It’s going to be a dickens of a Christmas in downtown Spartanburg, SC. on Tuesday night Nov. 29, 2011 from 6-9PM! The alternate date is Dec. 1st in case of inclement weather. Plan now to join in the fun of an old fashioned Christmas at the “18th Annual Dickens of a Christmas” celebration. Admission to” Dickens of a Christmas” is FREE and is a great opportunity to kick-off the Christmas season with the family. Let’s see what other activities and fun visitors will experience at this annual Christmas event!
Theme of “Dickens of a Christmas” Victorian
Be prepared to be transformed back to the Victorian era when you enter the festival. Of course the name Dickens in the festival gave you a hint of the Victorian theme, and who doesn’t love a Victorian Christmas, right? Indicative of the era, you will see Bobbies, which the London Police Force created in 1829 was affectionately called.
Carolers will also be roaming the streets in downtown singing Christmas carols. Victorians adored music, and since they had no TV, radio or internet, the tradition of caroling during the holidays and parlor singing throughout the year were popular pastimes.
Chestnut Roasters you will also see at “Dickens of a Christmas.” Warm chestnuts roasted over an open fire will be available to sample and purchase.
Ebenezer Scrooge will be at the festival as the main character in “A Christmas Carol” written by Charles Dickens and for whom this Christmas celebration is named!
Among these favorites, you will see many dressed in Victorian garb including the Town Crier, Victorian dancers, Quilters, and Suffragettes.
Guests of the festival are also welcomed to come dressed in garb from the Victorian era. For ideas on what to wear, visit this link: What the Dickens Do I Wear? « A Dickens of a Christmas.
More activities to experience
There will be free horse and carriage rides around the plaza, entertainment by the Spartanburg Community Band, hand bell choirs, living windows, and the beautiful Denny’s lighting of the city Christmas tree at 7:30 PM.
Many of the downtown shops will be open in case you want to do some Christmas shopping. In addition, there will be vendors selling delicious foods, sweets and warm cider for your pleasure.
Activities for the Kids
Rest assured there will be many activities for the kids too! In the Denny’s Building Lobby, kids can enjoy cookie decorating, making ornaments, and Victorian game demonstrations. Santa will also be at Morgan Square to greet the kids and have his picture taken with them. Be sure to take your camera to the festival!
If you kids haven’t written their letter to Santa this year, take them to Carolina Cash where they can write it at the store and mail if from there! Santa will answer each letter through the U.S. Mail.
Tips to make your trip to “Dickens of a Christmas” more enjoyable
Dress in layers so you will stay warm if the weather is cold and windy, and you can remove a layer if it is a fair night. Wear comfortable shoes, tennis shoes would be great! Though admission is free, you may want to take some money to use on food, drinks, or Christmas presents you may find! Take your camera to take photos of the kids with Santa as well as all of the sights you will see, including beautiful Christmas lights and the Christmas tree! It’s best to leave your pets safe at home.
For a map and parking instructions visit Map/Parking « A Dickens of a Christmas. This event is organized by the Spartanburg Downtown Association.
Have a happy and safe Holiday Season!
Sources: embedded in article