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Dickens on Centre


A Victorian Christmas Festival That Transforms Historic Fernandina Beach Into Victorian London!

Save the date: December 12th – 15th, 2024!

The ninth annual Dickens on Centre festival in historic downtown Fernandina Beach, Florida, on beautiful Amelia Island was a rousing success. 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.

Dickens 2023

Festival Schedule

Festival Hours

  • Thursday, December 7th, 2023: 5 – 7pm
  • Friday, December 8th, 2023: 5 – 9pm
  • Saturday, December 9th, 2023: 10am – 9pm
  • Sunday, December 10th, 2023: 10am – 5pm

Trolley Hours

  • Friday, December 8th, 2023: 4:45 – 9:30pm
  • Saturday, December 9th, 2023: 9:45am – 9:30pm
  • Sunday, December 10th, 2023: 9:45am – 5:30pm
Parking is very limited downtown and many parking lots are unavailable for public parking. Complimentary parking and trolleys will be available from the Nassau County School Board lot on Atlantic Avenue across from Central Park.
Dickens on Centre

Special Events!

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Dickens Dining & Drinks

Win exclusive prizes this December by experiencing holiday-inspired dining and drink specials at the Island’s most festive hot spots!

Check in. Get Points. Pick Prizes!
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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!

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Run Like the Dickens

“Run Like the Dickens” during this 1-mile fun-run on Amelia Island Main Beach. Everyone is welcome — even dogs!

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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!

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Enchanted Village

Step into an exclusive, magical experience in one of eight 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!

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Enchanced Village flowers

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After Dark

Join us for the exclusive Victorian costume party of the holiday season! The historic Lessne House on Centre Street in downtown Fernandina Beach is transformed for this 21 and over VIP soiree complete with stilt walkers, jugglers, and the amazing Fire & Ice Show by Kristen Sparrow Circus. Presented by Jacksonville International Airport.

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Festival Highlights

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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!

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Vendors

2023 promises to be one of our biggest festivals with more vendors than ever before! Vendor spots are SOLD OUT with several favorites back with new displays and items to sell, as well as a variety of new vendors offering more options for holiday gifting.

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Parade of Paws

You won’t want to miss the annual Parade of Paws on Saturday, December 9th. Prizes awarded for Best Victorian, Most Original, Looks Most Like Owner and top 3 overall.

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Holiday Movies

Take a moment and escape into your favorite holiday classic movie! Young and old will enjoy this chance to hit pause, relax, and watch a movie that inspires holiday cheer. Visit the Old Vic Theatre movie alley in Tiny Tim’s Kid Zone.

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Christmas Wish Tree

The Christmas Wish tree, nestled in the pocket park next to Amelia Island Coffee, is a beautiful way to pen your holiday wish on a wooden ornament and then hang on the Christmas tree. It’s a simple, yet magical tradition that embodies the spirit of giving, togetherness, and hope.

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Letters to St. Nick

Make your holiday dreams come true by visiting St. Nick’s Workshop, where you can write a letter to St. Nick and pop it in the big red mailbox that goes straight to the North Pole! This heartwarming tradition captures the spirit of the season for children of all ages.