Dickens' Christmas in Skaneateles

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DICKENS 2009 Starts the day after Thanksgiving!

Step back in time and enjoy the holidays the old-fashioned way with Dickens Christmas, as the Skaneateles Area Businesses 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 20th and a limited show on the 24th (noon to 3). From noon to 4 p.m. on each of those days.  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.

NEW THIS YEAR!!!!  Don't miss the World's Smallest Christmas Parade Ever on opening day, November 27th at noon.  Watch for Charles Dickens and his entourage as they meander down Fennell Street, turn right onto Jordan Street, then right onto Genesee Street to their grand opening on the porch of the Sherwood Inn at 12:10 pm.

There will be:

• Christmas carol sing-along, The Revels Live, at 2 p.m. at the Gazebo with the entire Dickens cast.
• Free roasted chestnuts in front of Johnny Angels, donated by P&C Foods, and roasted by Mid-Lakes Navigation.  Grill donated by Skaneateles Town Square
• Free cider and donuts on the porch at the Skaneateles Hotel, 12 Fennell Street
• Free hot chocolate served by our local girl scouts on Saturdays in the M&T Bank Upper Lobby.  Stay and watch your favorite Christmas story on a big screen TV powered by Verizon FIOS.
• Mother Goose readisholiday 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 especially good children.
• Special shows at the Skaneateles Library at 1 and 3 pm. (except November 29th). Local groups also performing at 12:30 and 3:30 on select days.  Be sure not to miss John Henry Anderson, the great magician, on December 5,6, 12, 13, and 19, and 20 at 1 and 3 pm.  Free, however donations are welcome.
• Nov 27 - Victorian Whispers in the M&T Bank Upper Lobby from Noon-4 pm.  Interactive presentation of dressing in the Victorian era.
• The Dickens characters will be acting out scenes from a Christmas Carol on the village streets:

MANY THANKS TO OUR MEDIA SPONSORS:  News 10 Now, Eagle Newspapers, The Citizen/Skaneateles Journal, The Post Standard,  The Scotsman Press, WCNY and WRVO!

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.  Beware of mean old Scrooge roaming the streets.....but, he may have a nice surprise for you.

Father Christmas will be glad to listen to all the children to get their wish list for the big day.  Father Christmas will be on the porch of the Masonic Temple from 12:15-2 pm each Dickens day.  The Masonic Temple is located at 13 E. Genesee Street.

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.

Skaneateles now has a winery:  Anyela's Vineyards.  Be sure to visit them just 4 short miles down West Lake Road on Route 41A!

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, and an hour ad 15 minutes from Binghamton.

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