Hernando Dickens of a Christmas
Historic downtown Hernando transforms into a Victorian-era holiday celebration featuring live music and stage entertainment on the Overton Park Mobile Shell. Visitors can take horse-drawn carriage rides, hop aboard historic trolley tours, glide across an ice skating rink, and explore a bustling Christmas marketplace with local artisans and food vendors. The festival also features roaming Dickens-era characters, carolers, family craft activities, and a beer garden.
What to Expect
Victorian-era holiday celebration featuring carriage rides, ice skating, and living history.
Event Details
Ages
All ages
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
City of Hernando
Food & Drink
The beer garden offers refreshments and light fare, and local foods are featured among the festival's agricultural and vendor offerings.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families and fans of victorian holiday traditions
Vibe
Festive and historic
Energy Level
Moderate
Budget
Free
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
High
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: Free.
- Hours: 9:00 AM-4:00 PM.
Tips & Advice
- Download the Visit Hernando App before you go to get the full schedule of events, a GPS map of the festival and any updates.
- Come Friday night too for the Chamber of Commerce Christmas tree lighting, story time with the mayor and a movie on the courthouse lawn.
- Ride the historic trolley to get between the square, the museum, local shops and restaurants during the festival.
- If you're staying overnight, mention Dickens of a Christmas when booking at the Hampton Inn Hernando to get the festival lodging discount.
- If your group is hosting an activity, bring your own tables, chairs, supplies and ideally a tent, because electricity and water aren't available on site.
Special Events & Promotions
- Friday night kicks off the weekend with the Chamber of Commerce Christmas tree lighting, story time with the mayor and a movie on the courthouse lawn.
- The Hampton Inn Hernando offers a lodging discount when you mention Dickens of a Christmas when booking.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is there to do at Dickens of a Christmas?
There's live music and holiday shows on the Overton Park Mobile Shell all day. You'll also find horse-drawn carriage rides, historic trolley tours, an ice skating rink, Santa photos, a high tea, Victorian characters, holiday crafts and cemetery ghost tours.
Is there food and drink?
Yes. Local foods are on offer, the Hernando Farmers Market hosts a Christmas Market, and a beer garden serves refreshments and light fare.
Is it good for families?
Yes. The festival is free, and local groups host free family-friendly activities like holiday crafts around the square.
How do I find the schedule and map?
Download the Visit Hernando App. It has the full schedule of events, a GPS map and updates.
How can I get involved?
The city takes sponsors, activity hosts and volunteer performers. Performers can be stage acts, roaming Dickens-era characters, storytellers or buskers. Activity hosts run free activities and bring their own tables, chairs and supplies.
More Christmas Events Near Hernando
More Christmas Events near Horn Lake
Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.