Experience a Magical Dickens Christmas in Cozy Skaneateles, New York

The cozy village of Skaneateles, New York, comes alive during the holiday season with a must not miss magical Dickens Christmas event. From November 24th through December 24th, visitors to Skaneateles can experience the charming festivities on weekends.

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The Skaneateles area Chamber of Commerce organizes the Dickens Christmas event in downtown Skaneateles each year, and the best part is that it's free to attend. Visitors can start their day at noon and enjoy a cup of eggnog served by local Girl Scout Troops. They can then head over to the Hannum House corner of Genesee and Hannum Streets, where each day at noon, there is a special kick-off to Dickens.

Visitors can also interact with strolling Dickens characters performing street theatre. Father Christmas will be greeting children from 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Masonic Temple Porch at 13 East Genesee Street. For a warm and nutty snack, visitors can enjoy free roasted chestnuts outside of Pure Placid at 61 East Genesee Street.

Horse-drawn wagon rides are available around the village for only $5 per person except for November 24th - 25th when they are free of cost. Christmas carols can also be heard and sung, especially at the Gazebo, where there will be a carol sing-along at 2:00 p.m. presented by The Mid Day Revels although the location may vary in the event of bad weather.

There will be live shows and music from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. each day at the Skaneateles Library. Additionally, every Saturday and Sunday in December, Santa's elves will read to children from 12:30 to 4:00 p.m. at Loft 42, which is located at 42 East Genesee Street. In addition, Dickens Christmas characters will be present during Trunk Shows and act with the help of audience participation.

Visitors to the Skaneateles Dickens Christmas can enjoy free parking at Austin Park Pavilion at the corner of Jordan and Austin Sts, across from St. Mary's Church, and also at the Skaneateles High School lower lot across from the top of Leitch Avenue on Elizabeth Street.

The Dickens Christmas event is an annual tradition in Skaneateles and involves all age groups from the community, making it an excellent way for visitors to connect with locals while enjoying enchanting holiday festivities.