TUSCUMBIA-Scrooge, Marley and all the familiar faces from Charles Dickens’ beloved holiday classic, A Christmas Carol, will return to downtown Tuscumbia on December 11, 10:00 – 4:00, joining merchants and townspeople to present “It’s a Dickens Christmas, Y’all.” In its eleventh 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. Donations are accepted at some events to offset costs.
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 vendors will be on hand. Costumed Victorian characters and carolers will stroll the streets.
Kick off the morning with kids and Mighty Mouse for Breakfast at Superhero Chef’s and watch Mickey Mouse’s version of A Christmas Carol. Then throughout the afternoon, festival goers may enjoy “Poetry and Music” at St. John’s Episcopal Church, arranged by cultural ambassador Ronald Rand, “A Holiday High Tea” at historic Locust Hill (advance tickets required) and Trolley Tours through the historic district. Events appealing to the younger set include cookie decorating at Basse Trading and Milk and Cookies with Tiny Tim and a reading of A Christmas Carol at Alora Boutique. You may even “Strut Your Mutt” for Best Dressed Dickens Dog prizes at 12:30 p.m. in the pocket park! Bring a bag of dog food to donate to the Colbert Humane Society.
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 Parade of Porches. Trolley Tours (as long as seating is available) will be routed through the historic district to view the approximately 50 participating and lavishly decorated porches. Maps will be available for following along in cars and the porches will remain decorated through the end of December for self-guided viewing.
Campbell suggests that while in Tuscumbia, visitors should plan to tour Ivy Green, the birthplace of Helen Keller, and Belle Mont Mansion, each museum 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. At dusk, Spring Park will be illuminated with lights and the dancing waters of the fountain show will begin hourly displays. Train rides will be offered for family fun until 8:00 p.m.
Dickens Christmas is sponsored by Tuscumbia Retail Development, a volunteer group dedicated to building the business community with promotions and public events. TRD is indebted to many participating groups and to the “Friends of the Fezziwigs,” who make this family-friendly holiday event possible.
For more information and the complete schedule call TRD / Fiddledee D! at 256-383-9797 or Colbert County Tourism at 256-383-0783. Follow on Facebook: 11th Annual It’s A Dickens Christmas Y’all.
