A Dicken’s Christmas has been a long-time Skaneateles tradition. Each year beginning Thanksgiving weekend, a large cast of Dicken’s clad performers fill the downtown area of Skaneateles. The holiday weekends leading up to Christmas are filled with activities, music, and fun. We have visited Skaneateles a few times during a Dicken’s Christmas, and it is truly a unique event and something everyone should experience.
The whole town is decked out for Christmas- The shop windows are full of artfully created holiday displays, the streets have been draped in colorful lights and evergreens, and Christmas cheer is clearly visible. Enjoy the festive hospitality of all the local businesses that have thrown open their doors in the most welcoming way.
The following information is from the Skaneateles Chamber of Commerce.
World’s Smallest Christmas Parade
Don’t miss the annual “World’s Smallest Christmas Parade” on opening day, Bright Friday, November 24, at noon. Welcome the Dickens characters to Skaneateles for a short parade through the village. Starting at noon at the Skaneateles Village Hall on Fennell Street, proceeding east to Jordan and Genesee streets, and arriving at the Hannum House porch in time for the 12:10 p.m. grand opening.
Highlights of this year’s season include:
*Noon kick-off to Dickens each day on the porch of the Hannum House (corner of Genesee & Hannum Streets)
*Strolling Dickens characters performing interactive street theatre
*Father Christmas greets children from 12:30-2 pm, and 3-4 pm at the Masonic Temple Porch, 13 E. Genesee St.
*Free roasted chestnuts in front of Pure Placid (61 E Genesee Street). Brought to you by: Pure Placid and TOPS Friendly Markets
*Horse-drawn wagon rides around the village November 24th & 25th ONLY (weather permitting). $5 per person, $20 per family (max 6 ppl.). CASH ONLY. Pick up in front of Sherwood Inn. Private Carriage rides are available for $50 (max 4 people) CASH ONLY. Sponsored by The Savage Homestead
*Free eggnog served by local Girl Scout Troops every Saturday at 42 E. Genesee St. Eggnog courtesy of Byrne Dairy
*Caroling at 2 pm at the Gazebo. The Mid Day Revels! (Poor weather location….Hannum House Porch)
*Live shows and music at the Skaneateles Library, 1 and 3 pm daily! See the calendar below.
*Sing Christmas carols with the “Dickens Singers” – listen for them throughout the village
*Mother Goose reads to children at Loft 42 from 12:30 – 4 pm (42 E. Genesee St./lobby of the building)
Trunk Shows by Dickens Christmas Characters will be acted out with your help:
SATURDAYS and SUNDAYS AT
12:30 PM: Gazebo / Clift Park
3 PM: Skaneateles Library
Sponsored by: The Sinclair and Rosalie’s Cucina
Parking
FREE PARKING ~ Locations: Free parking is available in the Austin Park Pavilion lot at the corner of Jordan and Austin streets and in the lower gravel lot of Skaneateles High School across from Leitch Avenue.
The first four weekends, from 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., a free shuttle will run between these two lots and the village, stopping behind Doug’s Fish Fry.
Paid parking is available in the municipal lot between Jordan and State streets.