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Families from all over gathered in Port Jefferson to kick off the holiday season with the village’s annual Charles Dickens Festival — and rain wasn’t going to stop them.
The festival, which celebrated its 26th year, brings visitors and locals back to the Victorian era with street characters dressed in costumes written by the classic author.
Partnering with the Greater Port Jefferson-Northern Brookhaven Arts Council, actors and Dickens enthusiasts marched along each other during the opening ceremony and parade on Dec. 3, sporting top hats, bonnets and hoop skirts. Modern day umbrellas were added to the look due to a storm that lasted most of the day.
But poor weather didn’t stop everyone from enjoying the performances, arts and crafts and vendors that lined Main Street.
On Sunday, Dec. 4, the sun was out and the village was packed. Actors performed skits from “A Christmas Carol” and “Oliver Twist” sporadically throughout the day, while onlookers watched, and patrons rode in a horse drawn carriage up and down E. Main Street just as Port Jefferson locals did in the late 19th century.
“Dickens is always magical,” said Port Jefferson Mayor Margot Garant. “Despite the drastic weather on Saturday, people still come out and enjoy being together for the holidays. It’s an honor to be a part of it and celebrate it as a community.”
Scroll down and see photos from both Day 1 and Day 2 of the Dickens Festival.
Day 1 photos
Click the box below for Day 2 photos.
