December 5, 12 and 19, 2008

Dickens of a Christmas had its beginnings in Roanoke, Virginia’s historic downtown market area more than twenty-six years ago. It all began as a way to encourage holiday shopping in the district. With the historic market area decorated in old-fashioned greenery and bows, merchants would dress in Victorian costume and offer cookies and cocoa to shoppers for a weekend in December. This provided a fun-filled alternative to holiday shopping at a mall.

Now … twenty-plus years later … the event is a beloved holiday festival. For the last six years Dickens of a Christmas has won the Roanoker Magazine's platinum award (the highest possible) for "Best Tradition" in Roanoke, voted by the readers of the magazine. Dickens also received gold awards in 2004 and 2006 for “Best Annual Event” from the Roanoker Magazine. Dickens’ popularity has also made it a “Top Twenty Event in the Southeast” as judged by the Southeast Tourism Society for 2007 & 2008.

Dickens is fun for the whole family with horse drawn carriage rides, carolers in the streets, a myriad of street performances, re-enactors dressed in costume, music and dance, vendors selling their wares, outdoor holiday movie, pet costume contest, a special ‘kids zone area’ and much more. St. Nicholas strolls the district giving candy to children and telling Christmas stories. Involved merchants and organizations give away roasted chestnuts, hot cocoa, hot apple cider and other goodies to attendees.

The Festival – spanning three consecutive Friday nights in December – includes a Christmas Tree lighting ceremony on December 5th, a Christmas parade on the 12th and a Pet Costume Contest and outdoor holiday movie on the 19th. The theme for this year’s holiday parade is “Holiday Traditions Through the Ages” and will feature costumed groups, floats, specialty acts, and bands along with decorated riders on horseback and in carriages. The Pet Costume Contest provides fun and entertainment for all pet lovers and highlights the creativity of owners and the good nature of pets. The holiday movie is always a crowd pleaser. Check back soon for a complete Dickens of a Christmas schedule.

Experience ... Volunteer ... Vend ... Come downtown for Dickens of a Christmas!

Downloads (PDF)
Parade Registration Form
Vendor Information
Vendor Registration Form

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