Have you ever read a Victorian novel like Charles Dickens’ beloved A Christmas Carol and wondered what it would feel like to stroll through the olde English village streets all dressed up for the holidays? Good news; from now until January 1, you can! Now in its 18th magical year, Cambridge’s Dickens Victorian Village transforms downtown along Wheeling Avenue into “The Most Unique Holiday Experience in the Midwest!”
Stroll amidst nearly 100 scenes of lifelike figures (meticulously sculpted and painted by local artisans)representing classic scenes from the Victorian era, immersing visitors in a charming downtown streetscape featuring original architecture from the 1800s. Bob Cratchit and Tiny Tim, the town crier, carolers, the bucket brigade, lamplighters, school children, street peddlers, Father Christmas and more are posed in active scenes that appear frozen in time. Try to spot them all!
While you’re here, don’t miss:
-The Dickens Welcome Center, located in the heart of the Dickens Victorian Village at 708 Wheeling Avenue. Chat with costumed volunteers, purchase gifts and souvenirs; learn about this event’s fascinating history and how the community rallies together each year to make it a success. We encourage visitors to make this their first stop, so you can purchase any tickets for add-on experiences, and pick up a map and activities schedule.
-Inside the Dickens Welcome Center, visit the Imagination Station to get your picture taken in traditional Victorian dress. We offer costumes for all ages. You may use your own camera or cell phone and one of our volunteers will gladly capture this experience.
-Also inside the Welcome Center, browse the new Curiosity Shoppe, a gift shop with many handcrafted items, including a fine selection of Victorian Hats, holiday ornaments made right here in Ohio featuring our Dickens scenes, and other giftable and collectible holiday treasures.
-Stop by the courthouse for a musical light show (delighting visitors of all ages) every night from 5:30-9:30pm (and until 11:00pm on weekends and holidays.)
-Trolley rides (Nov. 18, December 2 and 9 only) and Carriage Rides (Friday and Saturday evenings only)
-Special ticketed add-on events,
- Special Victorian and Queen’s teas (November 18 and December 2 and 16)
- Trolly Rides (November 18 and December 2 and 9)
Several local home-style restaurants serve special homemade holiday buffets, and our locally owned shops and boutiques will be decorated in their holiday glory and ready to help you finish your holiday shopping!
For more information on everything from Tiny Tim to our fabulous light show, visit https://visitguernseycounty.com/things-to-do/dickens-victorian-village/