(Long Island, NY) The Greater Port Jefferson-Northern Brookhaven Arts Council, in conjunction with the Inc. Village of Port Jefferson, will host the 20th Annual Charles Dickens Festival on from December 5 – 6, 2015, 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 Council proudly announces the additions of LET THERE BE LIGHT, a dazzling light show projected on Village Hall, and the Harbormaster building will be transformed into COOKIELAND, where children can decorate their own holiday oriented cookies and houses! 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 32nd Annual production of A Christmas Carol.
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 East main and Main, while the Port Jefferson free Library will feature new programming and the fabulous Dickens Cottage next to the main building. 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 Port Jeff Jitney bus will transport visitors to and from downtown from the free parking areas found outside the Village.
We are very pleased to celebrate Pat Darling Kiriluk, as the Honoree of the 20th Annual Charles Dickens Festival. Pat is an outstanding woman with a deep love for her community whose dedication is exemplified in her tireless generosity in which she extends extraordinary goodness to others. Pat was the creator of a holiday tradition and highlight of the festival…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 28th, and continues weekends through December 14th.
The 20th 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.
