Port Jefferson, NY - November 16, 2015 - The Greater Port Jefferson-Northern Brookhaven Arts Council, in conjunction with the Inc. Village of Port Jefferson, will host the 20th Annual Charles Dickens Festival on from December 5 – 6, 2015, throughout the Village of Port Jefferson.
The Village of Port Jefferson will magically transform into the Dickensian era with streets filled with roaming characters such as Father Christmas, Dickens Mayor, Scrooge, the Town Crier and the beloved chimney sweeps. Building on the Internationally-renown festival The Council proudly announces the additions of LET THERE BE LIGHT, a dazzling light show projected on Village Hall, and the Harbormaster building will be transformed into COOKIELAND, where children can decorate their own holiday oriented cookies and houses! Begin your Dickens adventure with a Grand Opening Celebration Parade on East Main Street, Saturday morning at 11am.
The events are open to the public and most attractions are free of charge, so everyone - from the very young to the young at heart can join in the fun. The festivities will feature many returning favorites; ice skating at the Village Center, a cappella performance by choirs and harmony groups, Nutcracker performances, magic shows by The Great Wizard of the North, and many fine musical performances by area musicians. In addition, this year's festival will feature Theater Three's 32nd Annual production of A Christmas Carol.
As in past years, East Main Street will become Dickens Alley and Fezziwig's Ball, featuring live music on traditional instruments led by a dance caller, will take place at the Masonic Lodge. An impressive model train display will be featured on East main and Main, while the Port Jefferson free Library will feature new programming and the fabulous Dickens Cottage next to the main building. Horse and carriage rides will thrill the young and young at heart and the trolley will help transport visitors to the various venues through the Village for the entire weekend. The Port Jeff Jitney bus will transport visitors to and from downtown from the free parking areas found outside the Village.
We are very pleased to celebrate Pat Darling Kiriluk, as the Honoree of the 20th Annual Charles Dickens Festival. Pat is an outstanding woman with a deep love for her community whose dedication is exemplified in her tireless generosity in which she extends extraordinary goodness to others. Pat was the creator of a holiday tradition and highlight of the festival…Santa’s Workshop. Join Santa and his elves and wind through three whimsically decorated rooms. Twinkling white lights, elaborate confection displays, and the giant nutcrackers are just a few of the signature elements that bring the Magic of Christmas to life. The workshop opens November 28th, and continues weekends through December 14th.
The 20th Annual Dickens Festival will conclude with a Parade of Puppets and ceremony at Village Hall on Sunday evening. For the schedule of events, please visit www.pjdickens.com.
DICKENS IN DECEMBER
Dickens events that carry on beyond the festival
THE RINX, SKATING ON THE HARBOR
Skating on the Harbor at the PJ Village Center opens Friday, November 27th through March 13th, 2016. 7 days a week, hours vary, check online for complete schedule
SANTA’S WORKSHOP
Weekends, November 28th through December 14th
Candles flicker in the windows beckoning young and old to visit Santa’s whimsical three-room workshop. Step back in time and reflect on the storybook charm of cherished memories of an era that has quietly faded. Dazzling decorations and the twinkle of little white lights serve as a prelude to all that awaits you in the Historical Drowned Meadow Cottage Museum. Visitors are greeted by Santa and his live elves awaiting the arrival of one and all. Be sure to bring your cameras to capture the magic of this memorable visit to Santa’s Workshop. Thanks to Bridgehampton National Bank and Cablevision.
(NEW) LET THERE BE LIGHT
Weather permitting, weekends December 5th through December 20th
With the Port Jefferson Village Hall as a backdrop, the spectacular Let There Be Light presentation will shine for the first time at the 20thCharles Dickens Festival. And what a magical presentation it will be! Animated characters will appear in the front windows surrounded by swirling Christmas decorations, giant snowflakes and sparkly stars. Our own Let There Be Light presentation will be available for viewing Saturday and Sunday from 6:00 to 7:30 on the half hour for 15 minutes of dazzling fun. Let There Be Light will be shown on each weekend leading up to Christmas – weather permitting, of course. Thanks to Chick-Fil-A and Empire Bank.
FESTIVAL OF TREES
7 days a week December 5th through December 31st
Come one, come all to join our Festival of Trees at the Port Jefferson Village Center. The second floor will host a magical presentation of Christmas trees featuring decorations that are guaranteed to dazzle and delight. Each tree will present the sponsors vision expertly crafted and garnished…and not to be missed. The Festival of Trees will be available to view at the Dickens Festival up through the end of December. Thanks to Maia Salon Spa and Wellness and Bridgehampton National Bank.
HOMES OF HARBOR HILLS-LANTERNLIGHT HOUSE TOUR
December 12 @ 4:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Tour five selected, upscale grand homes, decorated for the holidays. Homes located in the Harbor Hills area of Port Jefferson. Ticket holders can choose just the house tour for the ticketed cost of $25 or for $45; they will be entitled to attend a ‘Seasonal Cheer Gathering’ at Port Jefferson Country Club at Harbor Hills-Lombardi on the Sound Restaurant from 3:30-4:30. Tickets may be purchased at the Chamber office at 118 West Broadway between the hours of 10-5:00 pm during the week and 11-4:00 pm on the weekends. Phone orders are welcome and you may also go on the Chamber’s website to order the tickets through Eventbrite. A special offer for this year’s 20th celebration: if you purchase 3 tickets you may get one for free, ONLY pre-orders by phone or in person.