TUSCUMBIA-No matter how warm or cold it may be on Saturday, December 14, snow will fall in Tuscumbia. The “wintry precipitation” will come from snow-making machines placed along Main Street that day as part of Tuscumbia’s annual “It’s a Dickens Christmas Y’all” festival.
The celebration, which adds a “Southern” twist to the classic Charles Dickens tale, A Christmas Carol, is sponsored by Tuscumbia Retail Development.
“A Dickens Christmas Y’all is a great event for families,” said Kathryn Balch, of Tuscumbia Retail Development. “Families can come to downtown Tuscumbia, enjoy the many activities of our festival and discover what a charming town we have.”
The festival begins at 7 p.m. Friday, December 13, with a Dickens Feast, catered by Rhoda P., in The 
Roundhouse at Tuscumbia Railway Depot, 205 West Fifth Street. An irreverent improve troupe, the Sticky Wickets, portraying Scrooge, Marley and the Ghosts of Christmas will make appearances at the feast and additional entertainment is planned. Seating is limited to advance ticket holders. Tickets, which are $25, can be purchased at Fiddledee D!, 111 South Main Street in downtown Tuscumbia. For more details, call 256-383-9797.
A new event for the the festival, the Dickens Dash 5K run, kicks off on Main Street at 9 a.m., Saturday, December 14, with the 1-mile Tiny Tim Trot getting under way at 10 a.m. More details are available online at www.dickensdash5kitsyourrace.com
Also beginning at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 14, and lasting throughout the day, are numerous activities along Main Street. Artists and crafters will be selling their wares and a full assortment of food vendors will be on hand. Balch said this year’s festival features the largest number of artists and crafters ever at the event. The Dickens characters will be making appearances in the downtown throughout the day.
Rides in a carriage, pulled by Clyde and Pride, the Clydesdale draft horses, will also be available 
throughout the day. Christmas carolers, the Nutcracker Ballroom Dancers and The Community Brass Band will intermittently add to the festive holiday atmosphere. Fresh evergreen trees will be for sale in the Main Street pocket park and stores will remain open late.
“You can come to Tuscumbia, see the snow, enjoy the activities, do shopping and take home a fresh-cut Christmas tree without ever leaving downtown,” Balch said.
Saturday activities for children include Breakfast with Santa at the Helen Keller Public Library at 10 a.m. The “Jolly Ole Elf” will visit with kids, who will be treated to a reading of A Visit from St. Nicholas by Clement Moore, better known as The Night Before Christmas. Cost is $5. To make reservations call 256-383-7065. The breakfast is sponsored by the Friends of the Helen Keller Library.
Visit with Santa Claus on Main Street from Noon – 1:30 and again from 3:30 – 5 p.m. at his temporary “Tuscumbia Headquarters” on Main Street.
A Lowe’s Kids Build Clinic is 2-3 p.m. and 4-5 p.m. Saturday, also on Main Street, Admission is free and 
participants will create a special item.
Children and adults may join Tiny Tim for milk and cookies at Cold Water Books at 3 p.m. on Saturday, for a reading of Dickens’ beloved holiday classic, A Christmas Carol. Admission is free. Festival goers can make ginger bread cookies at Aunt Bea’s Bakery and Gourmet Shop throughout the day on Saturday. The cost is $2.
At 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. a trolley ride through the residential district will offer history of the town and trivia of Christmas customs. Trolley departs from Cold Water Books. Trolley service will also provide shuttle service throughout the day around the town.
At 6 p.m. townspeople and visitors, alike, are invited to join together at the official Tuscumbia Christmas Tree in front of City Hall, the former post office on East Sixth Street. Bring a candle and join in community Christmas caroling.
More holiday events in Tuscumbia to enjoy while participating in A Dickens Christmas, Y’all:
Experience “Christmas at Ivy Green” in a tour of the historic home of town native, Helen Keller. Area garden clubs join together to decorate the iconic house museum in a manner that reflects the Victorian era, when young Helen and her family must have celebrated their own family holidays here. Ivy Green is open from 8:30 a.m. until 4 p.m. Discounted admission during “Dickens”. (The museum is open regularly 8:30 – 4:00, Monday through Saturday.)
Tour the Tuscumbia Depot and learn about the town’s railroad history during its holiday open 
house. Call 256-389-1357 for details.
View the colorful lighted displays in Spring Park, located at the south end of Main St. Board the small gauge steam locomotive train as it takes passengers on a ride through the park (cost). For more information about Spring Park and the train, visit www.tuscumbiarailway.com or call 256-389-1357.
Visit the Tennessee Valley Museum of Art for “The Trees of Christmas” exhibit. The museum will be open 
special Dickens Christmas hours on Friday, December 13, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and on Saturday, December 14, 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. You may also visit anytime throughout the holiday season (through Dec. 24) during regular museum hours. The always popular display features towering live evergreen trees which fill the gallery with the scents and colors of Christmas. Admission. Call 256-383-0533 or visit www.tvaa.net.
