Welcome to the 30th Annual Charles Dickens Festival

A production of the Port Jefferson Arts Council

Presented by Northwell Mather Hospital​

December 5 and 6, 2026

 

“It was the best of times. It was the worst of times!” So goes the opening phrase of the Charles Dickens classic work “A Tale of Two Cities,” a novel in the top ten list of books ever written. Join us as we celebrate the works and cultural influence of Mr. Dickens for our 29th Annual Charles Dickens Festival through our cherished traditions plus spectacular new additions that will add a sparkle and a smile to this enchanting weekend.

 

Hailed as Long Island’s Best Annual Event/Festival for five years, the weekend festivities start on Friday, December 5th with the traditional Lantern Dedication and the annual Village Resident’s Night at the Port Jefferson Village Center. Dickens Festival festivities officially begin on Saturday, December 6, running through Sunday, December 7. Produced by the Port Jefferson Arts Council in cooperation with the Incorporated Village of Port Jefferson and presented by Northwell Mather Hospital, friends and families from across the Northeast, from all 50 states and, indeed, from around the globe (guests arrive annually from the EU), will gather to celebrate the beloved author as we once again turn our quaint Village Streets into a living Dickens stage.

 

Born Charles John Huffam Dickens (1812-1870), Charles Dickens was arguably the literary superstar of his age, a status that lives on today. Ever the champion of the common man and the downtrodden, his inventive genius has inspired a raft of theatrical performances and a parade of films that portray the drama and redemption of life as a central theme. From A Tale of Two Cities to A Christmas Carol, Dickens managed to create some of literature’s most iconic and memorable personalities. We are proud to carry on this time-honored tradition with our Dickens Festival.

 

Port Jefferson becomes alive with a host of musical, magical and theatrical presentations throughout the village, from Tiny Tim’s Train Station to Santa Claus Central. The streets will once again feature our troupe of Dickens’ Street Characters showcasing a series of street plays with Dickensian characters and carolers roaming our charming hamlet. The Grand East Main Street Opening Parade marches on Saturday morning at 11:00 AM, while Pickwick’s Puppet Parade ends the celebration beginning at 5:00 PM on Sunday. Don’t miss either one as each parade features awe-inspiring new attractions. The restaurants offer Dickensian inspired fare, while the wide range of shops in the village offer holiday shopping. We also have a Shuttle Bus to bring Dickens Festival fans into town from the outlying parking lots. Thanks to Northwell Mather Hospital, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook Medicine, The Rinx, State Farm Stephanie Sgroi Agency and North Suffolk Cardiology for becoming our major sponsors.

 

So, as fall sheds its leafy coat in preparation for winter, the weekend after Thanksgiving weekend once again plays host to our Village of Port Jefferson Charles Dickens Festival. Come one! Come all! A rapturous time for the young and young at heart, the Dickens Festival is sure to delight the Scroogiest of curmudgeons! You will have the “Best of Times” if you attend and the “Worst of Times” if you miss out on this annual treasure.

 

Allan Varela

Chair,

Port Jefferson Arts Council