Dickens on Centre Christmas Market and Holiday Festival
This Victorian holiday festival transforms historic Fernandina Beach with roving costumed characters, themed entertainment, and live performances across two stages. Visitors can browse a variety of vendor booths for seasonal gifts and enjoy festive food and drinks throughout the streets. Families can head to Tiny Tim's Kid Zone to write letters to Santa, watch holiday movies at the Old Vic Theatre movie alley, and visit St. Nick.
What to Expect
Victorian Christmas festival transforming historic Fernandina Beach into Victorian London.
Event Details
Ages
All ages
Neighborhood
Historic Downtown Fernandina Beach
Timed Entry
Yes
Organizer
Amelia Island Convention & Visitors Bureau
Food & Drink
The festival offers festive food and drinks; Fezziwig’s Courtyard has festive fare, holiday beverages, and additional seasonal offerings.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families with young children
Vibe
Festive and victorian
Energy Level
Moderate
Budget
Free
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
Moderate
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: Free to the public.
- Hours: Friday 4–9pm; Saturday 10am–9pm; Sunday 10am–3pm.
- Parking: Parking is very limited downtown and many parking lots are unavailable for public parking. Complimentary parking and trolleys are available on 11th Street at Central Park.
- Accessibility: The event map marks handicap parking zones downtown, and there's a comfort station on site.
- Pets: Pets are included in the Parade of Paws.
Tips & Advice
- Park for free at Central Park on 11th Street and ride the free trolley in, since downtown parking is very limited and many lots are closed to the public.
- Book Enchanted Village, Fezziwig's Courtyard and Marley's Masquerade ahead, since each needs a reservation or ticket and there are only ten snow globes.
- Bring your camera Saturday for the Parade of Paws, which steps off from Centre and 4th Streets with pets dressed in their holiday finest.
- Pack Victorian attire and a mask if you plan to attend Dickens After Dark, since Victorian costume is required for the 21+ masquerade.
- Head to Tiny Tim's Kid Zone so kids can write letters to St. Nick and catch a holiday classic in the Old Vic Theatre movie alley.
Special Events & Promotions
- Parade of Paws on Saturday, December 12, with the Nassau Humane Society, stepping off from Centre & 4th Streets, with prizes for Best Victorian, Most Original, Looks Most Like Owner and Top Three Overall.
- Enchanted Village: reserve one of ten themed Christmas snow globes for a 75-minute stay with family and friends.
- Fezziwig's Courtyard: an hour at a reserved table with festive fare and a holiday beverage, with live music around you.
- Dickens After Dark: Marley's Masquerade, a 21+ ticketed soirée at its new home, The Pavilion on North 2nd Street, with Victorian costume required.
- Run Like the Dickens: a one-mile costume-friendly fun run on Amelia Island Main Beach, open to families and well-behaved pups.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
Where should I park?
Downtown parking is very limited, and many lots are closed to the public. Use the free parking at Central Park on 11th Street and take the free trolley into the festival.
What is in Tiny Tim's Kid Zone?
Kids can write letters to St. Nick and drop them in Santa's mailbox, and watch holiday classics in the Old Vic Theatre movie alley. St. Nick also has his workshop there for family portraits.
Can I bring my dog?
Dogs and other pets can join the Parade of Paws on Saturday, December 12, with the Nassau Humane Society. Well-behaved pups are also welcome at the Run Like the Dickens fun run on Main Beach.
Do I need to dress up?
Victorian costume and a mask are required for Dickens After Dark, the 21+ Marley's Masquerade. Costumes are encouraged at Run Like the Dickens.
What's new this year?
Many favorite vendors are back, joined by a variety of new ones. Marley's Masquerade also moves to a new home at The Pavilion on North 2nd Street.
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Always check the official website for the most current information.
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