It's the 27th Annual Charles Dickens Festival!
Welcome to Port Jefferson, Long Island, New York. You know, the ferry terminal that saves you hours of driving to get to the Hamptons from Connecticut. It's a historic little burg, at least the seaside village part is. It's one of the cutest small towns you'll ever see. It's got dunes and beaches, historic buildings, good food, nice people, and a great little micro brewery. Many times I've hopped the ferry because I like to ride boats, but refuse to own one other than my kayak, in the summer. I even hopped it once for my birthday, because it was a particularly nice fall day.
So, what happens when it gets cold in a seaside beach and marina town in the winter? I guess they weren't sure either. What they did was decide that they should enjoy the holiday season, so they created the only Charles Dickens Festival I've ever heard of. It runs Friday, Saturday and Sunday of the first weekend in December every year. The whole town reverts back to Victorian Times like it's the 1850's. The locals and many of the visitors dress the part in some of the most fabulous Victorian clothes you'll see anywhere. They have blacksmith's and bagpipe bands, choirs and harpists. There's something everywhere you go, whether it be a magician, horse and wagon rides, dance groups or one of the several versions of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol.
They do the original radio version. They also do the traditional A Christmas Carol and at least one other version in the Scrooge adaptation. A personal note; you will run into Marley's ghost and all the Christmas ghosts at some point as you walk around town. They are busy actors portraying these iconic characters in several performances throughout the weekend.
There's something for everyone however. There are more modern activities going on as well. The dance troupes are the local kids from the dance school doing all kinds of dancing from tap to high kicking can can. There's a beautiful tree show at the visitor's building along with a number of other activities and the radio version of A Christmas Carol. There's lots of food and shopping as well, just like there always is in Port Jefferson. There's a huge craft show and sale. There's just a lot to do, but the atmosphere with the people everywhere in period garb is inspirational to say the least.
So, what to do at the holidays? Well, if you don't mind a crowded Bridgeport to Port Jefferson Ferry, I highly recommend checking out the Charles Dickens Festival in Port Jefferson. Whether you want some great pub food served to you by an old time looking waitress, or you'd like to toast your own marshmallows, it's a fun time and I hope I get to go back again next year!
Some words to the wise. Don't take your car! This festival takes place entirely in the historic village of Port Jefferson. The traffic is congested during the festival more than normal with people in giant hats and dresses everywhere. Check out where to park your car in Bridgeport before you go. We nearly missed the ferry because some of the options have changed recently. Look for the young teenagers dressed in period clothing when you get off the ferry, because they have maps and programs and will save you a trip to the tourist center.
This is one of the better ways I've spent my time during the season. I relaxed for the day and had a great time. Look for this festival, take the time to enjoy getting your Dicken's geek on and enjoy!
https://www.charlesdickensinfo.com/
https://www.facebook.com/PortJeffDickensFest/
https://www.gpjac.org/events/27th-annual-charles-dickens-festival
https://www.longisland.com/guide-to-port-jefferson.html
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g48430-Activities-Port_Jefferson_Long_Island_New_York.html
https://www.getawaymavens.com/port-jefferson-ny-getaway/
https://portjeff.com/restaurants-eateries/
https://www.opentable.com/landmark/restaurants-near-port-jefferson-village-historic-district
https://www.snagaslip.com/north-east/new-york-marinas/port-jefferson-launch-and-moorings
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