The Community's Victorian gaslights and live Christmas decorations lend the perfect setting for a host of community events which create a very special pre-Christmas celebration. Dickens traditionally includes craft and food vendors lining a Main Street closed to traffic during the day. Craft and specialty vendors in Victorian costume will offer handcrafted wooden items, ceramics, clay pottery, commemorative Christmas ornaments, wrought iron, wreaths and more. Tasty Dickensonian treats include pie tarts, hot cider, baked goods, candies, hot apple dumplings, hot soups, gingerbread cookies, baked potatoes, fresh roasted peanuts, handmade chocolates and more . Local bands, choruses and dancers join in the fun as well.
Several locations offer indoor performances and open houses.
The entire community joins in the fun. Special tours of local churches and historical buildings, story hours, a model train exhibit and Santa trains all add to the flavor of the event. Residents as well as visitors raid their attics and closets for costumes and come dressed to fit the Victorian era. Other community activities include indoor craft shows, a walk for peace and the Saturday evening tree-lighting ceremony on The Green. The Wellsboro high school band provides the musical background for caroling, and one of the area ministers will offer a Christmas message.