Are you looking for a getaway weekend to rekindle the old fashioned Christmas spirit? Then plan to join us in Wellsboro on Saturday, December 7th, 2024 for the 40th annual Dickens of a Christmas. Wellsboro’s Main Street and the surrounding side streets will be closed to traffic and will become an early Victorian marketplace featuring all types of delectable wares for eating and drinking, as well as delightful gift items for wearing or enjoying.
Beginning at 9:00 a.m., the food and craft vendors, strolling musicians and singers, dancers, and street corner thespians will spread up and down Main Street, extending on to Waln and Crafton Street, and a portion of Central Avenue. Performers and vendors will be appropriately costumed and decorated to create a Victorian atmosphere that fits so well with the Wellsboro Gas Lights. With the streets closed to traffic, you have the freedom to stroll and enjoy the festivities.
The Wellsboro Men’s and Women’s Choruses traditionally perform in front of the Arcadia Theater, and you’re welcome to sing along. Several other local musical groups typically offer strolling performances throughout the day. Just stop where you happen to be and enjoy tidbits of drama or musical performances.
Many of our local churches will host luncheons, concerts, tours or special services throughout the day. Hamilton Gibson Productions usually present “A Christmas Carol” at the Coolidge Theater & Warehouse Theater several times, and the Hamilton Gibson Choirs will perform on Friday evening. Tickets may be purchased at the door.
Approximately 125 craft and food vendors line the streets dressed in Victorian garb to present many unique gift-giving options which include hand-crafted Christmas ornaments, wooden toys, jewelry, quilted items, furniture, wrought iron, homemade cheese & meats, pet treats, heirloom Santas, stuffed animals and dolls for the children on your list. In addition, several indoor craft shows are held at the United Methodist Church, the Wellsboro Active Living Center, and the Firemen’s Annex.
Numerous food vendors are always on hand to warm your tummies and tickle your taste buds with such delectable delights as hot chocolate, chili, hot dogs, homemade soups and chowders, bread pudding, homemade cookies, pies, and candies, hot beef sandwiches, crab cakes, hot cider and coffee, cheddar worsts, kettle corn, baked potatoes, apple dumplings, and cinnamon buns…just to name a few.
Bring a candle and join us for the Peace Walk from Packer Park at 5:00p.m., which travels up Main Street to the Green for the annual community Christmas tree lighting and carol sing at 5:30. Hopefully, the 2024 PA State Laurel Queen will be on hand to light the giant Christmas tree, and Santa always visits with special treats for the youngsters.
Parking will be available at several lots throughout the town, along with a shuttle which will be operated continuously from the Wellsboro High School parking lot and the Wellsboro Plaza lot on Route 6.
It’s always a wonderful way to start your holiday season! For detailed schedule of events with times and locations contact the Wellsboro Area Chamber of Commerce, 114 Main Street, Wellsboro, PA 16901, phone 570-724-1926. The schedule will also be available at local businesses, motels, and restaurants the day of the event.
2024 Best Dressed Showcase Registration Information
40 years ago, the original creators of The Dickens of a Christmas event wanted you to visit our beautiful town of Wellsboro for a fun-filled family weekend, and they succeeded!
Charles Dickens said, “Nothing in the world is so irresistibly contagious as laughter and good humor!”
If you want to participate in the fun of dressing up, grab your bonnets, dresses, and top hats and join us for our 9th annual Best Dressed Showcase at 1:00 p.m. on the Deane Center lawn. You can pre-register by emailing Sara Vogt at Sara@thehomepagenetwork.com before December 7th or registering on December 7th inside the Deane Center from 9:00 AM to noon.
There is an opportunity to win a hat from Christine A Moore’s Millinery and other gifts!
Ebenezer Scrooge’s words after his change of heart were, “I will honor Christmas in my heart and try to keep it all the year.”
Christine A. Moore Millinery and The Home Page Network sponsor the Best Dressed Showcase as a fun way to experience the 1840’s. The Wellsboro Chamber and The Deane Center for the Performing Arts and area merchants and artisans have jumped on board, supporting and supplying gifts for those who join in on the fun!