Holiday Release – Thursday, December 4, 2025. Images © by Lonny Frost.
WELLSBORO, PA – The 41st annual Dickens of a Christmas in Wellsboro, PA, runs Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, December 5, 6, and 7th. The much loved holiday event is held along Wellsboro’s historic Main Street and the surrounding side streets As the area turns into a scene right out out Charles Dicken’s novel as a Victorian market place will come alive on Saturday. The market place will feature all types of delectable wares for eating and drinking, as well as delightful gift items for wearing or enjoying. Many holiday gifts for you to choose from for those on your shopping list. Remember side streets will be closed to traffic during this festive event.
Beginning at 9:00 a.m., over 250 food and craft vendors, strolling musicians and singers, dancers, and street corner thespians will be spread across Main Street, extending on to Waln and Crafton Street, and a portion of Central Avenue. Performers and vendors will be appropriately costumed and decorated to create a Victorian atmosphere that fits so well with the Wellsboro Gas Lights. With the streets closed to traffic, you have the freedom to stroll and enjoy the festivities. Please note that the majority of these vendors will be selling their wares on Saturday, December 6yh only.
The Wellsboro United Methodist Church is hosting its Indoor Craft Show with 26 artisans from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday and 8:30 a,m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday.
Friday, the Trinity Lutheran Church Dickens of a Dinner and Bake Sale of Sweets will be from 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. and Hamilton-Gibson’s Dickens of a Concert at St. Peter’s Catholic Church at 7:30 p.m.
All three days of Dickens of A Christmas, a book sale will be held at the Green Free Library; pick up a card at the West End Artisan Shop to participate in the Charles Dickens Scavenger Hunt at 17 businesses now through Dec. 20; eight performances of Hamilton-Gibson’s live production of Charles Dickens “A Christmas Carol” will be given at the Deane Center’s two theaters; and two free exhibits will be on display at the Gmeiner Art and Cultural Center with six craft vendors to be in Gmeiner’s Studio from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday only.
The Wellsboro Fire Department is holding its Dickens Craft Show Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. with 30 vendors indoors and 88 outdoors at the Wellsboro Firemen’s Annex at 21 East Avenue in Wellsboro.
Registration for the Dickens Best Dressed Showcase contest will be in the Deane Center lobby from 9 a.m. to 12 noon. At 1 p.m., the judges will select the Best Dressed for 2025.
Everyone (whether in costume or not) is invited to participate in Saturday’s two Victorian Strolls on Main Street at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
The Wellsboro Men’s and Women’s Choruses traditionally perform in front of the Arcadia Theater, and everyone is welcome to sing along. Several other local musical groups typically offer strolling performances throughout the day. Just stop where you happen to be and enjoy tidbits of drama or musical performances. They are always a joy to watch.
Hamilton Gibson Productions to present “A Christmas Carol” at the Coolidge Theater and Warehouse Theater several times, and the Hamilton Gibson Choirs will perform on Friday evening. Tickets may be purchased at the door.
Hamilton-Gibson’s Dickens Street Urchins will be at the intersection of Main and Crafton streets to entertain people immediately following each stroll. Passersby are encouraged to join in no matter what is being performed. Guests and locals are always greeted with warmth, music and good cheer.
Local churches are hosting a variety of events on Saturday. Among them are: at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., a model train show, a cookie sale, the thrift shop, and lunch with hot dogs, Texas hots, soups and beverages and at 4 p.m., the 40-minute Choral Evensong Service; in the spirit of helping others from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church will be the Alternative Giving Christmas Fair with 13 charities represented and free refreshments and live music; at the United Methodist Church will be free refreshments and entertainment from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.; and at the First Baptist Church, two Christmas Sing-alongs, at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. with a cookie event at noon.
Craft and food vendors line the streets dressed in Victorian garb to present many unique gift-giving options which include hand-crafted Christmas ornaments, wooden toys, jewelry, quilted items, furniture, wrought iron, homemade cheese & meats, pet treats, heirloom Santas, stuffed animals and dolls for the children on your list. In addition, several indoor craft shows are held at the United Methodist Church, the Wellsboro Active Living Center, and the Firemen’s Annex.
Numerous food vendors are always on hand to warm your tummies and tickle your taste buds with such delectable delights as hot chocolate, chili, hot dogs, homemade soups and chowders, bread pudding, homemade cookies, pies, and candies, hot beef sandwiches, crab cakes, hot cider and coffee, cheddar worsts, kettle corn, baked potatoes, apple dumplings, and cinnamon buns…just to name a few.
Saturday evening at 5 p.m., join in for the Candlelight Walk for Peace which will begin at Packer Park on Queen Street and at 5:30 p.m., the annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony will be on The Green with 2025 Pennsylvania State Laurel Queen Alice Ravert of Montoursville, along with Santa Claus and some festive holiday caroling.
Parking will be available at several lots throughout the town, along with a shuttle which will be operated continuously from the Wellsboro High School parking lot and the Wellsboro Plaza lot on Route 6.
For a free copy of the Dickens of A Christmas 2025 Events and Vendor Guide, stop in at the chamber office at 114 Main Street this Friday 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. or Saturday, 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m., visit wellsboropa.com and click on Dickens of a Christmas or for more information, call the chamber at 570-724-1926.
