Get 20 percent off Tickets for Special Events before November 16th
Press release
Event Press Release 2024
For Immediate Release
###
November 8, 2024: Downtown Fayetteville, NC - The Downtown Alliance announces exciting updates for the 25th Annual A Dickens Holiday: Special Guest Speaker Elliot Engel, Newly Expanded Gingerbread House Contest, and a Whimsical addition - Elves' Night Off!
Fayetteville, NC – The Downtown Alliance, in partnership with the Fayetteville History Museum, invites you to celebrate the 25th Annual A Dickens Holiday on November 29th. This beloved downtown shopping event promises a delightful blend of tradition, community spirit, and holiday cheer that will enchant attendees of all ages.er that will enchant attendees of all ages. Step into a festive Victorian village as downtown Fayetteville transforms into a scene inspired by Charles Dickens’ world.
Local businesses will adorn their storefronts, enhancing the enchanting atmosphere. Stroll along cobblestone streets aglow with twinkling lights, exploring a diverse array of artisan and craft market vendors alongside a food court featuring food trucks, tents, and vendors offering savory and sweet. Enjoy the harmonious sounds of carolers and take a charming carriage ride presented by the Cool Spring Downtown District, perfect for holiday shopping—tickets available now.
Dress in your finest Victorian attire and mingle with iconic characters from A Christmas Carol, including Scrooge, Marley, and the Ghosts. Join our lively costume contest and create unforgettable memories with Father Christmas.
This year, the Fayetteville History Museum will transform into Victoria Station, bustling with vendors and featuring the exciting Seeking Victoria Scavenger Hunt, where you can discover Victorian Llamas and even meet Father Christmas. Attendees will also have the opportunity to take photos with Father Christmas, creating cherished keepsakes of your holiday experience. To cap off the evening, enjoy a family-friendly screening of A Muppets Christmas Carol at the museum.
We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Elliot Engel as our featured guest speaker this year. His presentation, "A Dickens of A Christmas," will provide a captivating exploration of Charles Dickens's life and literary works, including his beloved holiday tales. Dr. Engel’s engaging storytelling and deep insights will leave you with a renewed appreciation for Dickens’s timeless messages of hope and generosity.
Unleash your creativity in our brand-new Gingerbread House Contest! This whimsical competition invites participants of all ages to craft stunning gingerbread houses that will bring out your inner architect and baker. Whether you opt for a classic design or let your imagination run wild with candy-coated creations, the contest promises to be a delightful showcase of culinary artistry. All entries will be displayed for the public to admire, and the best houses will be awarded fantastic prizes. Don’t miss the chance to see your sweet masterpiece light up the holiday spirit! Registration details and contest rules can be found on our new website.
Indulge in the elegance of a bygone era with our Royal Tea and Tour at the Heritage Square Historical Society. Enjoy delightful tea and a guided tour of this historical property, where you may be surprised by visits from royal guests! Capture unforgettable moments with these regal figures, as there will be ample photo opportunities throughout the event, allowing you to create lasting memories of this enchanting experience.
As part of our free festivities, don’t miss the iconic candlelight procession ceremony at dusk, officially ushering in the holiday season. This royal procession, accompanied by the serene sounds of bagpipes and a sea of flickering candles, will feature choral performances of timeless holiday carols, a special reading from a Dickens classic, and the ceremonial lighting of the streets, symbolizing hope and unity within our community.
Adding a whimsical addition to our Dickens celebration, join us for "Elves' Night Off" during Dickens After Dark from 6:30 to 9:00 PM. Embrace the festivities in your elf attire, enjoy holiday music, indulge in festive beverages, and participate in exclusive activities for all ages as the magic continues into the evening.
A Dickens Holiday is a heartwarming event that is free to the public from 1 PM to 9 PM, proudly supported by our presenting sponsor, Dream Finder Homes, sustaining sponsor PWC, and event sponsors Moving with Meg Real Estate, City Center Gallery and Books, Cape Fear Valley Health, Draughon Brothers Inc., and many generous contributors.
There’s even more happening downtown on this festive day, so come for A Dickens Holiday and enjoy all that our vibrant downtown has to offer, including the 4th Annual Holiday Lights at Segra Stadium, which begins on November 29 and runs through December 23! Or choose to enjoy the presentation of A Christmas Story at 8 PM by the Gilbert Theater, a nostalgic and heartwarming experience for the entire family.
For more information, visit our new website at www.adickensholiday.com and follow us on social media on Facebook and Instagram. Find details on the Gingerbread House Contest registration, event schedule, maps, and answers to frequently asked questions. Note: Both the Royal Tea and Dr. Engel's presentation are special ticketed events, with ticket information available on our website.
Contact: Elaine Kelley, Chair- A Dickens Holiday Committee
Produced by the Downtown Alliance
Get ready for a magical celebration!
"A Dickens Holiday"
A Magical Step Back in Time
Experience the charm of "A Dickens Holiday" in downtown Fayetteville, NC. Enjoy local shopping, unique gifts, a candlelight procession, Gingerbread House contest, costume contests, food and artisan street vendors, Guest speakers, Scrooge, Marley, and Tiny Tim and - not to mention, the Queen and her court. It's a festive event perfect for creating lasting memories with family and friends.
Celebrating 25 Years of Magic and Memories
A Dickens Holiday turns 25!
For 25 years, A Dickens Holiday has been a beloved tradition in the holiday season in the heart of Fayetteville, North Carolina. Inspired by the timeless tales of Charles Dickens, our event transforms downtown into a charming wonderland, complete with shopping, carolers, street performers, and holiday activities that would make even Scrooge smile. Originally conceived as a cheerful alternative to the Black Friday frenzy, A Dickens Holiday has grown into a cherished event attracting thousands of visitors each year. By highlighting our local shops and their unique offerings, we help keep the heart of our downtown Fayetteville vibrant and thriving.
The true magic of A Dickens Holiday lies in its ability to bring people of all ages together. From families delighting in festive activities to couples strolling and shopping hand-in-hand through beautifully decorated streets, the event fosters a sense of togetherness and joy. Children’s laughter fills the air as they engage in holiday crafts and meet beloved characters, while adults savor the warm aromas of seasonal treats and the twinkling lights that illuminate our downtown. Whether it's unique holiday gift shopping, local dance group vendors, the Gingerbread house contest, costume contest, carriage rides, educational and craft events, or the appearances of the Queen, the Bobbies, Scrooge, Marley, the Cratchits, and other characters—every aspect of the celebration is designed to evoke the warmth and wonder of the holiday season, ensuring every attendee leaves with cherished memories.
As we celebrate this milestone year, we invite everyone to join us in commemorating 25 years of tradition, joy, and community spirit. Whether you’re a long-time attendee or new to our festivities, A Dickens Holiday promises to enchant and delight, reminding us all of the magic that the season brings. Together, let’s celebrate the past, embrace the present, and look forward to many more years of holiday cheer in Fayetteville!
Help us Celebrate 25 more years of Holiday Magic
Help A Dickens Holiday continue each year. Your support makes it possible.