If you’ve ever wanted to step inside a Christmas card, Skaneateles makes it happen every year from late November through Christmas Eve. Dickens Christmas is now in its fourth decade. And it remains one of the most genuinely magical holiday traditions in all of Upstate New York.
The concept is wonderfully committed. The year is 1842. Queen Victoria has arrived in Skaneateles. She has brought Charles Dickens, whom she has commissioned to write a Christmas story. Over the course of the festival, Dickens gains inspiration from a cast of now-familiar characters. Think finishing school girls, pickpockets, Jacob Marley, the Ghosts of Christmas, and the ever-memorable Ebenezer Scrooge. Scrooge has been known to corner unsuspecting visitors on the pavement and demand they pay their overdue rent. Washington Irving also makes an appearance, working on his latest ghost story. Furthermore, the whole thing unfolds across the streets, shops, and restaurants of the village with a cast of over 50 characters — all staying in character throughout.
The World’s Smallest Christmas Parade kicks things off on the Friday after Thanksgiving. It sets out from the Village Hall on Fennell Street and winds through to the grand opening at noon. From then on, every Saturday and Sunday through Christmas Eve, the village transforms from noon to 4pm. The Midday Revels carol sing-along at the gazebo at 2pm is a highlight. Twelve groups representing the twelve days of Christmas compete for Queen Victoria’s attention. She then awards a silver teasel to the most spirited performer. Additionally, horse-drawn wagon rides depart from the Sherwood Inn. Chestnuts roast on an open fire. Trunk shows, magic performances, and dance performances fill the afternoon.
Beyond the street theatre, the festival brings additional events throughout the season. Fezziwig’s Christmas Ball at First Presbyterian Church offers festive English country dancing. Similarly, Skaneateles Sings brings the community together for candlelit caroling and a tree lighting. And the annual Shop, Sip & Stroll opens village shops late with refreshments, free gift-wrapping, and free parking.
The whole thing is free to attend. The shops, restaurants, and bakeries remain open throughout. As a result, this is one of the best times of year to visit Skaneateles — when the village is at its most beautifully festive. Check skaneateles.com for the current season’s dates and schedule.
It’s exactly what you’d expect from a town that gets called “A Hallmark Christmas Town” a lot.