Step back in time and enjoy the holidays the old-fashioned way with Dickens' Christmas, as the merchants and Chamber of Commerce of Skaneateles give a gift to the public for their support throughout the year. Plan now and join the Village of Skaneateles in the Finger Lakes of Upstate New York in this holiday celebration.

The celebration begins the day after Thanksgiving and runs every Saturday and Sunday through December 24th. From noon to 4 p.m. on each of those days. (Christmas Eve until 3pm) Charles Dickens and his cast of characters directed by Jim Greene of Scarlett Rat Entertainment will interact with residents and visitors in the streets, stores and restaurants.

There will be:

• Christmas carol sing-along at 2 p.m. at the Gazebo (if good weather) or at the Masonic Temple (if inclement weather),13 E. Genesee St with all the Dickens' cast
• Free carriage rides around the village leaving from the Sherwood Inn with a drop-off at Kinney Drugs on Fennell Street (sponsored by M&T Bank )
• Free roasted chestnuts in front of Johnny Angels, donated by P&C Foods
• Free cider and donuts in at the Skaneateles Hotel on Fennell Street
• Free hot chocolate at M&T Bank served by our local girl scouts on Saturdays.
• Mother Goose reading Holiday stories to the children at the Skaneateles Library
• Father Christmas greets the children on the porch of the Masonic Temple each weekend day from noon to 2 p.m. He will have special treats for the good children.

The Dickens characters will be acting out scenes from a Christmas Carol on the village streets (sponsored by Kinney Drugs .)

• Special performances at 1 and 3 pm at the Skaneateles Library every weekend (except Thanksgiving weekend)
• On Friday and Saturday of Thanksgiving weekend have the children stop at the lobby of M&T Bank for an interactive presentation of a Victorian Christmas, presented by Victorian Whispers.
• New this year:  The Skaneateles Historical Society will take you on a 45 minute historical village tour of Skaneateles aboard the Skaneateles Laker Limo.  Call for reservations on the Sunday, December 23rd tour - 315-685-1360.
  

The Skaneateles Area welcomes News 10 Now, Wegmans Food & Pharmacy, Finger Lakes Law, and HandHeld Products as some of our newest sponsors.

Dancers, carolers, live music and special events flow in and around the weekend celebrations, making for wonderful family memories. A live brass band plays every Saturday on the village streets; a bagpiper or two may be found entertaining on Sundays; and local musical groups share their many talents in that heartwarming Dickens' spirit.

And don't forget to visit the unique area shops and restaurants that will be open throughout the Dickens' events. The shopping district includes Genesee, Jordan and Fennell Streets.  Enjoy a slower paced, more enjoyable atmosphere where shopping can still be fun. Our 70 plus shops and restaurants are the perfect addition to a holiday vacation.

Make a day or a weekend of it! We have wonderful accommodations ranging from B&B's, inns, and affordable priced motels. There is plenty to do in the area, and Skaneateles is conveniently located in Central New York on historic Route 20. We are just 25 minutes from Syracuse and an hour-and-a-half from Rochester.

For additional questions contact the Skaneateles Area Chamber of Commerce at 315-685-0552.