A Dickens Holiday - Nov. 25

12th Anniversary of A Dickens Holiday

Produced by the Arts Council with the Downtown Alliance

A Family Tradition Continues
On Friday, Nov. 25, from 1 until 9 p.m., Historic Downtown Fayetteville will again be transformed into a unique and wonderful experience.

Ever wish for a simpler time … when the pace of life wasn't hectic and families still enjoyed spending evenings together? Roll back the clock with us for A Dickens Holiday.

Horse drawn carriages roll up and down Hay Street, carrying shoppers the old fashioned way by merchants, artisans and vendors of all sorts of delightful treats. Joyful children pose with Father Christmas for memory laden pictures. The inviting aroma of cider and gingerbread permeate the chilly air.

Perhaps you will be greeted by Tiny Tim and his family. Or maybe you will encounter Scrooge and the Ghost of Christmas Past. Throughout the day, sounds of the season fill the air as carolers and musicians stroll among the crowd. Don’t miss the exhibition of gingerbread creations in the Dickens Holiday Classic Gingerbread Competition in the Rainbow Room.

As darkness approaches and the clock reaches 5 p.m., townspeople gather in front of the Arts Council for the candlelight procession to the Market House, followed by fireworks. Later, visit the Arts Council building for the Dickens Costume Contest.

Want to get involved? Click here for information about how you can dress "Dickens style." 

Then click here for an entry form for the Dickens Costume Contest.

A Dickens Holiday is sponsored by:

Callahan & Rice Insurance Group

And these Downtown Alliance sponsors:

Cape Fear Valley Health System, H&H Homes, BB&T, Callahan & Rice Insurance Group, Inc., City Center Gallery & Books, Fayetteville Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine, Holmes Fine Gifts, Dr. and Mrs. Frank Stout, Jerry Dean and VantageSouth Bank, Family Foods, First Citizens Bank

Special events at A Dickens Holiday on Nov. 25:

Hot cider and gingerbread help keep you warm throughout the day. Buy some on every block of Hay Street. 50¢ each.

Preserve a lifetime memory with a picture of you and your loved ones with Father Christmas and our authentic Victorian sleigh at the Arts Council building. $6 per print (or $15 for 3 prints).

Amazing holiday entertainment all day at the Arts Council building along Hay Street.

See that students have created in a Scholastic Gingerbread Competition, Cheer on your favorite high school team in the H&H Homes Scholastic Gingerbread Competition, starting at 1 p.m. at the Rainbow Room. Cookie decorating workshop for kids 12 and under for $1 per cookie from 1-5 p.m. Come back after the fireworks to see which school won the $500 first-place prize and to vote for the People’s Choice Award until 9 p.m.

Victorian Carriage Rides 1-9 p.m. Enjoy the sights and sounds of a Dickens downtown on a big decorated horse-drawn hitch wagon. Only $10 for adults, $5 for children. Tickets on sale at 222 Hay Street beginning at noon on the day of the event. Come early – they sell out fast!

Queen Victoria Carriage Rides 1-9 p.m. Enjoy a longer, more personal tour of historic downtown Fayetteville in this intimate setting. Tours leave from the Fayetteville Area Transportation Museum, Franklin and Maxwell streets. $15 per person. Advance ticket purchase recommended by calling (910) 678-8899.

This Victorian Life display on 2nd floor of the Market House from 1-9 p.m., sponsored by the Transportation & Local History Museum. See how the Victorians celebrated the holidays. Don’t miss the display of coins, ceramic plates and other commemorative pieces created during Queen Victoria’s reign to honor her.

Candlelight Procession and Tree Lighting Ceremony Gather in front of the Arts Council building for the 5:30 p.m. candlelight procession to the Market House. Pick up a free candle at selected merchants, or in front of the Arts Council building (while supplies last). Join thousands of townspeople for Fayetteville’s largest candlelight procession to the Market House, followed by fireworks!

After you kick off the holiday season with traditional fireworks, stay for a full night of fun until 9 p.m.!

Enjoy A Dickens Costume Contest at the Arts Council, starting at 7 p.m. Contestants model authentic Victorian costumes from the Dickens era. Call (910) 678-8899 for more details and to register. 

Even if you are not a volunteer performer for the Arts Council, you can become a part of A Dickens Holiday simply by strolling the streets as a Victorian lady or gentleman with an easy-to-make costume. Just click here for quick notes on costuming.

Other Holiday Happenings: Enjoy TUBACHRISTMAS at Hay Street United Methodist Church at 4 p.m. and A Christmas Carol at the Gilbert Theater at 8 p.m. Come to the Museum of the Cape Fear Historical Complex and look under the tree of the 1897 Poe House during All Dolled Up: Dolls and Toys in the Spirit of Christmas Past until 4 p.m.. To learn more about these and other events, visit www.fayettevillealliance.com.