In 1843, Charles Dickens wrote a story that forever changed the meaning of Christmas. A Christmas Carol has not only become the heart of blockbuster hits, theater performances, and bedtime stories, but it has also inspired an ambiance and atmosphere for the holiday season.
What do you envision when you think about the spirit of Christmas? Thanks to Dickens, many of us may imagine a quaint town dusted with snow, a group of Christmas carolers singing a joyful melody, and the warm embrace of close family and friends. Add those heartwarming experiences to almost 200 vendors dressed in Victorian wardrobe, a street marketplace lined with gaslights, and strolling performances from your favorite A Christmas Carol characters, and you are probably at the “Dickens of a Christmas” celebration in Wellsboro, PA.
The adorable small town of Wellsboro is home to many independently owned boutiques, antique shops, and the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon, making it a great weekend getaway regardless of the season. But during the first weekend of December, Wellsboro transforms into a picture-perfect holiday vision only comparable to a scene in a snow globe or Hollywood. You may feel like you have traveled back to the 1800s, but in fact, this year marks 32 years of the celebration. If you adore crafting, have an appreciation for theatre, or cherish the adventure of finding the perfect old fashioned Christmas gift, a “Dickens of a Christmas” is a must.
The celebration lasts all weekend, but Saturday, December 3, is the main event. Starting at 9 a.m., the streets will be lined with vendors dressed in their best Victorian outfits providing sweet treats, homemade soups, hot cocoa, and unique gifting options. Unlike your shopping experiences at the mall, there won’t be a line for the “newest” or “hottest” gift of the season. Expect to peruse the simpler things including wooden toys, handmade dolls, and Santa heirlooms.
No need to remember your Netflix password for this weekend, because there is no shortage of live performances and old fashioned cinema fun. In fact, you won’t even have to step out of the streets to witness some of the performances. The Dickens Players, A Christmas Carol street actors, will be strolling the streets in full costume and character, including cranky Scrooge. Want more Scrooge? Make sure to see to HG Productions’ A Christmas Carol, where the actors will play out the entire story at the Warehouse Theatre.
Your favorite holiday tunes will be brought to you by local choirs and musicians right outside of the Arcadia Theater. The Arcadia Theater is a stunning piece of history in its own right and was one of the first theaters north of the Mason-Dixon line to show a “talkie,” or movie with sound, in 1929. While it has undergone renovations, it has preserved the classic look and charm of the original cinema theater and will be playing one of the greatest Christmas classics of all time, Its a Wonderful Life, all weekend long.
If there were ever a storybook moment brought to life it may be this. Bring a candle and join the people of Wellsboro at 5 p.m. on Saturday for the Peace Walk at Packer Park. The walk leads to Main Street for the annual community tree lighting ceremony and caroling. Even Santa makes an appearance each year.
To find more information about Dickens of a Christmas and to see the full event schedule- including a chocolate factory tour, craft shows, and Victorian Tea time- visit www.wellsboropa.com.
Where to stay:
Built in 1896, The Penn Wells Hotel is not only iconic to the area, but it will continue to make you feel like you have stepped back in time. From the character of the mahogany woodwork to the unique touches in every room, the only way to describe this hotel is elegant. Even if you’re not staying, it is worth the stop to take a peek and grab a cocktail in the Penn Wells Lounge.
Penn Wells Hotel 62 Main Street, Wellsboro, PA 570-724-2111 / www.pennwells.com
*Note: hotel recommends to make reservations at least one year prior to stay for “Dickens of a Christmas” weekend. Visit www.wellsboropa.com for other accommodation options.
Where to eat:
For a delicious option for everyone, try: Timeless Destination 77 Main Street / Wellsboro, PA 570-724-8499 / www.timelessdestination.com For fancy comfort food and gorgeous views, try: Lamb's Creek Food & Spirits 200 Gateway Drive / Mansfield, PA 570-662-3222 / www.lambscreek.com For the “World's Best Pies,” try: Grammas’ Kitchen 1080 S Main St., Mansfield, PA 570-662-2350 www.facebook.com/grammaskitchenmansfield
While you’re in town:
For the adventurer:
This detour may be the biggest hidden gem in our state. And by big, we mean this place stretches for over 45 miles with depths of nearly 1500 feet! Just outside of downtown Wellsboro lies the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon State Park, a truly beautiful place to explore, camp, or simply see. The trail that runs along the bottom of the canyon, Pine Creek Rail Trail, was even rated as “one of the 10 great places to take a bike tour” by USA Today.
Pennsylvania State Grand Canyon Route 6 / Wellsboro, PA www.pacanyon.com
For the artist or scientist:
About an hour past Wellsboro you’ll find the adorable town of Corning, NY, nestled in the heart of the Finger Lakes. Aside from the stylish shops and good eats in Corning, be sure to make some time to explore the Corning Museum of Glass. The museum has something for everyone, from a self guided tour of the world’s best collection of art and historical glass to the Innovation Center that walks you through the technology involved in glass making; it is a full experience. Glassmaking sessions and demonstrations teach you how to make your own masterpiece too.
Corning Museum of Glass One Museum Way, Corning, NY 607-937-5371 / www.cmog.org
For the sports enthusiast or history buff:
This is the perfect pit stop for kids and baseball fans of all ages. On the way to Wellsboro, take a seventh inning stretch in Williamsport at the World of Little League: Museum & Official Store, located directly on Route 15. The self guided tour is open seven days a week and takes about an hour, so it’s the perfect place to take a break from your road trip. Explore hundreds of Little League artifacts that show how baseball has shaped our nation’s history.
World of Little League: Museum & Official Store 525 Montgomery Pike (U.S. 15), South Williamsport, PA 570-326-3607 www.littleleague.org/learn/museum.htm
