The 9th Annual Dickens on Centre festival is back and better than ever! From December 7 – 10, the young and young at heart celebrate the holidays with a lantern parade, life-sized snow globes, adults-only Dickens After Dark in a real Victorian home, many new vendors, festive entertainment, pictures with St. Nick, and so much more. Make your plans now – this beloved holiday event will be here before you know it! 

Here’s what’s HAPPENING in 2023!

DICKENS ILLUMINATED PROCESSION

Kick off this year’s festivities at the 4th annual Dickens Illuminated Procession. Folks will begin gathering at 5pm on Front Street to enjoy music, food trucks and holiday merriment. At 6:15pm, parade-goers and their lanterns will take a leisurely stroll up Ash Street to 6th Street and back down Centre Street to the waterfront, where they will be greeted by a surprise illuminated finale at the riverfront! Participants are encouraged to bring illuminated lanterns or something that shines, glows or twinkles. Only battery operated lights and lanterns will be permitted (no open flames or candles). Thursday, December 7 from 5pm – 7pm. Downtown Docks (Front Street)

RUN LIKE THE DICKENS

Join us for family fun (all ages welcome) and to “Run Like the Dickens!” The course will run 1/2 mile north or south on the beach depending on the conditions of the sand, and back to the start/finish area.  Pre-race warm up, courtesy of Run Like the Dickens partner, McArthur Family YMCA.  This is not a chipped race … it’s all for fun so get into the spirit and wear a costume!  Pre-register through Friday, December 1st until 5pm and get an official Run Like the Dickens t-shirt! Complementary hot beverages will be available at the awards ceremony directly following the race, located at the Bistro at Courtyard by Marriott. The Courtyard is also offering all participants a discounted breakfast. Saturday, December 9 at 8:30am. Main Beach Park (32 N Fletcher Avenue)

DICKENS ENCHANTED VILLAGE

Reserved guests will spend a magical hour in one of eight festive domes accommodating up to six people and including a delicious individual charcuterie grazing box curated by Luxe Picnics by Les and a bottle of natural spring water. Additionally, the Enchanted Village will feature its own tavern, “The Portly Gentleman” brought to you by Disco Witch Brewing and offering a selection of red or white wine, beer and bubbly which can be purchased on-site to accompany your grazing box. If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to be inside a snow globe, now’s your chance to find out! Held all weekend on S 2nd Street. Tickets are Sold Out!

DICKENS AFTER DARK

Back by popular demand, Dickens After Dark is a Twisted Dickens event for Adults 21+. Held at the historic Lesesne House, the entertainment includes performances by Kristen Sparrow Circus and live music from Mama Blue. Don your best Victorian ensemble and get ready for the holiday party of the season. In addition to the entertainment, your ticket includes complimentary heavy hors d’oeuvres and an open beer & wine bar. A docent from the Amelia Island Museum of History will share the history of this incredible 1860’s property once home to Dr. John Lesesne who treated injured soldiers during the Civil War. It is the oldest remaining post-and-beam home on Amelia Island and remains the crown jewel of Centre Street. Saturday, December 9 from 5pm to 9pm. Must be 21 years or older, ID’s will be checked at the door. 415 Centre Street. Tickets are Sold Out!

DICKENS DINING AND DRINKS

The Dickens Dining & Drinks experience lets merrymakers check in at the locations and unlock prizes along the way.  Sip and sup your way to sweet swag when you check in and check it out.  Whether you’re looking to try a new spot or enjoy your tried-and-true favorite, kick off your holiday season with Dickens Dining & Drinks. Held December 1 – 10 at participating restaurants and Dickens activities around Amelia Island

VENDORS. ENTERTAINMENT. ST. NICK!

Dickens on Centre transforms downtown Fernandina Beach into a classic English village, sure to enliven your Christmas spirit. With two stages of entertainment including dancers, carolers, readings of ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas, and theatrical performances, along with streets of roving Victorian-costumed characters, and a Kid Zone featuring visits and photos with St. Nick himself, there’s a lot to get excited about. Pre-schedule your time with St. Nick!

To go along with top-notch entertainment will be a variety of vendors selling seasonal gifts, wares and treats including handmade Victorian ornaments, hand-crafted sterling silver jewelry, leather and cowhide accessories, roasted chestnuts, homemade fudge, a variety of clothing, artwork, homemade soaps & bath products, and much much more! Between the Dickens on Centre Vendors and the downtown Shops, you can get ALL of your Christmas shopping done in one weekend!

MAKE YOUR PLANS:
Discover all the holiday fun on Amelia Island!

Stay festive at any of these Amelia Island Accommodations.