Thanks to everyone who helped make the 2011 Dickens Fest a great success.  Here are some pictures from the day, taken by Narberth's own, Don Groff. Here is another gallery of shots, by Narbs, Avi and Nicolai Fox, of Avi Loren Fox Photography. Also, see the article and photos on Patch.



The Narberth Dickens Festival

December 10, 2011,  Noon - 4pm

The Narberth Dickens Festival is a free family event held each December on the streets of downtown Narberth.  It draws thousands to Narberth every year, and it has become the fastest-growing holiday festival in the Philadelphia area.  In this Dickens-themed event, the town of Narberth is transformed into 1840's London, as Ebeneezer Scrooge and all the characters from A Christmas Carol roam the streets for an afternoon. 

 

There are activities for all ages, including a free and extremely popular scavenger hunt for the children, which sends them searching high and low for Dickens characters in order to win a prize.  The Victorian top hat prizes are worn proudly all afternoon by hundreds of kids throughout Narberth's festive downtown.  Hats from previous years are often adorned with Dickens Fest commemorative pins. 

 

 

 

The 2011 Narberth Dickens Festival includes:

  • Ebeneezer Scrooge and all the characters from “A Christmas Carol”
  • dozens of period-authentic costumed performers
  • free scavenger hunt & free prize for kids - 1pm to 3pm or while prize supplies last
  • horse and carriage rides through the Narberth streets
  • professional musicians
  • authentic Victorian carolers
  • free craft activities for kids 
  • professional ice sculpting display
  • free fortunes from "gypsy fortunetellers"
  • free showing of A Muppet Christmas Carol - 11am  at the Narberth Movie theater 
  • free vintage "Punch and Judy" puppet show performances - see below for "Dickens Theater" showtimes  
  • free "Nutcracker" dance performances from the Pennsylvania Academy of Ballet - see below for "Dickens Theater" showtimes 
  • Dickens "tattoos" and face painting for kids 
  • free hot toddies from local establishments in any souvenir mug
  • free coffee and hot chocolate in any souvenir tin cup 
  • period-authentic vendors and street food 

 


FAQ


What does it look like? 

Don Groff, a Narberth photographer, travel writer, and editor at the Philadelphia Daily News, captures the theater, cheer and exuberance of the Dickens Festival in slide shows from the recent festivals.


See 2010 Slideshow


See 2009 Slideshow


See 2008 Slideshow



 

 

What does it cost?

Thanks to the generous donation of sponsorship dollars and manpower from the members of the Narberth Business Association, entrance into the festival and most of the activities are free.  Carriage rides cost $5, and there are a few souvenirs for sale as well.  

 

The Scavenger Hunt

From 1pm to 3pm during the festival, or while prizes last, children of all ages can come to the main booth at the corner of Forrest and Haverford Ave to begin the scavenger hunt.    We have top hats for prizes again, but kids who have last year's top hat, can get the new prize for 2011, our commemorative full-color Dickens pin.  So kids are encouraged to wear their 2008-2010 top hats down to the festival and decorate it with this colorful new pin! 

 

A Muppet Christmas Carol - Free Movie at the Narberth Movie Theater 

Before the scavenger hunt starts, get into the spirit of the Dickens Festival with a free showing of A Muppet Christmas Carol at the Narberth Movie Theater.  The 11am start time is perfect for kids who want to learn the the Dickens story before hitting the streets and searching for the characters.   This Rated G movie is loved by adults and kids of all ages, and runs 89 minutes.

 

Dickens Theater 

 

The Pennsylvania Academy of Ballet, "on the hill" of N. Narberth Avenue Ave, will host three performances as Dickens Theater during the Festival.  On the hour at 1pm, 2pm and 3pm, the double feature performances will begin with a ten-minute "Punch and Judy" puppet show, produced by the Puppet Box theater troupe.  This will be followed by a twenty minute excerpt from the Academy's performance of a Nutcracker Suite.

 

How do I get involved?

If you are interested in getting involved, as a performer, vendor or volunteer, e-mail the Narberth Business Association at info@narberthonline.com. 

 

If I'm already involved, what do I need to know?

Make sure you have your costume ready, and that you have any tables, tents, or props you need.  If you need a costume, we can rent one for you inexpensively.   We'll have breakfast and final staging prep at McSheas at 10:00 the morning of the event.