Join the Fun
Build something. Dress up. Take the challenge. Explore Downtown Fayetteville.
There are plenty of ways to become part of A Dickens Holiday.
Featured Contest
Gingerbread House Contest
2026 Theme: Home for the Holidays
Create something extraordinary for our Downtown Fayetteville Gingerbread House Exhibition. Students, home bakers, businesses and community groups are invited to enter.
- Free to enter
- Up to $1,000 in prizes & awards
- Register by November 15, 2026
Dress Up
Best-Dressed Photo Contest
Don your finest Victorian attire or holiday finery and become part of the scene. Dickens characters, Victorian ladies and gentlemen, families and visitors in their holiday best are all invited to join the fun.
No advance registration required.
How to participate and photo details coming soon.
Take the Challenge
Town Crier Challenge
Become a Dickens Town Crier for the day! Complete themed photo prompts throughout the festival and share your adventures on Facebook or Instagram using #BeADickensTownCrier.
Every completed prompt you post is an entry.
No advance registration required.
Challenge details coming soon.
Explore Downtown
Shop, Dine & Celebrate
Stroll through Downtown Fayetteville to discover local shops, restaurants, decorated storefronts and the festive Dickens marketplace.
Marketplace Showcase
Vendor Holiday Display
Our Dickens marketplace vendors are invited to dress their booths for the holidays and help bring extra Christmas magic to Downtown Fayetteville.
As you explore the marketplace, look for the vendor selected for:
Best Holiday Display
No separate public contest registration is required.
Recognition details coming soon.
Interested in Becoming a Vendor?Come Be Part of the Story
However you join in, you're part of the celebration.
A Dickens Holiday · Friday, November 27, 2026 · Downtown Fayetteville
