TUSCUMBIA-Scrooge, Marley and all the familiar faces from Charles Dickens’ beloved
holiday classic, A Christmas Carol, will return to downtown Tuscumbia on December 14, 10:00 – 4:00,
joining merchants and townspeople to present “It’s a Dickens Christmas, Y’all.” In its 14th year, the
town’s signature holiday event adds a spirited touch to the season and brings a hint of “Merry Ole
England,” to this historic Alabama town. Dickens Christmas, centered along Main Street, is free.
Expect to find snow falling in the pocket park and to visit with Santa Claus or his English counterpart,
“Father Christmas.” The Clydesdale horses, Clyde and Pride, will return to provide the ever-popular
carriage rides. The shops and eateries of Tuscumbia will offer holiday specials and food trucks and a
selection of crafts and gift vendors will be on hand. Costumed Victorian characters, musicians and
carolers will stroll the streets.
Kick off the morning for breakfast with kids and Rudolph, the Red-nosed Reindeer, at Superhero Chef’s
restaurant… or choose to visit with the Ghost of Marley and all the Dickens Ghosts at “Scones and
Moans” in Market on Main. Then throughout the day, festival goers may enjoy a Trolley Tour through the
historic district, “Poetry and Music” at St. John’s Episcopal Church, and “A Holiday Tea” at the historic
Tennessee Valley Country Club (advance tickets required). Events appealing to the younger set include
cookie decorating at Basse Trading Co. and “Milk and Cookies with Tiny Tim”, including a reading of A
Christmas Carol at Emily Cooper Gallery. You may even “Strut Your Mutt” around town with Best
Dressed Dickens Dog prizes awarded! Visit Helen Keller Library where you may make your own
Victorian Christmas Ornament.
According to Sherry Campbell, chair of the event, “We’re always coming up with new ideas to add to the
Dickens Christmas fun. New to this year’s schedule is a story-telling event entitled “No Humbug! The
Surprising True Story Behind the Creation of A Christmas Carol”, presented at historic Locust Hill by
popular storyteller Delores Hydock. Campbell suggests the purchase of advance tickets as Hydock’s
programs are usually sold out.
Pre-festival Event: A former event is being brought back to the Dickens Festival – “The Friends of the
Fezziwig Party” will be hosted at the historic Winston Home of Deshler High School on Thursday,
December 12. This evening event requires a ticket.
Campbell also suggests additional attractions which visitors should plan to visit when in Tuscumbia for
Dickens Christmas: Helen Keller’s home, Ivy Green, and Belle Mont Mansion will be decorated in
traditional Christmas style. The Tennessee Valley Museum of Art will be hosting its Winter Art Market
of locally created arts and crafts for sale. Beginning at dusk each evening, enjoy a holiday-themed water
show amid the festive lights of downtown’s Spring Park.
Dickens Christmas is sponsored by Tuscumbia Retail Development, a volunteer group dedicated to
building the business community with promotions and public events. May Woodie Christopher, president,
said “TRD is indebted to many participating groups and to the numerous sponsors and supporters who
make this family-friendly holiday event possible. There are so many volunteers and groups involved,
making ‘It’s a Dickens Christmas, Y’all’ festive and fun for everyone! We invite you to make it part of
your annual holiday tradition!”
The street festival is free, as are many of the events. Some special events require a nominal charge or
donations are accepted to offset costs. For more information and the complete schedule call TRD /
Fiddledee D! at 256-383-9797. Follow on Facebook: 14th Annual It’s A Dickens Christmas Y’all.
