Your Guide to Dickens on Centre
Image courtesy of Nick Fewings via Unsplash
The Yuletide Celebration Returns to Amelia Island
Hear ye, hear ye! Ladies, gentlemen and Charles Dickens enthusiasts of all ages! Gather ‘round as our charming town of Fernandina Beach transforms into a Victoria wonderland, brimming with the spirit of merry old England and timeless Christmas tales. As the ‘frosty’ (hey, it can get cold in Florida in December!) air nips at your nose and the scent of roasted chestnuts fills the air, prepare to step back into a bygone era of top hats, petticoats and the unforgettable tales of Ebenezer Scrooge, Tiny Tim and a host of local characters (you know who you are) who call Amelia Island home.
Dickens Illuminated Procession
The weekend starts early with the 4th Annual Dickens Illuminated Procession!
This joyous opening to Dickens on Centre will turn around your inner Scrooge as hundreds of participants bring lights that set the night aglow. The organizers are encouraging everyone to show off their creativity by bringing homemade lanterns. The route leads from the Christmas Tree on Front Street down to a grand finale on the riverfront.
There will be food trucks on hand and Timoti’s Seafood Shak and Baba’s Mediterranean are open just down the street for dinner.
Note: No open flames or candles are permitted.
When: Thursday, December 7th at 5PM
Where: Front Street
Dickens After Dark
The marquee event of the weekend is Dickens After Dark at the historic Lesesne House on, where else, Centre Street. While this might be the night everyone looks forward to every year, you can be sure that it is never the same party twice. This year’s edition will feature stilt walkers, jugglers and the unbelievable Fire & Ice Show by Kristen Sparrow Circus. Enjoy hors d’oeuvres and a hosted beer and wine bar while listening to live music from local favorite Mama Blue. Don your finest gay apparel and dress to impress with Victorian-themed outfits. (Sorry, kids, this event is exclusively for ages 21 and over.)
To really get in the spirit, embark on a Ghost Tour led by the Amelia Island Museum of History before entering the party!
When: Saturday, December 9th from 5-9PM
Where: 415 Centre Street
Dickens Enchanted Village
Snow!? On Amelia Island!?
There are a couple of flurries in the forecast (more on that in a moment), but one place where you’re guaranteed a magical night is in the Dickens Enchanted Village. Eight snow globes have appeared on Centre Street and each beckons you inside for a festive feast. Come early and enjoy a pint at The Portly Gentleman pop-up pub!
Note: Tickets for this year’s Dickens Enchanted Village are sold out.
Run Like the Dickens
Don’t be turned away if you’re not a marathon runner—Run Like the Dickens is a 1-mile fun run on Main Beach where you’re more likely to join a pack of reindeer than an all-star athlete. Bring out the whole family and get the weekend started on solid footing.
P.S. You get a complimentary t-shirt if you register before Friday, December 1st!
When: Saturday, December 9th at 8:30AM
Where: 32 N Fletcher Ave
Gregor MacGregor’s Winter Wonderland
There’s a cold front coming through!
What is normally a relaxing round of mini golf is being super injected with festive cheer this year. Gregor MacGregor talked to his friend Kris Kringle and those two bearded chums have whipped up holiday magic for everyone to enjoy all month long. With plenty of holiday lights, decorations and even a chance of snow in the forecast, you’ll feel like you fell out of real life and into a Christmas card by Currier and Ives.
Movies at the Old Vic
If you’re looking for a break from the hustle and bustle, why not sit down and enjoy a few classic movies? The ‘Old Vic’ movie alley in Tiny Tim’s Kid Zone is playing your favorite Christmas movies all weekend long.
The full schedule is:
Friday, December 8th at 6:30PM: The Santa Clause
Saturday, December 9th at 10:15AM: The Muppet Christmas Carol
Saturday, December 9th at 12PM: The Man Who Invented Christmas
Saturday, December 9th at 2PM: The Polar Express
Saturday, December 9th at 6PM: The Santa Clause
Sunday, December 10th at 10:30AM: The Man Who Invented Christmas
Sunday, December 10th at 12:50PM: Elf
Sunday, December 10th at 3PM: The Muppet Christmas Carol
Meet Santa Claus
What’s a Christmas party without the Man with the Bag?
Children of all ages can meet Santa Claus, with a little help from Boston Photography, at his workshop in Tiny Tim’s Kid Zone. If you’re looking to cut down on your wait time, book an appointment ahead of the event online. It’s the perfect opportunity to take a picture for your holiday card!
Parade of Paws
What’s better than a dog parade? How about a festive dog parade for a good cause!
The Nassau Humane Society is proud to present the annual Parade of Paws. There will be prizes for the Best Victorian, Most Original and Looks Most Like Owner along with the top 3 overall. But the real winners are all of us who get to bask in the cuteness of dozens of happy pups.
Registration is $20 with all proceeds going to the NHS.
When: Saturday, December 9th at 11AM
Where: Amelia Tavern
Christmas Wish Tree
One of our favorite traditions every year is the Christmas Wish Tree. It may start out rather plain on Friday, but by the end of the weekend it is one of the most beautifully decorated trees you’ll ever see. Everyone is encouraged to write a holiday wish on a wooden ornament and hang it on the tree. Some wishes are funny, some are earnest, but they all fill us with hope!
You can find this year’s tree in the pocket park next to Amelia Island Coffee.
Dress Like a Victorian
Maybe the most fun part of Dickens on Centre is seeing all of our neighbors dressed to the nines!
If you’re not sure how to fashion yourself like a Chales Dickens character, Dickens on Centre has put together a helpful guide. There’s no need to go out a buy a full outfit specifically for the weekend, you likely have all the pieces in your closet already!
Fuel Up for the Festivities at Timoti’s!
It can be easy to forget to eat in between all of these exciting events. Don’t worry—open from 11AM-8PM on Fridays and Saturdays and 11AM-3PM on Sundays, you can always rely on Timoti’s for a hearty bowl of soup, a tasty basket of fried shrimp, and more!