28th Annual Charles Dickens Festival

The Greater Port Jefferson-Northern Brookhaven Arts Council is pleased to announce the 28th Annual Charles Dickens Festival will take place this year on Saturday, December 7 and Sunday, December 8, 2024, in the Village of Port Jefferson. Join 106.1 BLI and 102.3 WBAB on December 8th.

Sponsored by Northwell’s Mather Hospital, the festival attracts visitors from across the Northeast, from all 50 states and from around the globe who will gather to celebrate the beloved author as we once again turn our quaint seaport village into a living Dickens stage. Born Charles John Huffam Dickens (1812-1870), Charles Dickens was arguably the literary superstar of his age, a status that lives on today. Ever the champion of the common man and the downtrodden, his inventive genius has inspired a raft of theatrical performances and a parade of films that portray the drama and redemption of life as a central theme. From A Tale of Two Cities to A Christmas Carol, Dickens managed to create some of literature’s most iconic and memorable personalities. We are proud to carry on this time-honored tradition with our Dickens Festival.

New for this year, the ElfWorks will premiere alongside the Festival of Trees on the second floor of the Port Jefferson Village Center. As you stroll down this extraordinary lineup of trees, you will arrive in the ElfWorks with busy elves showing off how the surrounding trees and Santa’s toys are crafted. Many of the decorations from Santa’s Workshop past will be on display as well. This is a spectacularly decorated set with wondrous lighting. Not to be missed magical moments presented by State Farm Stephanie Sgroi Agency. Santa himself will be appearing in his giant green-velvet chair to greet families at the First United Methodist Church of Port Jefferson on both days at Santa Claus Central, courtesy of King Quality.

On the second floor of the Methodist Church, above Santa Claus Central, will be the new Mrs. Cratchit’s Craftworks, an area where children of all ages can purchase and craft a holiday keepsake decoration. Dickens Central premieres this year in the parking lot just south of West Broadway next to Kilwins. This area features the giant Snow Globe presented by Northwell’s Mather Hospital, a Dickens Festival information table and a photo op area with the four giant ghosts from “A Christmas Carol” and Mr. Charles Dickens himself. Tiny Tim’s Train Station (also Toys for Tots location), created by the Reed Family Train Project, will dazzle once again at the Harbormaster’s Building located across from Village Hall on West Broadway.

The third floor of the Village Center features the traditional Christmas Carol Radio Show in the Sail Loft both days, while the Harbor Cove room features musical performances showcasing magical harp and choir performances. Stony Brook Medical is sponsoring the Village Center. A special mandolin concert in the Sail Loft at the Port Jefferson Village Center featuring mandolin star Buddy Merriam takes place early Saturday evening, brought to you by Douglas Elliman Real Estate. The Village, once again, will be rich with our troupe of Dickens’ Street Characters featuring a series of street plays with Dickensian characters and carolers roaming the streets, presented by The Rinx. Port Jefferson will be filled with a host of musical, magical and theatrical presentations at the Presbyterian Church, the Harborview Christian Church, Christ Church Episcopal and the Masonic Lodge through the support of Stony Brook University. Hour-long presentations at the Methodist Church begin at noon each day with a special early evening concert by Alan Short sponsored by Thomas & Michael McCarrick of Morgan Stanley in the newly minted Copperfield Hall. The Episcopal and Harborview Churches feature musical performances with each group presenting their work for three 20-minute on/20-minute off sessions so a family can enjoy and move on to see more Festival delights. The Presbyterian Church features performing bands and choruses from surrounding school districts with a stunning presentation of Handel’s Messiah, by the North Shore Chamber Choir, beginning at 4:00 PM on Saturday. The Masonic Lodge features the wonderful Magic Show by Amore and the unique Fezziwigs Dance Party Saturday evening. There is an admission price for both.

Last, but certainly not least, Theatre Three is continuing its time honored tradition with their live show performance of A Christmas Carol. Call to reserve tickets. The Port Jefferson Library features a wealth of different events both days. Special presentations by the Long Island Explorium, Port Jefferson Historical Society, Long Island Seaport and Eco Center at the Bayles Boat Shop and the Drowned Meadow Cottage Museum offer interesting experiences that will educate and inspire. The Grand East Main Street Opening Parade marches on Saturday morning at 11 a.m. featuring our cast of Dickens Street Characters, performing groups and the Amityville American Legion Pipe Band. The Parade ends at the Port Jefferson Village Center for the opening ceremony with the festival at large beginning at noon. Pickwick’s Puppet Parade ends the celebration beginning at 5:00 PM on Sunday at Main Street and Maple Avenue and marches down Main Street to West Broadway to the closing ceremony at Village Hall.

Don’t miss either one as each parade features awe-inspiring new attractions. So, come one! Come all! A rapturous time for the young and young at heart, the Dickens Festival is sure to delight the Scroogiest of curmudgeons!

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