Every December, something just shy of a Christmas miracle unfolds in downtown Amelia Island. The fresh scent of evergreens drifts along an ocean breeze, steam rises from mugs of hot cocoa and the opening notes of “The First Noel” echo down cobblestone streets. Local vendors sell nutcrackers, seashell ornaments and other wares while marketgoers flit past wearing petticoats and bonnets on their way to a late-night soiree at The Lesesne House. The ghosts of Christmas past and present are out to play at Dickens on Centre, Amelia Island’s annual jolly jubilee based on Charles Dickens’s classic, “A Christmas Carol.” More than a festival, this winter weekend boasts a Victorian market, musical performances, parades, a beach fun run, outdoor movie screenings and more, attracting visitors from across the Southeast. In honor of their 10th anniversary, here’s where to eat, stay and play at Dickens on Centre. 

Joyful Spirits 

Begin the festivities with the Illuminated Procession, a parade where visitors don their Victorian-era garb and walk down Centre Street with homemade lanterns and decorations, welcoming in the holiday season and kicking off the Dickens festivities. Furry friends can strut their stuff, too, in the Parade of Paws, an animal costume contest. These proud pets compete for titles such as Best Victorian and Looks Most Like Owner, but with cute wagging tails and joyful faces, they’re a shoo-in for Santa’s nice list. Attend musical performances from local bands, choirs and orchestras across two stages. Hang out at Tiny Tim’s Kid Zone, where families can watch holiday movies, write letters to St. Nick and even meet the jolly man himself. While the children play, adults can sneak away to Dickens After Dark, a 21-and-older soiree at the historic Lesesne House, built in 1860. This year’s theme is Marley’s Masquerade—complete with crinolines, waistcoats and masks—featuring stilt walkers, acrobats, live music and a seemingly endless flow of merriment. Staying off the naughty list might be harder than anticipated. 

Inside a Snow Globe

Bring your whimsical spirit and prepare to experience magic at the winter wonderland that is the Dickens Enchanted Village, where guests can spend time inside of a larger-than-life-sized snow globe. Reserve a private hour at one of 10 festively decked-out domes and enjoy a charcuterie grazing box from Luxe Picnics by Les, which includes Italian black truffle cheese, berries, Swiss milk chocolate toffees and more. After the frosty fantasy, wander around the Christmas market in search of a sweet treat or stop by the fleet of food trucks. Try a mug of gluhwein, a traditional European warm mulled wine, from one of the festival’s on-site pop-up taverns, The Portly Gentlemen or Fezziwig’s Courtyard.

Victorian Charm

Travel to Amelia Island for the four-day-long festival and stay at elegant resorts not far from downtown like Omni Amelia Island Resort, with 402 guest rooms, a full-service spa and 46 holes of golf. Just up the coast also lies The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island, which boasts seaside vistas, oceanfront tennis courts and epicurean adventures at their renowned restaurant, Salt. For a true Dickens experience, embrace the Victorian-era vibes created at the Amelia Island Williams House, one of several historic inns in town. Built in 1856, this storied home hosts 10 rooms and suites, allowing guests to stay a block away from the many holiday happenings on Centre Street. 

In the midst of the merriment downtown, turn toward the sky on Thursday, Friday and Saturday of Dickens on Centre for the Finale Above the Harbor, the annual holiday drone show in which 500 remote-controlled aircrafts digitally paint the spirit of the season. This Dec. 12–15, come make unforgettable holiday memories at Amelia Island’s Dickens on Centre as they celebrate 10 years of Christmas cheer.  

Visit ameliaisland.com/dickens for more information.