The Tenth annual Dickens on Centre festival in historic downtown Fernandina Beach, Florida, on beautiful Amelia Island promises to be the biggest and merriest we’ve ever had! Free to the public, this Victorian holiday festival is sure to enliven your Christmas spirit. Throughout the weekend, feel the spirit of the holiday with Victorian-inspired entertainment on two stages. Families will enjoy a plethora of fun including Tiny Tim’s Kids Zone, visits with St. Nick, holiday entertainment and shopping, festive food and drink, costumed characters, holiday movies and plenty of Christmas inspiration.

This Christmas, Come Make Memories.

Special Events!

Dickens Dining & Drinks

Enjoy the all-new Holiday Hunt! Unlock challenges as you explore Amelia Island’s culinary scene. Complete tasks and follow the interactive map to collect points for exclusive festival prizes.

Dickens Portraits with St. Nick

St. Nick is setting up his workshop in Tiny Tim’s Kid Zone. Be sure to capture the moment with a treasured keepsake photo! Check back for more information and to make a reservation.

St. Nick Portraits with Boston Photography

Friday, December 13 - 6:45-9pm 

Saturday, December 14 - 11am-2pm & 3-5:30pm 

Sunday, December 15 - 11am-3pm

Sign up now

Run Like the Dickens

Join us for this 1-mile fun-run on Amelia Island Main Beach. Everyone is welcome — even dogs!

JOIN IN

Dickens Illuminated Procession

Gather with something that glows or twinkles and take a stroll through Fernandina’s historic district for an evening of music, food and a surprise finale over the riverfront!

Light the Lights!

Dickens Enchanted Village

Step into an exclusive, magical experience in one of ten uniquely decorated Christmas-themed snow globes! Join the fun and spend an hour with friends or loved ones, creating cherished memories that could even turn the heart of ole Scrooge himself. And, maybe — just maybe, you might see snow!

Experience Magic

Dickens After Dark

Marley’s Masquerade. Join us for the exclusive Victorian costume party of the holiday season! The historic Lesesne House on Centre Street in downtown Fernandina Beach is transformed for this 21+ VIP soiree complete with stilt walkers, jugglers, live music, and more! Costumes required. Presented by Jacksonville International Airport.

Get Tickets!

Dickens Express Free Trolley

Complimentary parking and trolleys will be available from the Nassau County School Board lot on Atlantic Avenue across from Central Park. Trolleys run on approximately 15-minute loop to 4th Street. 

Thursday, December 12 - 4:30-7:00pm 

Friday, December 13 - 4:45-9:30pm 

Saturday, December 14 - 9:45am-9:30pm

Sunday, December 15 - 9:45am-3:30pm

Festival Highlights

Holiday Entertainment

From theatrical performances and costumed characters to musical acts and visits from Jolly Old St. Nick, the entertainment lineup offers something for everyone! Join us for a weekend of inspired performances!

December 12, 2024

Dickens Illuminated Procession

The annual Dickens Illuminated Procession walking parade kicks off Dickens on Centre, Thursday, December 12th! Participation to march in the procession is free and food is available for purchase from local food trucks.

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). Show off your holiday spirit and creativity by creating homemade lanterns!

Presented by Snyder Air Conditioning, Plumbing, and Electric.

Procession Schedule:

5:00pm: Music, food trucks, and general holiday merriment begins downtown near the Christmas Tree on Front Street

6:00pm: Procession participants gather on Front Street

6:15pm: Procession begins

Parade Route: East on Ash Street, North on 6th Street, and West on Centre Street

6:45pm: An illuminated finale will end the evening fun over the riverfront!

Date: December 12Time: 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Venue: Front Street N Front St, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034

Dickens Express Free Trolley

Complimentary parking and trolleys will be available from the Nassau County School Board lot on Atlantic Avenue across from Central Park. Trolleys run on approximately 15-minute loop to 4th Street. 

Thursday, December 12 - 4:30-7:00pm 

Friday, December 13 - 5 - 9pm

5-9pm - Pocket Park - Christmas Wish Tree

5-9pm - Fezziwig's Courtyard

5-5:30pm - Wharf Main Stage - Navy Band SW Wind Ensemble

5-5:30pm - 2nd Street Stage - Noise Complaint

5-7pm - Pocket Park - Emilia Cole, Violinist

5-6:30pm - St.Peter's Episcopal Church - Victorian Evensong featuring the Chancel Choir & Children's Choir

5:45pm - Wharf Main Stage - Opening Ceremony with Justin Taylor & St.Nick

Reading of 'Twas the Night Before Christmas with Ron Kurtz

6-6:45pm - 2nd Street Stage - Bean School of Dance

6:30-7pm - Wharf Main Stage - Yulee High School Jazz Band

6:30pm - Old Vic Theatre - The Santa Clause (97 minutes)

6:45-9pm - St - Nick's Workshop - St - Nick Portraits Boston Photography

7-7:30pm - 2nd Street Stage -  - Ocean Way Dance

7:30-9pm - Wharf Main Stage - One Man Performance of A Christmas Carol by Jason Woods

8-9pm Pocket Park - Kristen Sparrow Circus - Aerialist

9pm - Finale over the Harbor

Saturday, December 14 - 10am - 9pm

8:30am - Main Beach - Run Like the Dickens

9:30am - 4th Street Parking Lot - Parade of Paws staging, check-in & registration

10am-9pm - Pocket Park - Christmas Wish Tree

10-10:45am - Wharf Main Stage - Bold City Strings Quartet

10-10:30am - 2nd Street Stage -  Time Steppers

10:15am - Old Vic Theatre - The Muppet Christmas Carol (85 minutes)

11-11:30am - Wharf Main Stage - Parade of Paws down Centre Street & Awards Ceremony

11am-2pm - S.Nick's Workshop - St.Nick Portraits - Boston Photography 

11:30am-12pm - 2nd Street Stage - Jacksonville University String Duet

12pm - Old Vic Theatre - The Man Who Invented Christmas-The Charles Dickens Story (104 minutes)

12-12:30pm - Wharf Main Stage - Pam Bell Handbells

12-12:45pm - Pocket Park - Amelia Music Studio - Violin Ensemble

12:15-1pm - 2nd Street Stage - ACT Performance

12:45-1:45pm - Pocket Park - Amelia Music Studio - Piano, Voice & Guitar

1-1:30pm - Wharf Main Stage - Rhythm Theory Tap Ensemble

1-9pm -  Fezziwig's Courtyard

1:30-2pm - 2nd Street Stage - Island Tappers

2-2:30pm - Wharf Main Stage - Alice in a Christmas Wonderland

2pm - Old Vic Theatre - Polar Express (100 minutes) 

2:30-3:30pm - 2nd Street Stage - Kristen Sparrow Circus - Juggler Andrew Ratliff

3-3:30pm - Wharf Main Stage - The Little Toy Shoppe

3-5:30pm - St.Nick's Workshop - St. Nick Portraits - Boston Photography 

4-4:30pm - Wharf Main Stage - Amelia Island Opera

4-6pm - Pocket Park - Emilia Cole, Violinist

4pm - Old Vic Theatre - Elf (97 minutes)

4:20pm - 2nd Street Stage - Kristen Sparrow Circus Acrobatic Duo 

4:45-5:15pm - Wharf Main Stage - Blue Haven - Gospel Group

5-5:45pm - 2nd Street Stage - Sandalwood High School Jazz Band

5:45pm - Wharf Main Stage - The Little Toy Shoppe

6pm - 2nd Street Stage - Reading of 'Twas the Night Before Christmas with Ron Kurtz

6-9pm - Lesesne House - Dickens After Dark: Marley's Masquerade (21+; ticketed event)

6pm - Old Vic Theatre - The Santa Clause (97 minutes)

6:30-7:15pm - Wharf Main Stage - Amy Vickery & Paula Cooney Duo

6:30-7pm - 2nd Street Stage - Alice in a Christmas Wonderland

7:15pm - Centre & 2nd Streets - Angel Dance - Fusion

7:30-8pm - 2nd Street Stage - The Legend of St.Nick

7:45-9pm - Wharf Main Stage - King Guys Band

9pm - Finale over the Harbor

Sunday, December 15- 10am 3pm

10am-3pm - Festival Entrance - Christmas Wish Tree

10-10:30am - Wharf Main Stage - Gabriel Arnold, Saxophonist

10-10:30am - 2nd Street Stage - The Little Toy Shoppe 

10am - Old Vic Theatre - The Santa Clause (97 minutes)

10:45-11:15am -  Wharf Main Stage - Sean Watkins, Broadway Performer 

11-11:30am -  2nd Street Stage - Alice in a Christmas Wonderland

11am-3pm - St.Nick's Workshop - St. Nick Portraits - Boston Photography

11:45am - Wharf Main Stage - RAD dancers

11:45am - Old Vic Theatre - Elf (97 minutes)

12-12:30pm - Wharf Main Stage - Alice in a Christmas Wonderland

12-12:45pm - 2nd Street Stage - New Moon Ramblers

12-2pm - Pocket Park - Emilia Cole, Violinist

1-1:30pm - Wharf Main Stage - The Legend of St.Nick

1-3pm - Fezziwig's Courtyard

1:30-2pm - 2nd Street Stage - Allegiance Youth Choir

1:30pm - Old Vic Theatre - The Muppets Christmas Carol (85 minutes)

2-2:15pm - Wharf Main Stage - Reading of 'Twas the Night Before Christmas with Ron Kurtz

2:15-3pm - Wharf Main Stage - Crescendo Amelia

5pm - Walker's Landing - Amelia Island Chamber Music Festival: An Appalachian Christmas

Date: December 12 - 15, 2024

Hours

Thursday, December 12th, 2024: 5 – 7pm

Friday, December 13th, 2024: 5 – 9pm

Saturday, December 14th, 2024: 10am – 9pm

Sunday, December 15th, 2024: 10am – 3pm

Location: Downtown Fernandina Beach

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