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
Run Like the Dickens
Join us for this 1-mile fun-run on Amelia Island Main Beach. Everyone is welcome — even dogs!
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!
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!
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.
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.
Saturday, December 14 - 9:45am-9:30pm
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!
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
Date: December 12 - 15, 2024
