Hospitality

Cue the cries of “It’s not even Halloween yet!” - “A Dickens Holiday” to return with expanded footprint and delightful additions

By Staff Report, posted 1 year ago
Image courtesy of The Downtown Alliance

It may only be August, but the annually anticipated “A Dickens Holiday” downtown shopping event has confirmed it will be returning to Downtown Fayetteville this year on Friday, Nov. 24. 

Brought to the community by The Downtown Alliance, the 24th Annual A Dickens Holiday

continues many elements that have become beloved local traditions, but this year, expands its spirit throughout a larger footprint to include Franklin Square, Maxwell Street and Hay Street. It will be an immersive extravaganza of holiday nostalgia across the eras.

Event Highlights:

  • Victorian Era Traditions: Step back in time with horse-drawn carriage rides, character actors, musicians, handmade crafts and food vendors.
  • Downtown Business Magic: This year, downtown businesses have the opportunity to participate by decorating their spaces in a favorite Christmas movie theme.
  • Introducing “Making Spirits Bright:” This year’s celebration will include a brand-new venue at Skyview, hosting the costume contest, special performances, and featuring the first “A Festival of Trees” decorated by sponsors and patrons.
  • Gingerbread House Contest: Hosted by the Capitol Encore Academy
  • Introducing A Christmas Tea Room: A royal tea room experience in partnership with Heritage Square Historical Society - ticket required.
  • Horse-drawn Carriage Rides: Both carriage and hitch drawn wagon presented by the Cool Spring Downtown District - ticket required.
  • Outdoor Holiday Marketplace: Vendors & food trucks throughout downtown.
  • Candlelight Celebration & Tree Lighting Ceremony to welcome the holiday season: A Dickens Holiday signature moment as Queen Victoria herself leads a magical candlelight procession to the huge holiday tree.
  • Dickens After Dark: The festivities continue well into the evening with shopping, history tours, and a meeting with the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come. 

For more information, sponsorship opportunities and details, visit faydta.com/adickensholiday or email director@adickensholiday.com.

Follow the Downtown Alliance on Facebook @fayDTA for the latest updates and behind-the-scenes glimpses as they prepare for this year’s “A Dickens Holiday.”

Ico insights

INSIGHTS

SPONSORS' CONTENT

In The Current Issue

Tech for a cause: 2025 Tech ID Day showcases new innovations while supporting warfighters and a good cause

To wrap up the first day, attendees were able to meet up for a social event at the Brad Halling American Whiskey Ko. in Southern Pines where a $10,000 check was presented to the Joint Special Operations Foundation for their scholarship fund. Photo pr


Gathering great ideas: Business incubator coming to the 400 block of Hay Street

The three-story, 200,000 square-foot business incubator space is located at 420 Maiden Lane. The building features an elevator, construction has begun on handicap bathrooms for the first floor and the second and third floors feature window walls offering views of Segra Stadium.


Planting seeds of H.O.P.E: FTCC's Hope, Opportunity, Prosperity through Education Program provides empowerment through hands-on learning

Image provided by FTCCFocused on building the local workforce and streamlining the education process through real world learning, the Hope, Opportunity, Prosperity through Education Program at Fayetteville Technical Community College (FTCC), also kno