A Christmas Storybook Escape in Amelia Island

While the manacled spirit of Jacob Marley may not be truly haunting Amelia Island’s annual Dickens on Centre weekend, there are plenty of other characters and settings pulled straight from the quintessential holiday tale, “A Christmas Carol,” to be seen in its historic downtown this December. Carolers in top hats and bonnets fill the blocks of Fernandina Beach with fa-la-las, the charming buildings and cobblestone streets bask in the warm glow of sparkling lights and revelers of all ages wander through an enchanting Christmas Market, brimming with gifts for under the tree, festive sips and dazzling entertainment. This year, the Victorian wonderland is happening from Dec. 11–14, and it’s  a jubilee that will banish even the most severe case of the “bah humbugs.”

An Ode to the Past

The quaint Amelia Island was named in 1735 for the British-born Princess Amelia, King George II’s daughter, so it’s only fitting that the seaport village transforms into an English-inspired, holly-adorned hub. Visitors are encouraged to lean into a Victorian state of mind by dressing the part, starting with the weekend’s inaugural event, the Illuminated Procession. On Dec. 11, don your petticoats, roll up your trousers and bring along a lantern (or grab one at the distribution center on Centre Street) to light up the night. The parade marks the official opening of Dickens on Centre, and as you march, enjoy music and a smattering of the town’s many food and beverage vendors. Another can’t-miss opportunity to step back in time is Marley’s Masquerade—the 21-and-up costume soiree held this year at The Pavilion. With live music, stilt walkers, jugglers, dancing and heaps of holiday merriment, it’s a modern take on the Fezziwig Ball from Mr. Scrooge’s youth.

Living in the Present

Even Ebenezer himself would envy the giftable items that can be found within the Christmas Market. It’s the perfect place to shop for everyone on the nice list. In addition to local art and presents to peruse, there are food trucks and community acts, ranging from dance troupes to theater shows to band performances, at the Second Stage on South 3rd Street. Then there’s the Enchanted Village, a collection of 10 uniquely decorated human-sized snow globes, where guests can gather for food and refreshments alongside friends and family, with themes spanning from nutcracker to coastal Christmas to winter wonderland. This year, they’re more affordable than ever and include two beverage options from The Portly Gentleman Tavern, snacks and additional add-ons like a mimosa bar or a charcuterie board. Other can’t-miss events include the Run Like the Dickens fun run—a one-mile course on the beach designed for everyone, including kids and pups, to partake in—and the Parade of Paws, a pet parade and costume contest with awards like Best Victorian and Most Original.

Cheers to the Future

Just as Tiny Tim ignited the spirit of the season within Scrooge, Dickens on Centre aims to reveal the magic of the holidays for the area’s next, and youngest, generation. Tiny Tim’s Kid Zone is an epicenter of wonder. St. Nick sets up his workshop there so children can meet him while getting a portrait taken. Crafting stations, a scavenger hunt, reindeer games, a balloon artist and more help make it the perfect place for a jolly good time. There’s even a letter-writing station to send wish lists to the elves at the North Pole busily preparing for Christmas morning. And, while classic holiday movies like “Elf” and “The Polar Express” will be screening at the Old Vic Theatre movie alley throughout the day, cap off the evening on a futuristic note with a stunning drone show featuring 500 electronic aerial acrobats creating fun holiday images and animations above the river. 

---

Click here for more events across Florida.

---