A Dickens Holiday Launches 25th Annual Tradition in Style in Downtown Fayetteville NC

FAYETTEVILLE, NC — The 25th annual A Dickens Holiday returned to Downtown Fayetteville last Friday, delivering an extraordinary evening of Victorian charm, vibrant performances, and community togetherness. This beloved local tradition, a seasonal favorite for decades, was better than ever, delighting attendees with its festive atmosphere and timeless appeal.

The downtown streets were alive with the sights and sounds of a Victorian-era celebration. The Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Yet-to-Come brought Charles Dickens’ timeless tale to life, captivating attendees. Vendors transformed Hay, Franklin, and Maxwell Streets into a bustling marketplace, offering unique gifts, handcrafted items, and delicious holiday treats. Highlights included a charming Gingerbread House Contest, adding a creative flair to the festivities. Visitors were transported back in time with elegant caroling melodies and lively theatrical performances across event stages throughout the day.

As the evening approached, the much-anticipated Candlelight Procession became the highlight of the event. Led by the powerful rhythms and stirring sounds of the Cross Creek Pipes and Drums, the procession began at the historic Market House and made its way down Hay Street to Ray Avenue. Hundreds of attendees joined the glowing procession, carrying candles and immersing themselves in the magical atmosphere reminiscent of A Christmas Carol.

The event celebrated Fayetteville’s cultural roots with performances by the Cape Fear Valley Scottish Clans, whose bagpipes and drums added a rich, resonant backdrop to the festivities. The grace and charm of the English Country Dancers, along with performances from kids at The Firehouse: Eastover’s Studio, provided interactive entertainment that drew in crowds and created unforgettable moments of holiday joy.

Another highlight of the evening was the transformation of the Fayetteville History Museum into “Victoria Station,” where visitors explored Victorian-era holiday traditions and participated in the engaging “Seeking Victoria” scavenger hunt. The museum showcased beautiful 19th-century decor, offering an immersive glimpse into the origins of many modern holiday customs.

Adding to the evening’s charm, families gathered at the Fayetteville History Museum for an outdoor screening of A Muppet Christmas Carol. Bundled under blankets, attendees laughed and celebrated the season together in a magical kickoff to the holidays. For those looking to extend the night, Dickens After Dark provided a lively finale with music and dancing that kept the festive energy alive well into the evening.

The 25th A Dickens Holiday was a great success, bringing the community together to celebrate the season with history, culture, and festive fun. From the glowing Candlelight Procession to the vibrant marketplace and live performances, this year’s event solidified its place as one of Fayetteville’s most cherished traditions.

— Kres Thomas, FayToday News