Celebrate Christmas in the style of Charles Dickens

Are you familiar with A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens? This book was written in 1843 and surely the author himself could not have imagined that it would still be so popular today. For example, the book has been filmed several times (even by the makers of the Muppet Show) and many people are glued to the tube when Scrooge Live comes on television. But there are also Christmas fairs and Christmas celebrations celebrated throughout the country in the style of Charles Dickens. We’ve listed some of them for you.

Dickens Festival in Deventer

The Dickens Festival in Deventer is one of the most famous Christmas events in our country. On December 14 and 15 it’s that time again! On those days, over 950 characters from the books of Charles Dickens will come to life and Deventer will be back in Victorian times for a while. The festival attracts not only Dutch people but also a lot of foreign tourists. Tip: make sure you get there early because it always gets very busy. It would be a shame if you can’t get inside. By the way, the Walstraat is also home to the Charles Dickens Cabinet. Here you will be introduced to the life and work of the English author. There is also a permanent exhibition by Emmy Strik: she makes the beautiful costumes for the party. Do you appear in a Victorian costume yourself? Then you may visit the museum for free.

Dickens Walk in Deventer

Everyone knows Deventer’s Dickens Festival, but since 2022 there has also been a Dickens Walk! Developed by Het Theatership, this Dickens Walk is fun for young and old alike. You do the Dickens Walk on your own via an audio tour. Taking part is easy: you scan the free QR code available between December 6 and 30. Your city walk starts in the Walstraat and while walking you will pass 18 scenes from different books by Charles Dickens. You can find all the information on this website. Please note: there is no Dickens Walk on December 14 and 15 due to the Dickens Festival.

Dickens Festival in Drunen

A Dickens Festival is also taking place in the North Brabant town of Drunen. This festivity falls on December 21 and 22 this year. Admission is free and you can also park there for free. Plays will be performed in the streets, there are cozy stalls and a Dickens by Night where you go back in time. There will be singing in the streets, fires burning and plenty to see and do.

Lemster Dickens Festival

On December 14 and 15, the Lemster Dickens Festival will take place in Lemmer, Friesland. Meet all the main characters from the books of Charles Dickens and enjoy the unique atmosphere in the picturesque town. The Lemster Dickens Festival is organized entirely by volunteers and therefore takes place every other year. Another reason to go to Friesland this year to enjoy the Dickens atmosphere!

Dickens Festival in Wintelre

Wintelre is a village in North Brabant and there they celebrate Christmas every year the way Charles Dickens would have done in 1850. Wintelre’s Dickens Festival attracts many visitors each year, but it remains a small-scale celebration. This year the event takes place on December 14 and 15. There is a cozy Christmas market and of course you will run into various characters from A Christmas Carol.

Dickens Festival in Old Rijswijk

In picturesque Oud-Rijswijk, Charles Dickens is also in attendance. This event will take place on December 13 from 15:00. In addition to conviviality on the square in true Victorian atmospheres, there is also an ice skating rink. Admission is free!

Photos: www.canva.com