Dickens Festival Schedule

16th Annual Charles Dickens Festival

All performances are subject to change

Historic Roe House, West Broadway and Barnum Avenue…Live Elves and Santa greet you as you meander through Santa’s three room whimsical Work Shop. Enjoy elaborate holiday confection displays orchestrated by Pat Darling, acclaimed Confection Artist. A memorable visit for all.

TWO WEEKENDS
Saturday, November 26th 12:00 – 4:00 – Sunday, November 27th 1:00 – 4:00
Saturday, December 3rd 12:00 – 4:00 – Sunday, December 4th 1:00 – 5:00

Friday, December 2nd

4 PM – 8:00 PM
Toys for Tots Model Railroad Exhibit
BELLE TERRE COMMUNITY CENTER, 55 Cliff Road, Belle Terre. An amazing 40 – train exhibit on 4 different levels! This immense layout is constructed entirely by volunteers, and elementary school children have decorated the layout. Toys for Tots conductors will share their knowledge of this fascinating hobby. Please bring a new, unwrapped toy so that a child in need may share in the joy of the Holiday Season. Donations of money are not required,

4:30 PM - Victorian Lantern Dedication East Main Street near Fetch!

5:30 Opening Ceremony
FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH ON MAIN STREET. Come hear the Chiming of the Bells and delight in the music of the season. Scrooge appears as the lamps are brightly lit, and bells in church towers throughout the village peal out, calling one and all to join in the festivities. The amazing voices of the LI Gay Men’s Choir will fill the air, and all will be able to join in song. There will be a dramatic reading during the ringing of the bells, Scrooge appears, and the Town Crier – resplendent in his tri-corn hat and grand cape – declares the festival open.

6:00 – 8:00 PM  Toy Train Petite Exhibit
Harbormaster’s Building, Town of Brookhaven Lot, West Broadway.
A very special exhibit of model trains which is but a small taste of the grand Toys for Tots Railroad Exhibit in Belle Terre.

•••SPECIAL EVENTS AT MASONIC TEMPLE, MAIN STREET•••

6:00 – 8:00 PM Spectacular Gingerbread House Contest (see Saturday schedule for details)
Contact Bro. Gary Lindemann at 631-821-2410 or idrek1@optonline.net

6:00 PM to 11:00 PM Victorian Delicacies and Potables for Dinner LOCAL RESTAURANTS unveil their specialty menus to celebrate the season. Roast Beef with Yorkshire Pudding, Game Hens and Meat Pies team up with Mulled Wine, Smoking Bishop and Sherry Trifle to impart a real London flavor. Explore until you find what tickles your fancy and then expect to be entertained by strolling players. But…make your reservations early!

6:00 PM Strike The Bell
MASONIC LODGE, MAIN STREET.
Costumed purveyors of Victorian Era songs regale with tunes of the time, interspersed with readings from Dickens that relate to the sea.

6:30 PM Songs of the Season
ISLAND CHRISTIAN CHURCH, EAST MAIN STREET.
Stunningly clear and beautiful voices rise in traditional seasonal airs of many cultures. These winter songs are sung in English, Hebrew, Spanish, Swedish and German. Cecilia Kirtland and Robin Greenstein perform this unique and inspiring program in song and on guitars while dressed in Victorian garb. These songbirds are a delight, especially for the young and young at heart.

7:00 PM Winter A Capella
Chandler Square, MAIN STREET. (move indoors in case of inclement weather.)
The men of LIGMC will perform a very special and stirring vocal performance of holiday favorites. Not to be missed!

8:00 PM Gathering Time
FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH, MAIN STREET. This acclaimed vocal trio will cap off the evening’s festivities in the most delightful fashion. Come and sing along with wintertime favorites both familiar and unexpected!

7:00 – 11:00 PM The Crystal Ball ($tickets$)
PORT JEFFERSON VILLAGE CENTER. The Port Jefferson Village Center will be transformed into three floors of frosty, shimmering, brilliant white icicles and cascading chandeliers. The dress for the event is formal with a Then & Now theme for guests interested in wearing their most exquisite modern or Victorian finery. The Honoree of the Crystal Ball is Dickens Festival favorite Father Christmas. Refreshments will be available throughout the entire evening, with music by New York’s Most Dangerous Big Band. Fabulous raffle. The ball promises to be a truly sublime evening and the tickets are only $50. per person. Call 631 473-4778 during the hours of 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM Monday through Friday and 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM on Saturday for tickets and information.

8:00 PM A Christmas Carol ($tickets$)
THEATRE THREE, 412 MAIN STREET. Theatre Three presents its 28th annual adaptation of the Charles Dickens classic. Make this a family holiday tradition. Tickets $23 per person, $14 children 6 to 12. 20% discount for all students age 13 and up and seniors 65 and older. Call 928-9100. Have your picture taken with Scrooge after the performance in the theater lobby (non-ticket holders also invited) $5. donation goes to Theatre Three scholarship fund.

8:00 PM The Nutcracker ($tickets$)
HARBOR BALLET THEATER presents their 17th anniversary performance of this beloved ballet, at the Port Jefferson High School, Old Post Road. Tickets are $20. Special seniors and group rates available. Call: 331-3149

All Weekend: Village of Port Jefferson Dickens Festival Street Characters

Saturday, December 3rd

10:00AM – 10:00 PM Ice Skating at Port Jefferson Village Center Harborfront Park
East Broadway. Skates available for rent. Call 928-1236
•••SPECIAL EVENTS AT THE PORT JEFFERSON VILLAGE CENTER•••

9:00 AM – 10:00 PM Historic Photo Exhibit
Historic photos of Port Jefferson Village and photos from past Dickens Festivals will be on display throughout the Village Center.

1:00, 2:15, 3:30, 5:30 PM  A Christmas Carol Radio Show
Join Scrooge, Marley and the three ghosts for a Radio broadcast of the classic Dickens tale, A Christmas Carol. Through the voices of actors, live sound effects, and audience participation experience this scary, yet heartwarming story of a man’s rediscovery of the meaning of Christmas.

12:30 PM and 2:30 PM – Rhythmos Children’s Dancers
1:00 and 3:30 PM - Blue Spruce Cloggers with music by Michael Buchta
1:30 – 4:30 PM – Holiday Sing-a-long
1:30 PM – Children’s Choir from Greek Orthodox Church
2:30 PM – Holiday Sing-a-long with Denise Romas
3:30 and 4:30 PM – Miracle on Main Street
4:00 PM – Children’s Choir from Greek Orthodox Church
7:00 PM – Movie Night – A Christmas Carol
7:30 PM – Artesian Collaborative

12 Noon – 5:00 PM Story Book Time with Mother Goose
Harbormasters Building Annex, West Broadway

12 Noon – 8:00 PM Toy Train Petite Exhibit
Harbormaster’s Building, Town of Brookhaven Lot, West Broadway.
A very special exhibit of model trains which is but a small taste of the grand Toys for Tots Railroad Exhibit in Belle Terre.

12 Noon – 2:00 PM How Boats are Built
Bayles Boat Shop, Harborfront Park. Learn about Port Jefferson’s Boatbuilding past at the Bayles Boat Shop.

•••SPECIAL EVENTS AT THE FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH, Main Street•••

10:00 AM – 3:00 PM  19th Annual Cookie Walk and Christmas Fair
In honor and memory of Janet Odell, the originator of our first Cookie Walk

7:00 PM 4th Annual Christmas Variety Show
Join us for an uplifting evening of exquisite music performed by many voices raised in angelic harmony, chiming hand bells, lovely instrumentals and – of course – Santa Claus! Seating is limited to 250 persons on a first come, first served basis.

•••SPECIAL EVENTS AT CHRIST CHURCH, BARNUM AVENUE•••

11:00 AM – 4:00 PM A Chocolate Extravaganza & St. Nicholas’ Inn
A wonderful gathering to tempt all chocolate lovers. St. Nicholas’ Inn features an assortment of soups and breads along with hot beverages served in a humble Dickens style. Adults $5.50, children $3.

11:00 AM – 1:00 PM In Concert with Musicians from Christ Church Episcopal
Fine and lovely music from the heart.

1:00 & 3:00 PM Sweet Melody – Many Moods of Christmas Music.
Sit, relax and enjoy an outstanding concert of seasonal songs. 2:00 & 4:00 PM  The Story of St. Nicholas. St. Nicholas explains his feast day celebrated around the world in early December.
Special gifts for children.

11:00 – 5:00 PM Dickens Alley
HISTORIC EAST MAIN STREET. Decorated fir trees mantle a festive collection of unique shops offering a wealth of specialty items for the holiday season. Reflecting the true spirit of Charles Dickens himself, donations of new toys, children’s clothing and non-perishable foods will be collected and distributed to local charities. A splendid time is guaranteed for all.

11:00 AM Barnaby Saves Christmas ($tickets$)
THEATRE THREE Setting out to prove that they are not too small to help Santa, Barnaby (Santa’s littlest elf) and Franklynne (his reindeer friend) enlist the help of some very special friends and learn the true meaning of Christmas, Hanukkah, and the holiday season. Tickets are $10 per person, call 928-9100. Have your picture taken with Santa after the 11:00 AM performance in the theater lobby (non-ticket holders also invited) $5. donation goes to Theatre Three scholarship fund.

12 Noon – 2:00 PM How Boats are Built
Bayles Boat Shop, Harborfront Park. Learn about Port Jefferson’s Boatbuilding past at the Bayles Boat Shop. The Long Island Seaport and Eco Center will be open during the Dickens Festival at the Bayles Boat Shop next to the skating rink at Harborfront Park. LISEC is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to promoting an appreciation, awareness, and understanding of maritime history and the marine environment. www.lisec.org

12 Noon – 4:00 PM Live Reindeer
Harbor Square Mall: Children will delight at the live reindeer inside the Harbor Square Mall by Once Upon a Christmas.

12:00 – 5:00 PM Horse and Carriage Ride
Line up for rides at the First Baptist Church on East Main Street.
$2.00 per person donation appreciated.

Please Note: The First Baptist Church is now renamed to The Island Christian Church and is still located on the corner of East Main and Prospect Streets

12 Noon – 9:00 PM Old Fashioned Trolley Ride
Throughout the Village. Stop and Pick up throughout the Village

12 Noon – 8:00 PM Toys for Tots Model Railroad Exhibit
BELLE TERRE COMMUNITY CENTER, 55 Cliff Road, Belle Terre. See Friday’s program for details.

•••SPECIAL EVENTS AT MASONIC LODGE, MAIN STREET•••

12:00 Noon – 8:00 PM Spectacular Gingerbread House Contest
Downstairs during festival hours – Contest entry fee: $20 for adult contestants, $10 for children 12 and under. Entrants will be judged by the public-at-large as they view the entries throughout the weekend. Either a nonperishable food item or a cash donation from each adult viewer/judge is requested. Kids enter free (but cans of food are always welcome). All food donations and a portion of the monetary proceeds will benefit local charities. Santa Claus will be available periodically throughout the weekend for photographs. Final judging and award presentation on Sunday at 2:00 PM. Official contest rules available upon request. Contact Bro. Gary Lindemann at 631-821-2410 or idrek1@optonline.net

12:00, 2:00 and 4:00 PM The Great Wizard of the North Magic Show
The amazing Great Wizard of the North will dazzle and astound all who behold his mysterious skill! Magician Pat Darienzo becomes John Henry Anderson, the Caledonian conjurer who astonishes all with his incredible feats of legerdemain and fascinating scientific magic.

5:30 PM Mrs. Dilber – Scrooge’s housekeeper in “A Christmas Carol”
Scrooge’s long-suffering housekeeper, Mrs. Dilber, shares stories about life with the world’s most famous crotchety miser, untold before now! She makes Mr. Dickens’ A Christmas Carol come alive with the use of her favorite co-star: YOU! Prepare for history, mystery, a wee bit of mayhem and high spirits!

7:30 to 9:30 PM Mr. Fezziwig’s Dance Party
Upstairs will be transformed into the event of the season, Mr. Fezziwig’s Dance Party, featuring live music by Fiddler’s Green, performing on traditional instruments, and led by a dance caller, who is an expert in contra dancing, the waltz and the polka. Ball attendees will be able to participate in dances which were all the rage in the mid-nineteenth century, whether they are avid dancers or novice hoofers. Delectable tidbits will be offered. Whether dressed in rags or riches, all are welcome to join in the fun.

12:00 – 4:00 PM Santa’s Workshop
Historic Roe House, West Broadway and Barnum Avenue…Live Elves and Santa greet you as you meander through Santa’s three room whimsical Work Shop.  Enjoy elaborate holiday confection displays orchestrated by Pat Darling, acclaimed Confection Artist. A memorable visit for all.

1:00 – 5:00 PM Broom-Making Demonstration
HARBOR SQUARE MALL: Watch this talented artisan from Old Bethpage Village create the essential tool for every 19th century home.

1:00 – 4:00 PM Treasured Books and Stories
Friends of the Port Jefferson Free Library Annex EAST MAIN STREET Come warm yourself amid new friends and wonderful books.

1:00 – 4:00 PM Annual Reception and Tour ($tickets$)
MATHER HOUSE MUSEUM, 115 PROSPECT STREET
Come tour the Mather House, Spinney Clock Collection Building, Country Store, Tool Shed, Collins Carriage House, Frank Child Chair Repair Shop/Farm Tool Building, Marine Barn and Sail Loft. The Dedio House Consignment Shop will also be opened to tour or to shop. Admission is $2.00 per person or $5.00 per family.

1:00 – 5:00 PM Maritime Explorium ($tickets$)
Chandlery Building, 101 East Broadway. Build a Ship in a Bottle! Nautical Adventures with Real Steam-Powered Ships! Children will enjoy learning about the Village’s maritime history in a fun and playful environment. Admission $5.

•••Special events at First Presbyterian Church, main street•••

1:00 – 5:00 PM 15th Annual Victorian Tea ($tickets$)
A special part of each year’s festivities, this elegant high tea is served by candlelight in fine porcelain teacups. Ladies and gents enjoy fresh baked scones, delicious tea sandwiches, cakes and the finest of English teas. Donation $15.
Also featured is a complete and varied program of music, free and open to the public.

1:00 PM – Michael Bussewitz and Friends
2:00 PM – Musicians from Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, Stony Brook
3:00 PM – The Logan Family: Cello, Viola and Vocal Selections
4:00 PM – Handel’s Messiah: the North Shore Chamber Choir
Under the direction of Jeffrey Schneider will perform this
classic baroque oratorio. Not to be missed

•••SPECIAL EVENTS AT ISLAND CHRISTIAN CHURCH•••

1:00 PM Port Jeff Elementary School Chamber Ensemble
Christian Neubert, Director

1:35 PM Port Jeff Elementary School Select Choir
Meagan Finnerty and Jessica Pastor, Directors

3:00 PM Stony Brook School Choir
An annual tradition, the choir will perform favorite holiday music.
Directed by Dustin Ramirez.

4:30 and 6:30 PM Christmas Jazz This is a wonderful and unique way to relax before the evening’s festivities kick into high gear.

•••SPECIAL EVENT AT THE GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH OF THE ASSUMPTION•••

1:30 PM Seminarian Choir from Hellenic College and Holy Cross

Greek Orthodox School of Theology in Brookline, MA.
Committed to musical excellence, the Seminarians from Hellenic College and Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology in Brookline, MA will be appearing in a unique and unforgettable concert during the Dickens Festival. These stirring voices will sing American and Greek Christmas carols, as well as Byzantine chants, which are very rarely heard anywhere in the world. The Choir will appear in one performance only, beginning at 1:30PM at the Greek Orthodox Church of the Assumption, 430 Sheep Pasture Road. The trolley will leave from the Village to go to the Church at 1:00 PM and pick up at the Church at 3:00PM to return to the Village.

3:00 and 8:00 PM A Christmas Carol ($tickets$)
THEATRE THREE, 412 Main Street. Theatre Three presents its 28th annual adaptation of the Charles Dickens classic (See Friday at 8:00 PM for ticket prices and details). Have your picture taken with Scrooge after the 8:00 PM performance in the theater lobby (non-ticket holders also invited) $5. donation goes to Theatre Three scholarship fund.

3:00 and 8:00 PM The Nutcracker ($tickets$)
PORT JEFFERSON HIGH SCHOOL (See Friday’s program).

!!!Great Dinners & Entertainment at Local Restaurants.
Make Your Reservations Soon for Early or Late Seatings!!!

4:00 – 8:00 PM 16th Annual Victorian Lanternlight House Tour ($tickets$)
This year’s tour divides the Village of Port Jefferson into two halves. Homes will be feature on the East and West side of the Village. Five homes including the very historic ‘Drowned Meadow Cottage’ which will be transformed into a Santa’s workshop.  Island Christian Church on East Main where there will be a holiday concert and Port Jefferson Village Hall will be the hospitality center.  In addition there will be an added feature of wine tasting and spiced mulled wine at Vine2Wine for ticket holders. The self-guided tour, tickets are $25, credit cards accepted  (limited to the first 500 people); they are on sale at the Port Jefferson Chamber of Commerce, 118 W. Broadway.  Call 631-473-1414 or email for more information.  info@portjeffchamber.com

Sunday, December 4th

10:00AM – 10:00 PM  Ice Skating at Port Jefferson Village Center Harborfront Park
East Broadway. Skates available for rent. Call 928-1236

•••SPECIAL EVENTS AT THE PORT JEFFERSON VILLAGE CENTER•••

12:30, 1:30 and 2:30 PM A Christmas Carol Radio Show
12:30 PM and 2:30 PM Rhythmos Children’s Dancers
1:00 PM – 3:00 PM Friends of Charles Dickens
A very special reading by this NYC-based Literary Society. They will present selected passages of the works of Mr. Dickens, in honor of the 200th Anniversary of his birth.
1:30 and 3:30 PM Miracle on Main Street
1:30 – 3:30 PM Holiday Sing-a-long! See Saturday’s program for details.
11:00 AM – 4:00 PM Dickens Alley Historic East Main Street.
Unique specialty shops. See Saturday’s program.

•••SPECIAL EVENTS AT CHRIST CHURCH, BARNUM AVENUE•••

(See Saturday’s program for descriptions)

11:00 AM – 4:00 PM A Chocolate Extravaganza and St. Nicholas’ Inn
1:00 PM The Story of St. Nicholas
2:00 PM – 4:00 PM Eyewitness Band

11:30 AM & 1:30 PM Dickens Brunch at Danfords ($tickets$)
DANFORDS ON THE SOUND, EAST BROADWAY. Enjoy authentic Dickens’ recipes at this sumptuous brunch. “Santa” will make an appearance. Call 928-5200, ext. 170 for reservations. $29.95 for adults, $14 for children, four and under free.

12 Noon – 2:00 PM How Boats are Built
Bayles Boat Shop, Harborfront Park. See Saturday’s program for details.

12 Noon – 4:00 PM Live Reindeer
Harbor Square Mall: Children will delight at the live reindeer inside the Harbor Square Mall by Once Upon a Christmas.

12 Noon – 4:00 PM Broom-making Demonstration
HARBOR SQUARE MALL: Watch this talented artisan from Old Bethpage Village create the essential tool for every 19th century home.

12 Noon – 5:00 PM Story Book Time with Mother Goose
Harbormasters Building Annex, West Broadway

12 Noon – 4:00 PM Toy Train Petite Exhibit
Harbormaster’s Building, Town of Brookhaven Lot, West Broadway.
A very special exhibit of model trains which is but a small taste of the grand Toys for Tots Railroad Exhibit in Belle Terre.

12:00 – 4:00 PM Horse and Carriage Ride
Line up for rides at the First Baptist Church on East Main Street.
$2.00 per person donation appreciated.

Please Note: The First Baptist Church is now renamed to The Island Christian Church and is still located on the corner of East Main and Prospect Streets

12 Noon – 7:00 PM Old Fashioned Trolley Ride
Throughout the Village. Stop and Pick up throughout the Village

12 Noon – 8:00 PM Toys for Tots Model Railroad Exhibit
BELLE TERRE COMMUNITY CENTER, 55 Cliff Road, Belle Terre. See Friday’s program for details.

•••SPECIAL EVENTS AT ISLAND CHRISTIAN CHURCH•••

12:30 PM Holiday Songs by Danielle Hammarth and Laura Graf
Seasonal favorites and holiday airs.

1:30 PM Toot Sweet Quartet
This classically trained flute group will perform holiday favorites and classical selections.

3:30PM Marie O’Connell: Holiday Songs of all Nations

•••SPECIAL EVENTS AT MASONIC TEMPLE, MAIN STREET•••

12:00 Noon – 2:00 PM Spectacular Gingerbread House Contest (see Saturday schedule for details)
Downstairs during festival hours – Final judging and prizes awarded at 2:00 PM.
Contact Bro. Gary Lindemann at 631-821-2410 or idrek1@optonline.net

1:00 and 2:30 PM The Great Wizard of the North Magic Show

•••Special events at First Presbyterian Church, Main Street•••

1:00 – 4:00 PM 15th Annual Victorian Tea ($tickets$)
A special part of each year’s festivities, this elegant high tea is served by candlelight in fine porcelain teacups. Ladies and gents enjoy fresh baked scones, delicious tea sandwiches, cakes and the finest of English teas. Donation $15.
Also featured is a complete and varied program of music, free and open to the public.

1:00 PM North Shore Suzuki School String Ensemble
1:40 PM Port Jeff Middle School String Orchestra, Francesca Jourawleff, Director
2:20 PM Port Jeff High School String Orchestra, Michael Caravello, Director
3:15 PM Port Jefferson HS Tri-M Wind, Brass and Choral Ensemble
Christine Creighton and Katie Bernius, Directors

4:00 PM Long Island Symphonic Choral Association (LISCA)
Dr. Thomas Schmidt, Director

1:00 – 5:00 PM Santa’s Workshop
Historic Roe House, West Broadway and Barnum Avenue…Live Elves and Santa greet you as you meander through Santa’s three room whimsical Work Shop.  Enjoy elaborate holiday confection displays orchestrated by Pat Darling, acclaimed Confection Artist. A memorable visit for all.

1:00 – 5:00 PM Maritime Explorium ($tickets$)
CHANDLERY, 101 East Broadway (see Saturday’s program for details.)

1:00 – 4:00 PM MATHER HOUSE MUSEUM, 115 PROSPECT STREET
(see Saturday’s program for details.)

1:00 – 4:00 PM Friends of the Port Jefferson Free Library Annex EAST MAIN STREET

1:30 – 4:30 PM Marathon Dickens Reading
PORT JEFFERSON FREE LIBRARY, EAST MAIN STREET
Join in the Festival’s 4th Marathon Reading of selected Dickens’ works during the weekend. All ages are welcome to read a page or more. Sign up at the Library by calling 631 473-0022. Light refreshments will be available in the afternoon.

•••SPECIAL EVENTS AT THE FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH•••

1:30 PM and 3:30 PM Mrs. Dilber Tells All!
Scrooge’s long-suffering housekeeper, Mrs. Dilber, shares stories about life with the world’s most famous crotchety miser, untold before now! She makes Mr. Dickens’ A Christmas Carol come alive with the use of her favorite co-star: YOU! Prepare for history, mystery, a wee bit of mayhem and high spirits!

2:30PM Marie O’Connell: Holiday Songs of all Nations

3:00 and 7:00 PM A Christmas Carol ($tickets$)
THEATRE THREE, 412 Main Street. Tickets are $21 for either show. (See Friday’s program for details.)

3:00 PM  The Nutcracker ($tickets$)
PORT JEFFERSON HIGH SCHOOL. See Friday’s program.

4:30 PM Passing of the Lantern of Life
STARTS AT THEATRE THREE on MAIN STREET
A tradition that celebrates the meaning of neighborliness and community.

5:00 PM Dickens Festival Grand Finale Parade
Giant puppets, singing choirs, actors, street characters and dancing children in a parade of lights march down Main Street to the Village Hall for closing ceremonies. The Tree of Life is lit, celebrating all that the future will hold. Main Street to West Broadway.

All Weekend:
• Port Jefferson Village Center Holiday Sing-A-Long
• Historic Port Jefferson and Past Dickens Festivals Photo Exhibit
• Ice Skating Open to the Public

• Toys 4 Tots Model Train Exhibit
Village of Belle Terre Community Center

• Dickens Festival Street Characters
Village of Port Jefferson

Major Sponsors: