Amelia Island’s Annual Christmas Festival Is Back

Amelia Island’s annual Charles Dickens-themed Christmas festival draws literature and history lovers to this charming northeast Florida destination. Here’s what’s in store for this year.

As it turns out, sunny Florida weather offers a surprisingly festive background to ring in the holiday spirit. Amelia Island is bringing back its annual free Dickens on Centre festival for the 11th year from Dec. 11 to Dec. 14 at downtown Fernandina Beach.

During the four-day celebration, the popular summer destination will turn the clocks back to its roots and transform into a Victorian holiday experience, becoming the largest Christmas Market in northeast Florida. The festival includes shopping booths, food and drink stands, holiday movies, Santa visits, costumed characters, two entertainment stages, kids’ zones, and 3D drone shows.  

While you can expect festive charm, you won’t find the chill: Amelia Island’s winters are typically on the milder side, with average temperatures ranging in the 50s and 60s.

The festivities kick off on Dec. 11 with the Dickens Illuminated Procession, a Front Street parade that anyone can join, especially if they bring something that glows or twinkles, like illuminated lanterns. The parade begins at 5 p.m. and is slated to wrap up at 7 p.m.

Other highlights are the one-mile fun run race Run Like the Dickens on Dec. 13 at 8:30 a.m. on Amelia Island Main Beach (registration is $30), as well as the Dickens After Dark costume party on Dec. 13 at 6:30 p.m. at The Pavillion for those ages 21 and older, which will feature stilt walkers, jugglers, music from Mama Blue, and a Kristen Sparrow Circus (tickets are $145). Animal lovers won’t want to miss the Parade of the Paws on Dec. 13, which awards prizes for dogs dressed up in festive attire.

The Enchanted Village, open Dec. 12 to Dec. 14, allows revelers to reserve one of 10 holiday-decorated domes, aka snow globes, for an hour for up to six people. Inside the private space, you can enjoy a charcuterie box from Luxe Picnics by Les. The on-site tavern also offers wine, beer, and bubbly.

A trolley will operate from Thursday through Sunday to help visitors get from the parking lots to the festival area.

For more information and updates on Dickens on Centre, visit ameliaisland.com.