Dickens on Mainstreet - Wellsboro, PA

Wellsboro’s Dickens of a Christmas Festival

This holiday season, Wellsboro’s Main Street and the surrounding side streets will close to traffic and transform into an enchanting early Victorian marketplace. The gas-lit streets will glimmer with the charm of yesteryear as vendors in period costume offer a delightful variety of wares for eating, drinking, gifting, and admiring.

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A Victorian Wonderland Awaits

Beginning at 9:00 a.m., the streets will come alive with the sights and sounds of the season. Strolling musicians, carolers, dancers, and street-corner actors will spread cheer up and down Main Street, extending onto Waln Street, Crafton Street, and a portion of Central Avenue.
With no cars to interrupt the merriment, you’re free to wander, shop, and savor the nostalgic atmosphere that blends so perfectly with Wellsboro’s historic gaslights.

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Music, Theatre, and Street Performances

The Wellsboro Men’s and Women’s Choruses traditionally perform outside the Arcadia Theater, where all are encouraged to join in classic carols. Throughout the day, you’ll encounter quartets, fiddlers, and local musical groups bringing holiday cheer to every corner.

Pause to enjoy a spirited reading of A Christmas Carol by Hamilton Gibson Productions, or catch a lively performance by the Hamilton Gibson Choirs on Friday evening. Tickets for these beloved shows are available at the door at the Coolidge Theater and Warehouse Theater.

Keep your eyes open for costumed performers reenacting scenes from Dickens’ London — lamplighters, bobbies, and townsfolk bustling through the crowd with warmth and wit.

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Church Events and Local Hospitality

Many of our local churches will open their doors throughout the day, hosting luncheons, bake sales, concerts, tours, and special services. Step inside to warm up, meet the locals, and experience Wellsboro’s close-knit community spirit firsthand.

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Vendors and Handcrafted Treasures

Over 125 craft and food vendors will line the streets, dressed in authentic Victorian garb, offering a remarkable selection of handmade items perfect for gift-giving. You’ll find:

• Hand-crafted ornaments and wooden toys

• Quilted and knitted goods

• Jewelry and wrought iron décor

• Homemade cheeses, smoked meats, jams, and honey

• Pet treats, heirloom Santas, and vintage-style dolls

• Locally made candles, soaps, and pottery

Be sure to visit the indoor craft shows at the United Methodist Church, Wellsboro Active Living Center, and the Firemen’s Annex for even more treasures and warmth.

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Tastes of the Season

Follow the delicious aromas that fill the crisp winter air! Food vendors will tempt you with a wide variety of comforting and festive fare, including:

• Hot chocolate, mulled cider, and fresh-brewed coffee

• Homemade soups, chowders, and chili

• Hot beef sandwiches and cheddarwursts

• Bread pudding, apple dumplings, and cinnamon buns

• Homemade candies, pies, and cookies

• Kettle corn, baked potatoes, and crab cakes

Grab a treat and enjoy it by one of the many outdoor fire pits or under the soft glow of the town’s famous gas lamps.

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More Festive Fun

Don’t miss these extra touches of holiday magic:

• Horse-drawn carriage rides through town (small fee applies)

• Photos with Father Christmas near the Deane Center

• Children’s craft stations and storytelling sessions at the Green

• Victorian costume contest in the afternoon

• Tree lighting ceremony at dusk, followed by community caroling

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Whether you come for the food, the shopping, the music, or simply the atmosphere, Wellsboro’s Main Street will wrap you in the warmth and wonder of a Victorian Christmas celebration you’ll never forget

 

 

Departure Information:

8:00am - Hamburg Walmart - Bottom end of Row 2

8:30am - Saint Clair - C&R Bus Garage – Tour Parking Lot on right side of building

Arrival Information:

 

Arrive Approx: 11:00am

 

Departure:

Depart: 5:00 PM

 

Return Times:

7:30pm - C&R Bus Tours

8:00pm - Hamburg Walmart

 

*Please note that this is a freetime trip and you will be on your own once you arrive*.