Schedule
A Dickens Holiday begins Friday at 12:00 PM (noon) and continues into the evening. We’re finalizing the full 2026 schedule, with performances, activities and experiences still being added. Most of the celebration is free; only a few special experiences require advance booking or reservations.
- 12:00 PMFree
Festival opens
Downtown Fayetteville
Victorian streets come alive — carolers, costumed characters, and the marketplace.
- 12:00 PM – eveningFree
Marketplace & street performers
Downtown
Artisan vendors, food, and roaming Dickens characters throughout the day.
- 12:00 PM – 9:00 PMTicketed
Private carriage rides
Downtown boarding area
Horse-drawn carriage tours (ticketed).
- 1:00 PMTicketed
Royal Tea & Tour — 1:00 PM seating
Sandford House, 225 Dick St
Victorian tea service (ticketed).
- 2:00 – 4:00 PMFree
Candle pick-up at participating businesses
Participating downtown businesses
Pick up your candle for the evening procession.
Time/details to be confirmed.
- 2:15 PMTicketed
Royal Tea & Tour — 2:15 PM seating
Sandford House, 225 Dick St
Victorian tea service (ticketed).
- 3:30 PMTicketed
Royal Tea & Tour — 3:30 PM seating
Sandford House, 225 Dick St
Victorian tea service (ticketed).
- 4:30 PMFree
Town Crier Challenge entries close
On social media
Post your prompts with #BeADickensTownCrier by 4:30 PM.
- Evening — time to be confirmedAfter DarkFree
Lighting ceremony & candlelight procession
Downtown
Thousands of candles light the streets.
Time/details to be confirmed.
- Evening — time to be confirmedAfter DarkFree
Fireworks finale
Segra Stadium
A fireworks display caps the night.
Time/details to be confirmed.
As daylight fades, Dickens After Dark begins, featuring the Candlelight Procession, holiday lights, evening entertainment and the fireworks finale. Learn more.
