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.
DICKENS OF A CHRISTMAS 2023 HIGHLIGHTS
THE BEST DRESSED SHOWCASE WITH CHRISTINE A. MOORE MILLINERY AND THE HOME PAGE NETWORK
The original creators of The Dickens of a Christmas Weekend wanted people to visit our beautiful town for a fun-filled weekend! Thousands came to our 39th celebration and had a wonderful time!
Carolers, musicians, and street performers had crowds gathered around, kept warm by freshly milled ciders, hot crab cake sandwiches, and other food items popular for the event. And, of course, the performances of The Christmas Carol were sold out!
Once again, The Best Dressed Showcase took place outside on the Deane Center Lawn, with Christine Moore-Seidel of Christine A. Moore Millinery and John Vogt of The Home Page Network sharing the stage to introduce and highlight the outfits. Twenty- four registration cards represented over 30 people joining in on the fun because those registrations included couples and singles.
This year's showcase judges were Wyatt Wood, Blake Seidel, and Cindi Compton. After thoughtful consideration, the judges chose Dara Albert in first place, Theresa and James Guess in second place, and Ricky Fisher in third. They all received gift baskets, and 1st and 2nd also received a certificate to purchase a hat from Camhats.
(please watch the video to see all of the different outfits)
We are thankful for the wonderful sponsors who supported the Best Dressed Showcase with gift certificates or gifts. The list is as follows:
The Wellsboro Chamber, The Mansfield Chamber, The Penn Wells Hotel, The Steak House, The Deane Center, C&S Sports, The Deane Center,
Kiss the Earth Apothecary, Smith and Company,
Cottage Glassworks, Linda Stager, Mary Wise, Pop's Culture Shoppe,
Benedict's Bus and Rookie Cooks Academy, Karen's Gift Shoppe, Conspiracy Coffee, In My Shoes, The Farmer's Daughters, Fox's Pizza,
Tony's, and Bearly Enough Flowers.
The Home Page Network and Camhats would like to thank everyone who attended, dressed up, and supported this event.
Thanks for watching! We hope you share this video with your family and friends.