular dining and drinking hot spots will offer Dickens-themed or holiday-inspired food and drinks. You’ll also want to be sure you visit our food trucks and vendors on Oliver’s Alley.

Parade of Paws

You won’t want to miss the annual Parade of Paws on Saturday, December 9th brought to you by the Nassau Humane Society. This year’s parade will start at 4th & Centre Streets ending at the Wharf Main Stage. Prizes awarded for Best Victorian, Most Original, Looks Most Like Owner and top 3 overall.

Holiday Movies

Take a moment and escape into your favorite holiday classic movie! Young and old will enjoy this chance to hit pause, relax, and watch a movie that inspires holiday cheer. Visit the Old Vic Theatre movie alley in Tiny Tim’s Kid Zone.

Dickens 2023

Festival Schedule

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

Trolley Hours

  • Friday, December 8th, 2023: 4:45 – 9:30pm
  • Saturday, December 9th, 2023: 9:45am – 9:30pm
  • Sunday, December 10th, 2023: 9:45am – 5:30pm
Parking is very limited downtown and many parking lots are unavailable for public parking. Complimentary parking and trolleys will be available from the Nassau County School Board lot on Atlantic Avenue across from Central Park.

Countdown to Dickens on Centre 2023!

Dickens on Centre

Welcome to Dickens on Centre!

Special Events!

Dickens

After Dark

Join us for the exclusive Victorian costume party of the holiday season! The historic Lessne House on Centre Street in downtown Fernandina Beach is transformed for this 21 and over VIP soiree complete with stilt walkers, jugglers, and the amazing Fire & Ice Show by Kristen Sparrow Circus.

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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!

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Dickens

Enchanted Village

Step into an exclusive, magical experience in one of eight uniquely decorated Christmas-themed snow globes! Join the fun and spend an hour with friends or loved ones, creating cherished memories that could even turn the heart of ole Scrooge himself. And, maybe — just maybe, you might see snow!

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Dickens

Run Like the Dickens

“Run Like the Dickens” during this 1-mile fun-run on Amelia Island Main Beach. Everyone is welcome — even dogs! Participation to march in the procession is free and food is available for purchase from local food trucks.

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Dickens

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

Victorian Costume Inspiration

Gentlemen

Victorian Hats:  Top hats, pork pie caps, flat/wide brimmed hats, round top hat with curved brim, etc.

Shirts:  Plain white shirts with collar turned up or with ribbon, scarf or cravat tied in a knot at the neck.

Vest:  Brocade or silk with or without a jacket.  Long-tailed jackets and even capes are acceptable.

Pants:  Roll up wool, corduroy, cotton pants in black, tan, burgundy or grey color with rubber band in the last roll below the knee to give a knickers effect.  Wear knickers if you have them or wear long dark socks and pull them up to tuck under pants.

Accessories:  Suspenders, walking sticks, canes, spectacles.

Shoes:  Black or dark-colored dress shoes.

Ladies

Victorian Hats:  Bonnets, cover a straw or felt hat with lace, flowers, feathers, ribbons and bows.  Domestic servants wore mop caps in the Victorian era.

Hair:  Curls, pulled back in a bun, braids.

Dresses:  Floor-length taffeta, satin, brocade, silk and similar style dresses are perfect for these costumes.  Lace and ruffles at the neck and cuffs (you can pin, iron-on, sew or Velcro lace, ribbons, flowers or ruffles on any outfit.

Tops: Plain white or solid color ladies dress shirts with lace, ruffle, ribbon and flowers.  You can tie a thin piece of ribbon in a bow and pin/tie it at the neck with a brooch or artificial flower.

Gloves: Lace, crocheted, satin and cotton.  

Skirt:  Floor or ankle-length skirts in silk, brocade, velvet, satin or cotton.  Most colors and some subtle designs (such as paisley.  If the skirt is full, you can add a petticoat or hoop skirt under it.  Wide ribbon or matching material tied around the waist with a bow in the back creates the look of a cummerbund.

Shoes:  If you have a floor-length gown, wear a comfortable walking shoe.  If your shoes will show, pointy-toed flats or boots.