Bring your family to our 19th century holiday celebration and see Charles Dickens’ festive vision of Christmas come to life. Meet and interact with Ohio Village residents to learn how they celebrate the holiday season. Have some chance encounters with holiday characters including Santa Claus, St. Nicholas, Jacob Marley, Ebenezer Scrooge, Krampus and others. Enjoy music and dance of the period and partake in various activities in the village buildings, and look for gift ideas in our artisan market!

Activities Include:

• 12th Night Party
  • Replacing our New Years party this year will be a 12th Night Party, showcasing how people from the late 19th century would have celebrated the end of the Christmas season. This will include a full meal (for demonstration purposes only), games, and more.
• What the Dickens? A chat with Charles Dickens
  • Renowned author and orator Charles Dickens will be visiting Ohio Village with his wife Catherine, speaking about the inspirations for his works and remarking on his tours through the United States. Both Charles and Catherine will hold a Q&A with visitors after their presentation.
• Holiday Parlor Games & Music
  • Visitors will be able to enjoy popular holiday parlor games while listening to Christmas tunes of the era. This space will be a free-flowing program that can also act as a warming spot for weary travelers
• Shadow Puppet Performances
  • Replacing our magic lantern shows this year will be a return of our popular Shadow Puppet theater. We will produce a shadow puppet version of Clement Clark Moore's "A Visit from Saint Nicholas." The show will run regularly throughout the night in 15-20 minute intervals
• Watch Night Service
  • Watch Night is a solemn celebration held each year to commemorate the Emancipation Proclamation, and is meant to give people a chance to reflect upon the previous year and consider what the next may bring. Visitors will learn why members of African American communities participated in this service and how it ties into the Christmas season.
• Winter Holiday Puppets
  • Much like what we have had at other major events, there will be themed puppets available for visitors to make and take. These will likely resemble popular holiday figures, such as Saint Nicholas or Krampus.

For more information on Dickens Brunch and to purchase tickets, please Click Here

For more information on Dickens Dinner and to purchase tickets, please Click Here

Annual general operating support provided by: