SKANEATELES — The 30th edition of Dickens Christmas in Skaneateles opens Nov. 24, enchanting holiday shoppers as it brings “A Christmas Carol” to life. The iconic street theater production runs weekends through Christmas. Hours are noon to 4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, with a limited show (noon to 2:30 p.m.) Christmas Eve.
But take note: The year is 1842.
Queen Victoria has arrived in town with Charles Dickens, whom she has commissioned to write a Christmas story. During their monthlong stay, Dickens gains inspiration from a bevy of now-familiar characters, along with finishing school girls, pickpockets and other villagers. The story unfolds each week as Dickens and his entourage interact with cast members and passersby.
Also visiting is Dickens’ friend Washington Irving, who is working on his latest ghost story, “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.”
“We’re thrilled to celebrate our 30th anniversary here in Skaneateles,” said producing director Jim Greene, who plays Dickens. “Her majesty Queen Victoria and I are excited to embrace the warmth and love we find here every year.”
To mark the occasion, he says, “Mayor Fezziwig will host a lovely Christmas Ball Dec. 10 at the breathtaking Sinclair of Skaneateles. We hope you can join us and wish you all the happiest Christmas ever!”
Dickens Christmas is produced by Scarlett Rat Entertainment and presented by Howard Hanna Real Estate Services, the Skaneateles Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation and the Skaneateles-area business community.
Highlights of this year’s season include:
• World’s Smallest Christmas Parade. Nov. 24, starting at noon at the Skaneateles Village Hall on Fennell Street, proceeding east to Jordan and Genesee streets and arriving at the Hannum House porch in time for the 12:10 p.m. grand opening.
• Midday Revels — Christmas carol sing-along, 2 p.m. every day at the gazebo. Twelve groups form, representing the 12 days of Christmas. The groups vie for attention, and at the end, Queen Victoria awards a silver teasel to the most spirited performer. Winners have been known to wear their coveted silver teasels throughout the season.
• Trunk shows, in which Washington Irving and Charles Dickens perform lighthearted versions of their Christmas stories with help from the audience, 12:30 p.m. at the gazebo and 3 p.m. at the library each day.
• Horse-drawn wagon and carriage rides Nov. 24 and 25 (weather permitting), departing from The Sherwood Inn, provided by Rt. 80 Quarry Ridge Stables. Wagon rides are $5 per person, $20 per family (of up to six), $5 for each additional person thereafter. Private carriage rides are offered for a $50 donation (cash only).
• Appearances by the Bright Friday Brass, Nov. 24 and every Saturday.
• Musical performances by the Classic Guitar Ensemble from the Music School of CNY, Symphoria and a variety of other groups, and dance performances by the cast’s finishing school girls.
• Fezziwig’s Christmas Ball, 5 to 7 p.m. Dec. 10 at The Sinclair of Skaneateles, 4357 Jordan Road, with festive English country dancing led by the Syracuse Country Dancers. Tickets are $20 per person.
• “A Christmas Story — The Radio Play,” presented at 7 p.m. Dec. 16 at Auburn Public Theater. Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for children 12 and under. A livestream will be available for those unable to attend in person.
Free refreshments, including roasted chestnuts donated by Tops Friendly Markets (available outside Pure Placid), and Byrne Dairy eggnog served by the Girl Scouts (Saturdays only, in front of Loft 42).
For children, Mother Goose will read holiday stories at Loft 42, and Father Christmas will hand out treats from the porch of the Masonic Temple.
Dickens Christmas is made possible by the sponsorship support of over 130 local businesses. The festival is further supported through ticket sales from a Dickens Raffle. First prize is a Mirbeau gift package valued at $750.
For more information on Dickens Christmas, go to skaneateles.com, call 315-685-0552 or follow the event on Facebook (Skaneateles Area Chamber of Commerce or Dickens Christmas in Skaneateles).