Dickens’ Days is an annual event that transforms Clinton into a Victorian Village. Visitors can expect to interact with Scrooge, Charles Dickens, and Father Christmas as they stroll through downtown Clinton entertaining shoppers. The town will be decorated for the holidays, with toy soldiers on the famous Clinton Bridge, holiday greens, and twinkling lights. Horse drawn carriage rides, in full Victorian costume, offer a glimpse into the past. Musical performances of all genres will be performed by local artists and music groups throughout the weekend.
Santa’s Workshop, an interactive experience for children, will be located on the terrace of the Hunterdon Art Museum – available from Dickens’ Days through New Year. Santa will be at the workshop IN PERSON on Saturdays from noon – 3pm for children to visit.
Friday, November 27th at 6:30pm is the annual Community Tree Lighting on Main Street, with caroling and a visit from Santa on our old time fire truck. Saturday, November 28th is Small Business Saturday. Many shops throughout Clinton will have specials on the day and have organized educational and marketing campaigns to promote the importance of shopping locally.
The Annual Clinton Christmas Parade will take place on December 4th at 7pm. And late night shopping on Candlelight Night will be Thursday, December 10th from dusk til 9pm.
Full Schedule of Events and Performances:
Friday, November 27th
Throughout the day: Horse Drawn Carriage Rides; Visits from Charles Dickens’ and Scrooge; Strolling Victorian Carolers; Father Christmas and Storytelling
11am – 1pm: North Hunterdon High School Brass Band outside of Towne Restaurant
12pm – 4pm: Thomas Johnston – Singer/Songwriter performing on the corner of Leigh & Main Street
1pm – 4pm: Boy Scout Troop 288 “Newsies” Sale at Dickens Lane and Towne Restaurant
6:30pm: Community Tree Lighting and Visit from Santa, Performance by United Methodist Church Choir at the Holiday Tree Courtyard on Main Street
Saturday, November 28th
Throughout the day: Shop Small Saturday - Balloons & Signs throughout town; free Shop Small Bags; Horse Drawn Carriage Rides; Visits from Charles Dickens’ and Scrooge; Carolers from SKIT Children’s Theatre and Faith Chapel/Church of the Nazarene; Father Christmas & Storytelling
12noon – 4pm: Thomas Johnston – Singer/Songwriter performing on the Corner of Leigh and East Main
1pm – 4pm: Boy Scout Troop 288 “Newsies” Sale at Dickens Lane and Towne Restaurant
1pm – 4pm: Encore Music “Christmas Cabaret” at the Holiday Tree Courtyard on Main Street
Sunday, November 29th
Throughout the day: Horse Drawn Carriage Rides; Visits from Charles Dickens’ and Scrooge; Strolling Victorian Carolers; Father Christmas and storytelling
12noon – 3:30pm: Violanta Dutch Street Organ Holiday Music on the corner of East Main Street
2pm – 4pm: Star Maker School’s Pro-Kids Holiday Vocal Troupe at the Holiday Tree Courtyard on Main Street