Happy Christmas!
The 32nd edition of Dickens Christmas in Skaneateles opens Nov. 28, enchanting holiday shoppers as it brings “A Christmas Carol” to life. The iconic street theater production runs weekends through Christmas. Hours are noon to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, with a limited show (noon to 2:30 p.m.) Christmas Eve.
But take note: The year is 1842.
Queen Victoria has arrived in town with Charles Dickens, whom she has commissioned to write a Christmas story. During their monthlong stay, Dickens gains inspiration from a bevy of now-familiar characters, along with finishing school girls, pickpockets and other villagers. The story unfolds each week as Dickens and his entourage interact with cast members and passersby.
Also visiting is Dickens’ friend Washington Irving, who is working on his latest ghost story, “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.”
“Her Majesty Queen Victoria and I are so very excited about our return to Skaneateles,” says producing director Jim Greene, who plays Dickens. “We look forward to some roasted chestnuts and all the singing and celebration that is part of the holiday magic we find in the village.”
Making her debut this year as Queen Victoria is Tarin Campanella, who succeeds Maria DeMitchell in the role. DeMitchell, who is also the production’s artistic director, had played Queen Victoria for over 20 years.
While in college, Campanella played a matchstick girl in Dickens Christmas. Last year, after several years away, she returned to play Princess Vicki, eldest daughter of Queen Victoria.
To prepare for her new role, Campanella has been researching Queen Victoria’s life and legacy, taking voice lessons and “re-watching some of my favorite movies and shows, paying attention to what makes the performances compelling, the choices they make, and how they bring the characters to life.”
“I’m really looking forward to making connections with people who come to the show,” she says. “It’s such a joy to make people laugh and to lift their spirits. I can’t wait to play a major role in this performance that touches so many.”
Dickens Christmas is produced by Scarlett Rat Entertainment and presented by Sherwood Inns & Appetites, the Skaneateles Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation and the Skaneateles-area business community.
Highlights of this year’s season include:
~World’s Smallest Christmas Parade. Nov. 28, starting at noon at the Skaneateles Village Hall on Fennell Street, proceeding east to Jordan and Genesee streets and arriving at the Hannum House porch in time for the 12:10 p.m. grand opening.
~Midday Revels — Christmas carol sing-along — 2 p.m. every day at the gazebo. Twelve groups form, representing the 12 days of Christmas. The groups vie for attention, and at the end, Queen Victoria awards a coveted silver teasel to the most spirited performer. Winners have been known to wear their coveted silver teasels throughout the season.
~Trunk shows, in which Washington Irving and Charles Dickens perform lighthearted versions of their Christmas stories with help from the audience, 12:30 p.m. at the gazebo and 3 p.m. at the library each day.
~Horse-drawn wagon and carriage rides, Nov. 28 and every Sunday (weather permitting), departing from The Sherwood Inn, provided by Rt. 80 Quarry Ridge Stables. Wagon rides are $5 per person, $20 per family (up to five), $5 for each additional person thereafter. Private carriage rides are $15 per person, up to $60 (cash only).
~Appearances by the Bright Friday Brass, Nov. 28 and every Saturday.
~Musical performances by the Classic Guitar Ensemble from the Music School of CNY and a variety of other groups; dance performances by the cast’s finishing school girls; traditional Punch and Judy puppet shows by Jamison Boudreau; and magic shows by the Prestidigitating Packwoods.
~Fezziwig’s Christmas Ball, 6 to 8 p.m. Dec. 21 at First Presbyterian Church, with festive English country dancing led by the Syracuse Country Dancers. Tickets are $25 in advance, $30 at the door and are available at
https://skaneateles.com/calendar/annual-events/dickens-christmas. Attendance is limited to 70.
~A snowman-building contest in Clift Park Dec. 14 (weather permitting). Bring your own supplies and creativity! Queen Victoria will judge the entries at 2:45 p.m. First prize is a $50 gift card from The Sherwood Inn; second prize is two Dickens mugs with cocoa.
~“Miracle on 34th Street — The Radio Play,” presented at 7 p.m. Dec. 13 at Auburn Public Theater. Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for children 12 and under.
~Free refreshments, including roasted chestnuts donated by Tops Friendly Markets, and Byrne Dairy eggnog served by the Girl Scouts (Saturdays only).
~For children, Mother Goose will read holiday stories at Lake Life Laser Studio, and Father Christmas will hand out treats from the porch of the Masonic Temple.
“We can’t wait to welcome everyone back for another fun-filled holiday season — and the wondrous gift that is Dickens Christmas,” says Lindsey Babbles, executive director of the Skaneateles Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation. “While you’re in town, be sure to visit our unique shops and restaurants — the perfect complement to a holiday outing.
~Dickens Christmas Merchandise is available at the Chamber, at 22 Jordan St., for commemorative scarves ($20, with an embroidered logo), mugs ($10), scarf and mug combos ($25), mugs with hot cocoa packets ($12) and ornaments ($5).”
More information can be found at
https://skaneateles.com/calendar/annual-events/dickens-christmas. Dickens Christmas is free to attend!
You may also like the following events from Skaneateles Area Chamber Of Commerce:
- This Friday, 28th November, 12:00 pm, Dickens Christmas Opening Day in Skaneateles
- Next Friday, 5th December, 06:00 pm, Skaneateles Sings and Tree Lighting in Skaneateles
- Next month, 11th December, 05:00 pm, Shop, Sip & Stroll Skaneateles in Skaneateles
Also check out other
Entertainment events in Skaneateles,
Arts events in Skaneateles,
Music events in Skaneateles.
