Each holiday season, the village of Skaneateles, New York, transforms into a Victorian wonderland during its annual Dickens Christmas celebration. From the day after Thanksgiving through Christmas Eve, visitors can stroll the charming streets and encounter over 40 characters from Charles Dickens’ novels—including Scrooge, Tiny Tim, and Queen Victoria—brought to life by costumed actors engaging in interactive street performances. Festivities include the World’s Smallest Christmas Parade, horse-drawn carriage rides, caroling, and live performances of classic tales like “A Christmas Carol” and “A Sleepy Hollow Christmas.” The aroma of roasting chestnuts fills the air, and shops offer unique holiday gifts, creating a nostalgic and festive atmosphere reminiscent of 1840s England.
It’s exactly what you’d expect from a town that gets called “A Hallmark Christmas Town” a lot.