The Amelia Island annual tradition known as Dickens on Centre is set to take place again Dec. 7 to 10.
For those four days, Fernandina Beach’s historic downtown will take a trip back in time and transform into Victorian London during the era of world-renowned British author Charles Dickens.
The fun festivities are sure to have something for the entire family to enjoy, including, Tiny Tim’s kid zone, opportunities to visit St. Nicholas, and several other costumed characters and entertainment designed to fully immerse guests and take them back in time.
Festival hours will be from 5 to 7 p.m. on Dec. 7 and 5 to 9 p.m. on Dec. 8, while the weekend hours will vary with Dec. 9 being the longest day from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Dec. 10 consisting of 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Special events highlighting this year’s event include the enchanted village, which will consist of eight Christmas-themed “snow globes,” that parties up to six can rent out for one hour.
Each of the “snow globes” will be decorated with a unique theme inside that guests can soak up while enjoying a charcuterie grazing box created by Luxe Picnics by Les and a bottle of spring water.
This year, the snow globes will be ready to endure and enjoy no matter the weather, thanks to a partnership with Snyder Air Conditioning, Plumbing and Electric.
Dickens After Dark, is a popular VIP event that will take place once again this year at the historic Lessne House on Centre Street, which provides the perfect backdrop to fit the theme, along with the fact that it is a costume party and those attending are asked to dress in their best and most creative Victorian era attire.
For the fourth year, an illuminated procession will be held on the opening night on Dec. 7.
Participants are encouraged to bring an illuminated lantern or anything that shines, glows or twinkles. Together the lights create quite the light show along the parade route, which starts with participants gathering on Front Street and finishing up west on Centre Street.
Another event that is back by popular demand is the “Run Like the Dickens” family fun run, which is a one mile run along the shores of the Atlantic Ocean at Main Beach. The fun run will begin at 8:30 a.m. on Dec. 9.
Registration to take part in any of the many aspects of this year’s Dickens on Centre has opened and can be found on the event’s website at ameliaisland.com and scrolling down the page to click on the Dickens on Centre “join us” link.
A free trolley ride will be available for attendees to take from outside parking lots down Centre Street to downtown Fernandina Beach, as parking downtown can be difficult to find.
