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https://collections.humanitix.com/29th-charles-dickens-festival
Press Release
Contact
Stuart Vincent – (631) 476-2723
Dickens Festival returns to Port Jefferson Dec. 6-7
PORT JEFFERSON, NY - Strolling costumed characters and carolers will once again transform Port Jefferson into a living Dickens stage for the 29th annual Charles Dickens Festival Dec. 6-7, 2025.
Presented by Northwell’s Mather Hospital, The Port Jefferson Arts Council’s popular holiday festival attracts visitors from across the country and around the globe who will gather to celebrate the beloved author and welcome in the holiday season.
Among the many events for the two-day festival:
-The Charles Dickens Creative Study debuts this year alongside the Festival of Trees on the second floor of the Port Jefferson Village Center. This spectacularly decorated set is presented by State Farm Stephanie Sgroi Agency and features a photo-op with the four GIANT Christmas Carol ghosts-Santa will appear in his green-velvet chair to greet families at the First United Methodist Church of Port Jefferson on both days at Santa Claus Central.
-On the second floor of the Methodist Church, above Santa Claus Central, will be Mrs. Cratchit’s Craftworks, an area where children of all ages can purchase and craft a holiday keepsake decoration.-Dickens Central will be located in the parking lot just south of West Broadway next to Kilwins featuring a giant walk-in snow globe presented by Mather Hospital, a Dickens Festival information table and a photo op area with 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. This location is sponsored by a consortium of businesses that includes Chick-fil-A and Salerno Brokerage Corp.
-The Village will again 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.
-A Christmas Carol Radio show and concerts presented by Stony Brook Medicine. -Copperfield Hall in the Methodist Church featuring a spectacular array of performers.
-Two parades will usher in the festival on Saturday at 11am and conclude the weekend on Sunday at 5pm.
The festival pays homage to Charles John Huffam Dickens (1812-1870), better known to the world as Charles Dickens who was arguably the literary superstar of his age. 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.
A complete listing of events and venues can be found at the link above.
Welcome to the 29th Annual Charles Dickens Festival
A production of the Port Jefferson Arts Council
Presented by Northwell Mather Hospital
December 6 and 7, 2025
“It was the best of times. It was the worst of times!” So goes the opening phrase of the Charles Dickens classic work “A Tale of Two Cities,” a novel in the top ten list of books ever written. Join us as we celebrate the works and cultural influence of Mr. Dickens for our 29th Annual Charles Dickens Festival through our cherished traditions plus spectacular new additions that will add a sparkle and a smile to this enchanting weekend.
Hailed as Long Island’s Best Annual Event/Festival for five years, the weekend festivities start on Friday, December 5th with the traditional Lantern Dedication and the annual Village Resident’s Night at the Port Jefferson Village Center. Dickens Festival festivities officially begin on Saturday, December 6, running through Sunday, December 7. Produced by the Port Jefferson Arts Council in cooperation with the Incorporated Village of Port Jefferson and presented by Northwell Mather Hospital, friends and families from across the Northeast, from all 50 states and, indeed, from around the globe (guests arrive annually from the EU), will gather to celebrate the beloved author as we once again turn our quaint Village Streets 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.
Port Jefferson becomes alive with a host of musical, magical and theatrical presentations throughout the village, from Tiny Tim’s Train Station to Santa Claus Central. The streets will once again feature our troupe of Dickens’ Street Characters showcasing a series of street plays with Dickensian characters and carolers roaming our charming hamlet. The Grand East Main Street Opening Parade marches on Saturday morning at 11:00 AM, while Pickwick’s Puppet Parade ends the celebration beginning at 5:00 PM on Sunday. Don’t miss either one as each parade features awe-inspiring new attractions. The restaurants offer Dickensian inspired fare, while the wide range of shops in the village offer holiday shopping. We also have a Shuttle Bus to bring Dickens Festival fans into town from the outlying parking lots. Thanks to Northwell Mather Hospital, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook Medicine, The Rinx, State Farm Stephanie Sgroi Agency and North Suffolk Cardiology for becoming our major sponsors.
So, as fall sheds its leafy coat in preparation for winter, the weekend after Thanksgiving weekend once again plays host to our Village of Port Jefferson Charles Dickens Festival. 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! You will have the “Best of Times” if you attend and the “Worst of Times” if you miss out on this annual treasure.
Allan Varela
Chair,
Port Jefferson Arts Council