The Village of Port Jefferson and the Greater Port Jefferson-Northern Brookhaven Arts Council will host the 21st Annual Charles Dickens Festival on Dec. 3 and Dec. 4 throughout the village.
Port Jefferson will magically transform into the Dickensian era with streets filled with roaming characters such as Father Christmas, Dickens Mayor, Scrooge, the Town Crier and the beloved chimney sweeps.
Begin your Dickens adventure with a parade on East Main Street, Saturday morning at 11 a.m. The events are open to the public and most attractions are free of charge, so everyone—from the very young to the young at heart can join in the fun. The festivities will feature many returning favorites; ice-skating at the Village Center, a cappella performance by choirs and harmony groups, Nutcracker performances, magic shows, and many musical performances by area musicians. In addition, this year’s festival will feature Theater Three’s 33rd Annual production of A Christmas Carol.
The return of a Dickens Festival favorite is Santa’s Workshop. Join Santa and his elves and wind through three whimsically decorated rooms. Twinkling white lights, elaborate confection displays, and the giant nutcrackers are just a few of the signature elements that bring the Magic of Christmas to life. The workshop continues weekends through Dec. 10. Another popular attraction is the impressive Festival of Trees located on the second floor of the Port Jefferson Village Center. More than a dozen elaborately decorated, themed holiday trees are on display throughout the month.
As in past years, East Main Street will become Dickens Alley and Fezziwig’s Ball, featuring live music on traditional instruments led by a dance caller, will take place at the Masonic Lodge. An impressive model train display will be featured on Main Street, while the Port Jefferson Free Library will feature new programming and the fabulous Cottage at Dickens Alley next to the main library building.
The Dickens Trolley and the Port Jeff Jitney bus will transport visitors to and from downtown from the free parking areas found outside the village.
The 21st Annual Dickens Festival will conclude with a Parade of Puppets and ceremony at Village Hall on Sunday, Dec. 4.
Visit www.pjdickens.com for more details including month-long events, ice skating through March and an indoor farmer’s market.
