This Florida Beach Town Transforms Into a Victorian Holiday Village Each December

"As it turns out, sunny Florida weather offers a surprisingly festive background to ring in the holiday spirit. Amelia Island is bringing back its annual free Dickens on Centre festival for the 11th year from Dec. 11 to Dec. 14 at downtown Fernandina Beach. During the four-day celebration, the popular summer destination will turn the clocks back to its roots and transform into a Victorian holiday experience, becoming the largest Christmas Market in northeast Florida."

"The festival includes shopping booths, food and drink stands, holiday movies, Santa visits, costumed characters, two entertainment stages, kids' zones, and 3D drone shows. While you can expect festive charm, you won't find the chill: Amelia Island's winters are typically on the milder side, with average temperatures ranging in the 50s and 60s. The festivities kick off on Dec. 11 with the Dickens Illuminated Procession, a Front Street parade that anyone can join, especially if they bring something that glows or twinkles, like illuminated lanterns."

Amelia Island's Dickens on Centre festival runs Dec. 11–14 in downtown Fernandina Beach for its 11th year. The four-day event transforms the area into a Victorian holiday experience and becomes the largest Christmas market in northeast Florida. The festival features shopping booths, food and drink, holiday movies, Santa visits, costumed characters, entertainment stages, kids' zones, and 3D drone shows. Signature events include the Dickens Illuminated Procession on Dec. 11, a one-mile Run Like the Dickens on Dec. 13, a 21+ Dickens After Dark costume party, Parade of the Paws, and an Enchanted Village with rentable holiday domes. Winters are mild, with averages in the 50s and 60s, and a trolley runs Thursday through Sunday.

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