Holly Dickens Festival
Visitors stroll through historic streets filled with shops, vendors, and carolers while catching horse-drawn carriage rides and Santa Train rides. Children can play old-fashioned games in Tiny Tim's Children's Tent, take photos with Santa, and slide down a 100-foot snow sledding hill. Guests can also sip mulled wine in The Olde Red Lion pub tent or arrange an audience with Queen Victoria.
What to Expect
The oldest and longest-running Dickens festival in the United States.
Event Details
Ages
All ages
Neighborhood
Downtown Holly
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
Holly Dickens Festival
Food & Drink
The Olde Red Lion beverage tent sells mulled wine, beer, and hot chocolate, and festival vendors offer holiday treats.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families with young children
Vibe
Festive and nostalgic
Energy Level
Moderate
Budget
Free
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
High
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: Free admission.
- Hours: Sat Nov 28: 11 AM - 6 PM; Sun Nov 29: 12 PM - 5 PM; Sat Dec 5: 11 AM - 6 PM; Sun Dec 6: 12 PM - 5 PM; Sat Dec 12: 11 AM - 6 PM; Sun Dec 13: 12 PM - 5 PM.
- Pets: Santa welcomes dogs for pictures.
Tips & Advice
- Stop at the Holly Shoppe first to pick up the latest schedules and festival pins before you head down Battle Alley.
- Download the festival's costume guide and come in Dickensian dress, from high-society frocks to street urchin outfits, to join the Victorian scene.
- Request your audience with Queen Victoria ahead of time, since every knighting or princess crowning has to be arranged before you arrive.
- Bring a little extra for the Santa Train's suggested donation, donations at the sledding hill, and the horse-drawn carriage rides, which cost extra.
- Buy Victorian Tea & Tidings tickets in person at Holly Antiques for a morning of teas, cider, scones and sweets on December 5 or 12.
Special Events & Promotions
- Weekend themes: Home for the Holidays on opening weekend, Decked Out for Dickens on the second weekend, and God Bless Us, Every One! on the third weekend.
- New this year: the Santa Train near Tiny Tim's Children's Tent, for a suggested donation per rider.
- Victorian Tea & Tidings on the morning of December 5 or December 12, with teas, cider, scones and sweets; separate ticket bought in person at Holly Antiques.
- Lighted Parade and Tree Lighting on November 27, the night before opening weekend.
- An audience with Queen Victoria, with a knighting or princess crowning; must be requested in advance.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is there for kids to do?
Tiny Tim's Children's Tent in Crapo Park has letter writing to Santa, photos with Santa and old-fashioned games. The games include turkey bowling, bean bag toss, ring toss, a strong man game and coloring. The new Santa Train is nearby, and there's a 100-foot snow sledding hill.
Where can we get food and drinks?
The Olde Red Lion pub tent sells mulled wine, beer and hot chocolate. Downtown Holly's coffeehouses, sandwich shops, pubs and cafes serve everything from full meals to sweet treats.
Should I come in costume?
You can. The festival has a downloadable costume guide with Dickensian looks, from high-society frocks to street urchin outfits.
Where should I go first?
Start at the Holly Shoppe, the official festival hub. It has the latest schedules and details, plus keepsakes like pins.
How can I volunteer?
First-time volunteers fill out the volunteer survey, and a volunteer coordinator gets in touch to guide them through the application. Returning volunteers fill out the volunteer application.
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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.