Dickens on Centre Festival

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. 

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