Dickens Christmas will return to Skaneateles for its 33rd season Nov. 27, opening with the World's Smallest Christmas Parade and beginning nearly a month of weekend performances and holiday activities in the village.
The opening parade starts at noon and will feature Charles Dickens and his entourage traveling from Fennell Street to Jordan Street and then Genesee Street before ending at the porch of the Hannum House.
Performances and activities will continue from noon to 4 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday through Dec. 20. An abbreviated Christmas Eve program is scheduled from noon to 2:30 p.m.
The free event will include trunk shows, sing-alongs, musical performances and other entertainment throughout the village. Organizers also plan to serve hot roasted chestnuts.
Costumed characters scheduled to appear include Charles Dickens, Queen Victoria, Scrooge, Jacob Marley, Bob Cratchit, Washington Irving and Father Christmas.
The chamber describes the program as family-oriented, with characters, musicians and other performers appearing throughout the village during each scheduled session. The recurring weekend format allows visitors to experience the production across multiple dates before Christmas.
The seasonal production is designed as a walk-through village event rather than a single staged performance. Visitors will encounter characters and entertainment as they move through downtown Skaneateles during the scheduled hours.
Scarlet Rat Entertainment produces Dickens Christmas, and the Skaneateles Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation presents the event.
Visitors may park for free at 1 Austin St. or in the lower parking lot at Skaneateles High School. A free shuttle will carry guests from those parking areas into the village.
The season begins Nov. 27 and continues through the Dec. 20 weekend before the shorter Christmas Eve program. Additional information is available from the Skaneateles Area Chamber of Commerce at 315-685-0552 and through its website and Facebook page.
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