Prepare to step back in time at the 25th Annual A Dickens Holiday on Nov. 29, from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. Carriage rides, cobblestone streets, twinkling lights, and the immersive experience of walking amongst actors in Victorian-era garb will delight and charm visitors.
The Downtown Alliance, in partnership with the Fayetteville History Museum, presents the event. It’s a rich and varied scene, and a fitting homage to the beloved Dickens classic A Christmas Carol. Iconic characters such as Scrooge, Marley, and the Ghosts will wander the streets in costume, interpreting themes and portraying personalities as visitors take in scenes from the bygone era.
Elaine Kelley, Chair of A Dickens Holiday Committee, says you don’t want to miss a moment.
“Spend the day with us,” she entreated, “it’s well worth it.”
She recommends bringing family and friends and making the most of each opportunity. There will be food, shopping, activities, and more. It’s a one-stop shop for ushering in the holiday spirit, spending quality time with loved ones, chipping away at your holiday shopping, and enjoying the sights and sounds of a community preparing for Christmas.
Dress in your finest Victorian garb and attend the Royal Tea and Tour at the Heritage Square Historical Society, if you wish. The tea will begin at the Fayetteville History Museum, a Victorian train station. Visitors will hear its history and then travel via a decorated trolley to the Sandford House. Kelley says they’ll be ushered into the antebellum-era home and serenaded as they enjoy tea. There will be visits from historic interpreters (keep your eyes peeled for a glimpse of Queen Victoria or another Royal personage!) and photo opportunities. Tickets to the tea are limited. There are four seatings of 24 seats each, and tickets are priced at $20.
A gingerbread house contest will also be in progress. The official press release described it as a whimsical competition that invites participants of all ages to craft stunning gingerbread houses that will bring out your inner architect and baker. Entry is free and winners can expect “fantastic prizes,” but only after their artistic masterpieces have been sufficiently admired by the community.
Anyone interested in a picture with Father Christmas can find him at the history museum where there will also be a magician performing awe-inspiring feats. Visitors may also spot a London bobby or two in uniform, strolling the event “enforcing public security.”
For those interested in learning more about Charles Dicken’s legacy, internationally renowned Dickens expert and guest speaker, Dr. Elliot Engel will present his lecture “A Dickens of A Christmas.” According to the press release, the lecture will explore Dickens’s life and literary works: “Dr. Engel’s engaging storytelling and deep insights will leave you with a renewed appreciation for Dickens’s timeless messages of hope and generosity.” The lecture will begin at 1 p.m. at Hay Street United Methodist Church.
When hunger strikes, there will be no end of treats to fill visitors' bellies or quench their thirst. Kelley said that among the usual dining options downtown, the parking lot behind the Art’s Council will also be “chock full” of food trucks. She said to look for local businesses that may publicize unique offerings for the day.
Kelley highlighted the opportunity visitors will have to keep their spending local, whether at the downtown shops, or in the artisan market, and said the event is an alternative to Black Friday shopping.
“We wanted to bring people downtown and give them the option to stay down here with us that day and shop and put your money in local stores.” She added that visitors often discover just how much downtown has to offer.
“They see new businesses,” she explained. “They feel a part of downtown. I think that they have a sense that they're welcome. They feel invited.”
She explained that her own involvement in the event began because she owns Turner Lane off Hay Street. Now on the committee, she highlighted just how many people help with the event. “We are a committee of many people within the community who have been involved in A Dickens Holiday over the past 25 years.” She added that it’s group effort that keeps the event going. “I’m certainly not the only person who is doing this. We are committee strong.”
Hattie Presnell, Historic Properties Coordinator for the Fayetteville History Museum agreed, “ It's all about community! We have a wonderfully talented and diverse group of individuals who come together to make this event happen. For many of our vendors, this is also their biggest event of the year, and they pull out all the stops!” She felt that A Dickens Holiday is an opportunity to support local businesses and see the incredible talent the community has to offer.
“Keep it local and shop local!” she encouraged.
This year, visitors may notice a new addition to A Dickens Holiday. During Dickens After Dark, 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m., “Elves’ Night Off” will bring visitors together to show off their elf attire, indulge in festive treats, and participate in exclusive activities suitable for all ages. The press release says Elves’ Night Off intends to continue the magic into the evening.
Despite the excitement of new additions, Kelley said one event remains the highlight.
“The iconic thing is the candlelight procession,” she explained. The candlelight procession begins at dusk. It’s a royal procession: bagpipes play in the background, visitors fill the streets and hold flickering candles, carols are sung, portions of Dickens are read, speeches are made, and the holiday lights lining the streets are ceremonially lit. It’s an event that symbolizes hope and unity within the community, according to the press release.
“It sort of brings in the holidays in full force,” Kelley said.
A Dickens Holiday is free to the public, thanks partly to many generous sponsors, including Dream Finder Homes, PWC, Moving with Meg Real Estate, City Center Gallery and Books, Cape Fear Valley Health, Draughon Brothers Inc., and more.
Kelley encouraged the community to enjoy the endless variety and charm available all day.
“I think it becomes a time where you can just enjoy the day with your family,” she described. "It’s an experience!”
For more information on A Dickens Holiday and the various ticketed events, visit www.adickensholiday.com

(Photo: Carolers sing during A Dickens Christmas in downtown Fayetteville)