Port Jefferson, NY - November 22, 2016 - The Inc. Village of Port Jefferson in conjunction with the Greater Port Jefferson-Northern Brookhaven Arts Council, in conjunction with the, will host the 21st Annual Charles Dickens Festival on from December 3 – 4, 2016, throughout the Village of Port Jefferson.
The Village of Port Jefferson will magically transform into the Dickensian era with streets filled with roaming characters such as Father Christmas, Dickens Mayor, Scrooge, the Town Crier and the beloved chimney sweeps. Building on the Internationally-renown festival the Village proudly announces this year’s honoree, the TBR News Media…celebrating their 40-year anniversary!
Begin your Dickens adventure with a Grand Opening Celebration Parade on East Main Street, Saturday morning at 11am. The events are open to the public and most attractions are free of charge, so everyone - from the very young to the young at heart can join in the fun. The festivities will feature many returning favorites; ice-skating at the Village Center, a cappella performance by choirs and harmony groups, Nutcracker performances, magic shows by The Great Wizard of the North, and many fine musical performances by area musicians. In addition, this year's festival will feature Theater Three's 33rd Annual production of A Christmas Carol.
The return of a Dickens Festival favorite is Santa’s Workshop! Join Santa and his elves and wind through three whimsically decorated rooms. Twinkling white lights, elaborate confection displays, and the giant nutcrackers are just a few of the signature elements that bring the Magic of Christmas to life. The workshop opens November 26th , and continues weekends through December 10th. Another popular attraction is the impressive Festival of Trees located on the second floor of the Port Jefferson Village Center. Over a dozen elaborately decorated, themed holiday trees are on display throughout December for all to enjoy.
As in past years, East Main Street will become Dickens Alley and Fezziwig's Ball, featuring live music on traditional instruments led by a dance caller, will take place at the Masonic Lodge. An impressive model train display will be featured on Main St., while the Port Jefferson Free Library will feature new programming and the fabulous Cottage at Dickens Alley next to the main library building. The Town of Brookhaven Harbormaster building will be transformed into COOKIELAND, where children can decorate their own holiday oriented cookies and houses and Horse and carriage rides will thrill the young and young at heart and the trolley will help transport visitors to the various venues through the Village for the entire weekend. The Dickens Trolley and the Port Jeff Jitney bus will transport visitors to and from downtown from the free parking areas found outside the Village.
The 21 st Annual Dickens Festival will conclude with a Parade of Puppets and ceremony at Village Hall on Sunday evening. For the schedule of events, please visit www.pjdickens.com.
Dickens in December
Dickens events that carry on beyond the festival
The Rinx, Skating on the Harbor
Skating on the Harbor at the PJ Village Center opens Friday, November 25 th through March 12th 2016.
7 days a week, hours vary, check portjeff.com for complete schedule
Santa's Workshop
Weekends, November 26th through December 14th
Candles flicker in the windows beckoning young and old to visit Santa’s whimsical three-room workshop. Step back in time and reflect on the storybook charm of cherished memories of an era that has quietly faded.
Dazzling decorations and the twinkle of little white lights serve as a prelude to all that awaits you in the Historical Drowned Meadow Cottage Museum. Visitors are greeted by Santa and his live elves awaiting the arrival of one and all. Be sure to bring your cameras to capture the magic of this memorable visit to Santa’s Workshop. Thanks to Bridgehampton National Bank and Cablevision.
November 26 th – 4-7pm
November 27 th – 12-4pm
December 3rd – 12-4pm
December 10th – 12-4pm
Festival of Trees
7 days a week December 3rd through December 31st
Come one, come all to join our Festival of Trees at the Port Jefferson Village Center. The second floor will host a magical presentation of Christmas trees featuring decorations that are guaranteed to dazzle and delight.
Each tree will present the sponsors vision expertly crafted and garnished…and not to be missed. The Festival of Trees will be available to view at the Dickens Festival up through the end of December. Thanks to Bridgehampton National Bank. And Empire National Bank.
Indoor Farmer's Market
Begins November 27 th in the Port Jefferson Village Center
10am -2pm