“A Christmas Carol” by Charles Dickens is a timeless classic, and several towns in and around New Jersey host celebrations of the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future. Here’s where to check out a Dickens Fest this holiday season:
November to January
Christmas in Cape May
Various locations, Cape May
This beloved seaside town is transformed into a Dickens village for the holidays with twinkling gaslights and fragrant green garlands. Go on Santa’s Trolley Ride and take a Christmas tour of the Emlen Physick Estate.
November 22-24 and December 1
A Dickens Holiday
Barclay Farmstead, Cherry Hill
Visit the beautifully-decorated Farmhouse, over 200 years old and listed on the National and NJ Historic Registers of Historic Places, where you’ll see lots of vintage Victorian clothing, dozens of Department 56 villages, and more holiday decor.
November 29 – December 1
Dickens’ Days
Clinton
The town transforms into a Victorian village with horse and carriage rides, caroling, storytelling, Father Christmas strolling the streets, holiday performances, and Santa’s Workshop on the terrace of the Hunterdon Art Museum. The community tree lighting is Friday, with caroling by the choir from Methodist Church, and Santa’s arrival via firetruck.
November 29 through December
Dickens Christmas Village
Macy’s Center City, Philadelphia, PA
Macy’s Center City, formerly the Wanamaker department store, continues the tradition of its predecessor with holiday light shows and music from the historic Wanamaker organ. Macy’s also displays a Dickens Christmas Village with animated figures, originally from the Strawbridge & Clothier department store. There’s a daily lights show, too.
November 30 and December 1
Holiday Dickens Fest
Historic Smithville, Galloway
Riddlesbrood Touring Theatre Company brings the spirit of Christmas to Historic Smithville with a two-day outdoor musical of “A Christmas Carol” by Charles Dickens. There will be lots of singing along with the performers. Check out the light show around the lake, and The Magic Talking Christmas Tree on select dates.
Throughout December
Dickens at the Morgan Library
Morgan Library & Museum, New York, NY
Treat your children to a glimpse of the famous story and Charles Dickens’ own handwriting. The original manuscript of “A Christmas Carol” is displayed here. For even more Dickensian spirit, the library hosts a Winter Family Fair with strolling musicians, magicians and appearances by Dickens’ characters, including Scrooge himself.
December 7
Dickens Festival
Main Street, Medford
The Main Street Merchants of Historic Medford turn the historic downtown into a Victorian-era wonderland. There are The Village Carollers, visitors dressed in period garb, lots of holiday treats, a parade, a visit by Santa Claus and The Grinch, horse-drawn carriage rides, and candy cane distribution by elves. The shops and boutiques will be decorated for the holidays. There will be more than 90 juried artisans selling handcrafted items. Visit the restaurants or food truck stations. There will be live performances, including a live nativity, and comedic performances of “A Christmas Carol” by Pirates of Fortune’s Follies.
December 7, 14, 21
Dickens Village
Maplewood
The downtown turns into a scene out of Charles Dickens’ classic story, “A Christmas Carol.” Peek into the mini houses arranged in Ricalton Square to see fireplaces, stockings and antique toys. There’ll be music, a tree and menorah lighting, horse and wagon rides, kids’ crafts and a petting farm on select dates.
Read More:
Where to See ‘A Christmas Carol’ in New Jersey
These Festive Events Are Bringing Holiday Spirit to New Jersey
A Winter Wonderland is Coming to Cape May
