PJ Village Charles Dickens Festival - November 17, 2022

2022 Co-honorees, David Melious, head of the Parks Department for the Village & the Greater Port Jefferson-Northern Brookhaven Arts Council

CHARLES DICKENS FESTIVAL

Welcome to the 26th Annual Village of Port Jefferson Charles Dickens Festival!

As fall sheds its leafy coat in preparation for winter, the first weekend in December once again plays host to the beloved Village of Port Jefferson Charles Dickens Festival. Join us as we celebrate our 26th Anniversary through our cherished traditions plus spectacular new additions that will add a sparkle and a smile to this enchanting weekend.

Hailed as Long Island’s Best Annual Event/Festival for 2019, 2020 and 2022 (the 2020 contest for the 2021 award was Covid cancelled), Dickens begins on Saturday, December 3, running through Sunday, December 4. Produced by the Greater Port JeffersonNorthern Brookhaven Arts Council in cooperation with the Incorporated Village of Port Jefferson, friends and families from across the Northeast, from all 50 states and, indeed, from around the globe (over 60 guests from the EU in 2019), will gather to celebrate the beloved author as we once again turn our quaint seaport village into a living Dickens stage.

Born Charles John Huffam Dickens (1812-1870), Charles Dickens was

arguably the literary superstar of his age, a status that lives on today. Ever the champion of the common man and the downtrodden, his inventive genius has inspired a raft of theatrical performances and a parade of films that portray the drama and redemption of life as a central theme. From A Tale of Two Cities to A Christmas Carol, Dickens managed to create some of literature’s most iconic and memorable personalities. We are proud to carry on this time-honored tradition with our Dickens Festival.

The wonderous Festival of Trees, an artistic collection of magnificent Christmas creations, are found at the Port Jefferson Village Center on the second floor and will be available for viewing the entire month. AND, new for this year, the Dickens Yuletide Tree Works will premiere alongside the Festival of Trees. As you stroll down this extraordinary parade of trees, you will see the Tree Works, with busy elves showing off how the surrounding trees were crafted. Many of the decorations from Santa’s Workshop past will be on display as well. Not to be missed magical moments!

The Artisan Square, showing how hand-crafted works were made during Victorian England, resides in the parking lot by the blinking light where Main Street and East and West Broadway merge. The spectacular Tiny Tim’s Train Station (a Toys for Tots location), presented by the Reed Family

bormaster’s building. The restaurants offer Dickensian inspired fare, while the wide range of shops in the village stay open for extended hours for holiday shopping.

The Village, once again, will be rich with our troupe of Dickens Street Characters and alive with a host of musical, magical and theatrical presentations. The Grand East Main Street Opening Parade marches on Saturday morning at 11:00 AM, while Pickwick’s Puppet Parade ends the festivities beginning at 5:00 PM on Sunday.

So, come one! Come all! A rapturous time for the young and young at heart, the Dickens Festival is sure to delight the Scroogiest of curmudgeons!

A splendid time is guaranteed for all.

Margot Garant Mayor, Village of Port Jefferson

Allan Varela Chair, Greater Port Jefferson-Northern Brookhaven Arts Council

Port Je erson Village Mayor Margot Garant with a Dickens crowd.

PHOTO BYCAROL MILLER

CHARLES DICKENS FESTIVAL

Calendar of events

Department and check out our special Christmas Carol display for the Dickens Festival. We have many different versions of the classic tale available in 11 different languages!

11:00 AM - 11:45 AM

Historic Reading Room

Port Jefferson Library

9:30 AM - 4:00 PM

Library Front Lawn

Port Jefferson Library

Take pictures with adorable winter scenery in front of the Library.

9:30 AM - 4:00 PM

Historic Reading Room

Port Jefferson Library

Enjoy an elegantly decorated atmosphere in the historic Front Reading Room. Take home treats will be provided.

10:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Festival of Trees

Port Jefferson Village Center - 2nd floor

11:00 AM - 11:40 AM

Grand East Main Street Opening Parade East Main to Port Jefferson Village Center

11:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Drowned Meadow Cottage Museum

Come and explore our family-friendly museum! Our knowledgeable guides will take you on a free guided tour highlighting our all-new exhibits, giving you a rare glimpse into Port Jefferson’s history. We will be handing out some delicious hot apple cider and tasty apple desserts while supplies last.

11:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Chocolate Extravaganza

Christ Church Episcopal

11:00 AM - 4:00 PM

St. Nicholas’ Inn Soup & Lunch

Christ Church Episcopal

11:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Dickens Alley

Historic East Main Street

11:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Children’s Department

Port Jefferson Library

Join us for a Dickens Film Marathon and enjoy a variety of Christmas Carols that will be shown in the Children’s Room. ALSO, view The Christmas Carol in Multiple Languages in the Children’s

Selected Readings from Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol.” Experience the beauty that is Charles Dickens’ holiday classic “A Christmas Carol” in these 30-minute readings featuring award-winning audiobook narrator Gerard Doyle. Mr. Doyle’s 40 year acting career spans television, radio, and theatre on both sides of the Atlantic, including London’s West End, Broadway, as well as touring with the English Shakespeare Company. His recordings of over 400 audio books have earned numerous awards, and he has been named “Best Voice of the Year” in a number of genres by Audiofile magazine.

11:00 AM

‘Barnaby Saves Christmas’ Theatre Three Ticket $$

11:40 AM - 12:00 PM

Opening Ceremony

Port Jefferson Village Center

12:00 PM - 5:00 PM

The Whaleboat Project - Long Island Seaport & Eco Center Bayles Boat Shop, Harborfront Park

12:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Roasted Chestnuts for Sale $ Christ Church Episcopal

12:00 PM - 12:20 PM

The Cotillion Strings

Christ Church Episcopal

12:00 PM - 4:00 PM

***Yuletide Tree Works***

Port Jefferson Village Center - 2nd floor

12:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Artisan Square

Farmer’s Market lot – Kilwins

12:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Tiny Tim’s Train Station/Toys for Tots

Harbormaster’s Building - W. Broadway

12:00 PM - 12:20 PM

Phyllis Butler - Sweet Melody Music Studio Harborview Christian Church

12:00 PM - 10:00 PM

Spectacular Gingerbread House Contest Masonic Lodge $$

12:00 PM - 12:50 PM

Great Wizard of the North Magic Show Masonic Lodge $$

* Please note that performances marked with $$ require either advance tickets or cash at the door.

12:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Village Dickens Weekend

Port Jefferson Historical Society

Port Jefferson Historical Society Museum open for tours & Consignment Shop

12:00 PM - 12:30 PM

Port Jefferson Tri-M Music Honor Society

Port Jefferson Village Center - Wayfair Room

12:00 PM - 12:20 PM

Erika the Harpist

Port Jefferson Village Center - Harbor Cove

12:00 PM - 12:40 PM

Christmas Carol Radio Show

Port Jefferson Village Center - Sail Loft

12:00 PM

Inishfree School of Dance A on MAP Frigate

12:00 PM Scrooge G on MAP Village Way

12:00 PM

Knox School E on MAP GAP

12:00 PM

Reeny Foster Group

On MAP H Port Jeff Brewing Company

12:00 PM Carolers F on MAP Chase Bank

12:00 PM

Backstage Studio

B on MAP Port Jefferson Village Center

12:15 PM - 12:45 PM

The Elves and the Shoemaker

This Brothers Grimm fairy tale teaches us to be grateful for the help we receive and to pass the same kindness along to others who may need it.

First Methodist Church –Advance Tickets Only - DrKVanH@optonline.net

12:30 PM

Jolly Jammers Orchestra

B on MAP Port Jefferson Village Center

12:30 PM

Dickens Meet A on MAP Frigate

12:30 PM

Town Crier

E on MAP GAP

12:40 PM - 1:00 PM

The Cotillion Strings Christ Church Episcopal

12:40 PM - 1:00 PM

Phyllis Butler - Sweet Melody Music Studio Harborview Christian Church

12:40 PM - 1:00 PM

Erika the Harpist

Port Jefferson Village Center - Harbor Cove

1:00 PM - 1:45 PM

Port Jefferson Middle School String Orchestra Dr. Vanessa Salzman, Director First Presbyterian Church

1:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Dickens Festival at The Long Island Explorium Long Island Explorium Experience the Chandlery of the 1800’s! Enjoy hot cider and freshly popped popcorn. Design and decorate your own mini Mag-Lev sled and test it on our magnetic track! $5 per person (Members Free). We won’t have the steam powered ships this time. Thank you!

1:00 PM

Carolers A on MAP Frigate

1:00 PM Oliver G on MAP Village Way

1:00 PM

Reeny Foster Group H on MAP Port Jeff Brewing Company

1:00 PM

Curiosity Shop E on MAP GAP

1:00 PM

Knox School B on MAP Port Jefferson Village Center

1:10 PM - 1:50 PM

Christmas Carol Radio Show Port Jefferson Village Center - Sail Loft

1:20 PM - 1:40 PM

The Cotillion Strings Christ Church Episcopal

1:20 PM - 1:40 PM

Phyllis Butler - Sweet Melody Music Studio Harborview Christian Church

1:20 PM - 2:10 PM

Great Wizard of the North Magic Show Masonic Lodge $$

1:20 PM - 1:40 PM

Erika the Harpist Port Jefferson Village Center - Harbor Cove

1:30 PM - 2:00 PM

The Elves and the Shoemaker

This Brothers Grimm fairy tale teaches us to be grateful for the help we receive and to pass the same kindness along to others who may need it.

First Methodist Church –Advance Tickets Only - DrKVanH@optonline.net

1:30 PM

Kids Choir E on MAP GAP

1:30 PM

Fezziwig’s Dance Party C on MAP Founders Park

1:30 PM

Jolly Jammers Orchestra

B on MAP Port Jefferson Village Center

2:00 PM

Knox School E on MAP GAP

2:00 PM

Dickens Meet F on MAP Chase Bank

2:00 PM

Cricket On The Hearth D on MAP Library

2:00 PM - 2:20 PM

Songs of the Season - Robin Greenstein Christ Church Episcopal

2:00 PM - 3:30 PM

Ward Melville Chamber Orchestra Greek Orthodox Church of the Assumption

2:00 PM - 2:20 PM

Harbormen Chorus Harborview Christian Church

2:00 PM - 2:20 PM

Serenade Duo

Port Jefferson Village Center - Harbor Cove

2:00 PM

Carolers

A on MAP Frigate

2:00 PM

Inishfree School of Dance G on MAP Village Way

2:20 PM - 3:00 PM

Christmas Carol Radio Show

Port Jefferson Village Center - Sail Loft

2:30 PM - 3:30 PM

Sing Along - Come Join the Song!

First Presbyterian Church

2:30 PM - 3:00 PM

Holiday Music with the Port Jefferson Elementary School Chamber Ensemble

Join us for holiday music in the Historic Front Reading Room! Director is Christian Neubert, Port Jefferson School District.

Port Jefferson Library

CHARLES DICKENS FESTIVAL

2:40 PM - 3:00 PM

Songs of the Season - Robin Greenstein Christ Church Episcopal

2:40 PM - 3:00 PM

Harbormen Chorus Harborview Christian Church

2:40 PM - 3:30 PM

Great Wizard of the North Magic Show Masonic Lodge $$

2:40 PM - 3:00 PM

Serenade Duo

Port Jefferson Village Center - Harbor Cove

2:45 PM - 3:15 PM

The Elves and the Shoemaker

This Brothers Grimm fairy tale teaches us to be grateful for the help we receive and to pass the same kindness along to others who may need it.

First Methodist Church –Advance Tickets Only - DrKVanH@optonline.net

3:00 PM

‘A Christmas Carol’ Theatre Three $$

3:00 PM

Scrooge G on MAP Village Way

3:00 PM

Carolers

B on MAP Port Jefferson Village Center

3:00 PM TBA H on MAP Port Jeff Brewing Company

3:00 PM TBA F on MAP Chase Bank

3:20 PM - 3:40 PM

Songs of the Season - Robin Greenstein Christ Church Episcopal

3:20 PM - 3:40 PM

Serenade Duo

Port Jefferson Village Center - Harbor Cove

3:20 PM - 3:40 PM

Holiday Sing-a-long with Denise Romas

Port Jefferson Village Center - Sail Loft

3:30 PM

Fezziwig’s Dance Party G on MAP Village Way

3:30 PM

Inishfree School of Dance A on MAP Frigate

4:00 PM - 4:30 PM

The Elves and the Shoemaker

This Brothers Grimm fairy tale teaches us to be grateful for the help we receive and to pass the same kindness along to others who may need it.

First Methodist Church –Advance Tickets Only - DrKVanH@optonline.net

4:00 PM - 5:00 PM

The

First Presbyterian Church

4:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Coppers and Brass - Special Concert Harborview Christian Church

4:00 PM - 4:20 PM

Holiday Sing-a-long with Denise Romas Port Jefferson Village Center - Sail Loft

4:00 PM Oliver G on MAP Village Way

4:00 PM Curiosity Shop E on MAP GAP

4:30 PM

TBA B on MAP Village Center

4:40 PM - 5:00 PM

Holiday Sing-a-long with Denise Romas Port Jefferson Village Center - Sail Loft

5:00 PM

TBA G on MAP Village Way

5:00 PM Jewel Tones E on MAP GAP

5:00 PM

TBA I on MAP Salsa Salsa

5:00 PM

All Characters Singing A on MAP Frigate

5:30 PM - 6:30 PM

Living Nativity and Christmas Cookie Sale First Methodist Church

6:30 PM - 7:10 PM

Christmas Jazz Harborview Christian Church

7:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Once Upon A Tyme Quartet First Methodist Church

7:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Buddy Merriam Village Center Sail Loft

7:00 PM

‘A Christmas Carol’ Theatre Three $$

7:30 PM - 8:10 PM Christmas Jazz Harborview Christian Church

7:30 PM - 9:30 PM

Fezziwig’s Dance Party

1850s Band Dance All Night Masonic Lodge $$

10:00 AM - 7:00 PM

Festival of Trees Port Jefferson Village Center - 2nd floor

11:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Drowned Meadow Cottage Museum Come and explore our family-friendly museum! Our knowledgeable guides will take you on a free guided tour highlighting our all-new exhibits, giving you a rare glimpse into Port Jefferson’s history. We will be handing out some delicious hot apple cider and tasty apple desserts while supplies last.

11:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Chocolate Extravaganza Christ Church Episcopal

11:00 AM - 4:00 PM

St. Nicholas’ Inn Soup & Lunch Christ Church Episcopal

11:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Dickens Alley Historic East Main Street

12:00 PM - 10:00 PM

Spectacular Gingerbread House Contest Masonic Lodge $$

12:00 PM - 5:00 PM

The Whaleboat Project - Long Island Seaport & Eco Center

Bayles Boat Shop, Harborfront Park

12:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Roasted Chestnuts for Sale $ Christ Church Episcopal

12:00 PM - 4:00 PM

***Yuletide Tree Works***

Port Jefferson Village Center - 2nd floor

12:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Artisan Square Farmer’s Market lot

Messiah North Shore Chamber ChoirAlan Rubenstein, Music Director

ED SHIN

Toast the season with a literary-inspired cocktail

Come the holidays, many people engage in various customs and rituals that make the season even more special. One person may bake dozens of cookies to share with friends and family, while another may go caroling with the church choir.

Reading familiar stories and watching classic Christmas movies also are part and parcel of many celebrations. For example, A Christmas Carol, a novella by Charles Dickens that was published in 1843, is a must-read and must-see for many people each holiday season. The story is the tale of the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge, who is visited by various ghosts, each of whom teaches Scrooge an important lesson about living life to its fullest. Theater companies, including our very own Theatre Three, put on productions of the classic Dickens tale around the holiday season.

Holiday celebrants and fans of “A Christmas Carol” can raise a toast to Charles Dickens by enjoying one of his favorite cocktails, the Sherry Cobbler, courtesy of Margaret Kaplan’s “How to Drink Like a Writer: Recipes for the Cocktails

and Libations that Inspired 100 Literary Greats.” While Dickens did not mention the Sherry Cobbler in A Christmas Carol, the beverage does make an appearance in another of his works, The Life and Adventures of Martin Chuzzlewit.

Charles Dickens’s Sherry Cobbler

YIELD: Serves 1

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 orange slices

• 1 tablespoon sugar

• 4 ounces amontillado sherry

• Berries (in season) for garnishing

• Maraschino cherries for garnishing

• 1 lemon wheel for garnishing

DIRECTIONS:

Muddle orange slices and sugar at the bottom of a cocktail shaker. Add sherry and ice and shake. Strain ingredients into a Collins glass filled with crushed ice. Garnish with seasonal berries, maraschino cherries and a lemon wheel. Serve with a generosity of spirit.

Calendar continued

12:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Tiny Tim’s Train Station/Toys for Tots

Harbormaster’s Building - W. Broadway

12:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Spectacular Gingerbread House Contest

Masonic Lodge

12:00 PM - 12:50 PM

Great Wizard of the North Magic Show Masonic Lodge $$

12:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Annual Holiday Open House Refreshments and Mulled Cider

Port Jefferson Historical Society

12:00 PM - 12:20 PM

Judith Zweiman My Father’s Custom

Port Jefferson Village Center - Harbor Cove

12:00 PM - 12:40 PM

Christmas Carol Radio Show

Port Jefferson Village Center - Sail Loft

12:00 PM

Scrooge G on MAP Village Way 12:00 PM Choralions E on MAP GAP

CHARLES DICKENS FESTIVAL

12:00 PM

Carolers A on MAP Frigate

12:15 PM - 12:45 PM

The Elves and the Shoemaker

This Brothers Grimm fairy tale teaches us to be grateful for the help we receive and to pass the same kindness along to others who may need it. First Methodist Church Advance Tickets Only - DrKVanH@optonline.net

12:20 PM - 12:40 PM

Grace Sings Pauli Plays Christ Church Episcopal

12:30 PM - 1:00 PM

Mountain Maidens: Holiday Songs of All Nations Harborview Christian Church

12:30 PM

Curiosity Shop D on MAP Library

12:30 PM

Jolly Jammers Orchestra B on MAP Village Center

12:40 PM - 1:00 PM

Judith Zweiman My Father’s Custom

Port Jefferson Village Center - Harbor Cove

1:00 PM - 1:20 PM

Grace Sings Pauli Plays Christ Church Episcopal

1:00 PM - 1:30 PM

North Shore Suzuki School String Ensemble First Presbyterian Church

1:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Dickens Festival at The Long Island Explorium

Experience the Chandlery of the 1800’s! Enjoy hot cider and freshly popped popcorn. Design and decorate your own mini Mag-Lev sled and test it on our magnetic track! $5 per person (Members Free). We won’t have the steam powered ships this time. Thank you!

1:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Children’s Department Port Jefferson Library

Join us for a Dickens Film Marathon and enjoy a variety of Christmas Carols that will be shown in the Children’s Room. ALSO, view The Christmas Carol in Multiple Languages in the Children’s Department and check out our special Christmas Carol display for the Dickens Festival. We have many different versions of the classic tale available in 11 different languages!

1:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Library Front Lawn

Take pictures with adorable winter scenery in front of the Library

1:00 PM

Inishfree School of Dance H on MAP Port Jeff Brewing Company

1:00 PM

Oliver G on MAP Village Way

1:00 PM Choralions E on MAP GAP

1:10 PM - 1:50 PM

Christmas Carol Radio Show Port Jefferson Village Center - Sail Loft

1:20 PM - 1:50 PM

Mountain Maidens: Holiday Songs of All Nations Harborview Christian Church

1:20 PM - 2:10 PM

Great Wizard of the North Magic Show Masonic Lodge $$

1:20 PM - 1:40 PM

Judith Zweiman My Father’s Custom

Port Jefferson Village Center - Harbor Cove 1:30 PM - 2:00 PM

The Elves and the Shoemaker

This Brothers Grimm fairy tale teaches us to be grateful for the help we receive and to pass the same kindness along to others who may need it.

CHARLES DICKENS FESTIVAL Artisan Square

Tiny Tim’s Train Station Toys-for-Tots

Tiny Tim’s Train StationToys-For-Tots

Presented

the Reed Family Train Project Harbormaster’s Building Port Jefferson Village

The wonderfully decked-out-forChristmas model train exhibit, located at the Harbormaster’s Building in Port Jefferson, is a yearly favorite provided by The Reed Family Train Project. Taking literally weeks to assemble, this truly stunning exhibit is sure to captivate one and all. The location will also be host to the Toys-for-Tots toy-raising event. Festival visitors are encouraged to bring new, unwrapped toys and drop them in the collection box next to the exhibit while looking at different model train sets course around the setup.

Beginning in 1763, Scottish engineer James Watt tinkered with the original steam engine design that led to the first steam engine locomotive prototype built by British engineer Richard Trevithick in 1804. 1814 witnessed the first successful

steam engine train, built by British engi neer George Stephenson, that could haul up to 30 tons of coal at a “breakneck” uphill speed of four miles per hour. Train tracks were soon found crisscrossing the globe as the steam locomotive helped to usher in the Industrial Era in Britain and America. Charles Dickens was so amazed by this new invention he named a powerful new breed of locomotive, built for speedy service on the American Baltimore & Ohio Railroad’s expanding system, the Pegasus, commenting, “If it had spread its wings and flew away, no one would be the least bit surprised!”

This is a family favorite, and this year is presented by the Town of Brookhaven and Techmaven LLC. In loving memory of John Codichini.

The Artisan Square will feature five artisans who demonstrate how crafts were done during Dickens’ time. The Arts & Crafts movement began in Victorian Britain in the 1860s as a response to the demise of the older craft guilds in favor of industrialized manufacturing. Led by artist and writer William Morris, the Arts & Crafts movement sought to bring back high quality, handmade workmanship. Our Dickens Festival Artisans utilize 19th century tools to elucidate festival attendees in the creative process behind their respective crafts. In addition to demonstrating techniques, they engage festival attendees in conversations that encourage a comparison between old and modern tools, methods and products that are used in everyday life. The Artisan’s Tent this year will present Arthington Acres Jam Purveyors, Elisaid the Weaver, Ravens Wing Millinery, Doug & Sherre’s Ephemera and the return of Peter the Blacksmith outside the tent. You can also win this gorgeous custom-made bonnet

created by Raven’s Wing Hattery. Tickets available in the Artisan Square tent. You can find the Artisan Square next to Kilwins on Main Street just South of the blinking light at Main Street and East/ West Broadway.

Sponsored by: Suffolk Tent

This holiday season give the gift of

Tiny Tim visited the Dickens Festival in 2015 to spread some good cheer.

by

BOB SAVAGE

CHARLES DICKENS FESTIVAL

Calendar continued

PM

Jolly Jammers Orchestra B on MAP Village Center

2:10 PM - 2:40 PM

Mountain Maidens: Holiday Songs of All Nations Harborview Christian Church

2:20 PM - 2:40 PM

Becker/Lessard Guitar Duo

“Performing compositions by: Savage, Tedesco and Williams”

Christ Church Episcopal

2:20 PM - 3:00 PM

Christmas Carol Radio Show

Port Jefferson Village Center - Sail Loft

2:30 PM - 3:10 PM

Port Jefferson High School String Orchestra, Dr. Michael Caravello, Director

First Presbyterian Church

2:30 PM

Inishfree School of Dance E on MAP GAP

2:30 PM

Choir

F on MAP Chase Bank

2:40 PM - 3:30 PM

Great Wizard of the North Magic Show Masonic Lodge $$

2:40 PM - 3:00 PM

Rose Tree

Port Jefferson Village Center - Harbor Cove

2:45 PM - 3:15 PM

The Elves and the Shoemaker First Methodist Church

3:00 PM - 3:30 PM

Mountain Maidens: Holiday Songs of All Nations

Harborview Christian Church

3:00 PM

‘A Christmas Carol’ Theatre Three $$

3:00 PM

Scrooge G on MAP Village Way

3:10 PM - 3:30 PM

Becker/Lessard Guitar Duo

“Performing compositions by: Savage, Tedesco and Williams”

Christ Church Episcopal

3:20 PM - 3:40 PM

Harbormen Chorus Harborview Christian Church

3:20 PM - 3:40 PM

Rose Tree

Port Jefferson Village Center - Harbor Cove

3:30 PM - 4:30 PM

Alejandro Sonzogni and Friends

First Presbyterian Church

3:30 PM

Choralions E on MAP GAP

3:45 PM - 4:15 PM

Historic Reading Room

Holiday Music with the Port Jefferson High School Orchestra” - Join us for holiday music in the Historic Front Reading Room! Director is Dr. Michael Caravello, Port Jefferson School District.

3:50 PM - 4:10 PM

Becker/Lessard Guitar Duo

Performing compositions by: Savage, Tedesco and Williams

Christ Church Episcopal

4:00 PM - 4:30 PM

The Elves and the Shoemaker

This Brothers Grimm fairy tale teaches us to be grateful for the help we receive and to pass the same kindness along to others who may need it.

First Methodist Church –Advance Tickets Only - DrKVanH@optonline.net

4:30 PM

The Passing of the Lantern of Life T3 Parking lot

5:00 PM

Pickwick’s Puppet Parade Maple Avenue to Village Hall

5:45 PM

Closing Ceremony Village Hall

7:00 PM

‘A Christmas Carol’ Theatre Three $$

CHARLES DICKENS FESTIVAL

Special Events at the Charles Dickens Festival

The second floor of the Port Jef ferson Village Center is play ing host to a host of events this year. The Festival of Trees is joined by the Yuletide Tree Works replete with elves scurrying to decorate trees as they used to do in Santa’s Workshop of yester year. Further, word has it that Santa himself will be available for photo opportu nities also on the second floor. There is a special one-hour concert happening at the Harborview Christian Church featuring a new performing group, Coppers and Brass, starting at 4:00. NOT TO BE MISSED. Also, something new at the Methodist Church this year: an inventive theatrical production of The Elves and the Shoemaker. This Brothers Grimm fairy tale teaches us to be grateful for the help we receive and to pass the same kindness along to others who may need it.

Advance Tickets Only! Please send email to: DrKVanH@optonline.net for exact ticket information.

For information on the Gingerbread Contest, visit gingerbread-contest.com for more information. Entry Fee $25. Entry registration due by November 20th.

Special thanks to the Knox School, the Innishfree Dancers and the Long wood Choralions for lending their talents for this year’s festival.

Stony Brook Christian Assembly

NICOLLS ROAD IN EAST SETAUKET, NEW YORK 11733 For more information, please call (631) 689–1127 • www.stonybrookchristian.com

CHARLES DICKENS FESTIVAL

Artists in Residence Award for 2023

Backstage Studio of Dance is a place where kids of all ages, shapes and sizes learn to dance and perform. The studio stresses creativity, individuality, and self-expres sion through a community of teachers, students and families who are passionate about the performing arts. Their goal is to create a positive experience, nurture and develop talent, and celebrate achievements in a safe and positive environment.

During the Pandemic, “BACKSTAGE STUDIO OF DANCE” held all 62 of their classes via Zoom, at their nor mally scheduled times, to keep their student’s lives as normal as

possible, keeping their teachers and staff employed. All three partners drove to every one of their “5 and under” homes and

delivered a dance prop bag for them to use at home during their virtual classes, and because they couldn’t hold recitals, they held

both a socially distanced cos tume parade and party in their parking lot for the students, as well as a collage of all the dance

families, with a sign that read

‘BACKSTAGE STUDIO OF DANCE” has been an institution in our community for 36 years; they teach that dif ferences are embraced, diversity is celebrated and all are treated equally as valuable members of the family. These characteristics are then brought out to the surrounding community. They are committed to the growth of their dancers and families, along with all the businesses around them.

“WE LOVE YOU AND WE WILL GET THROUGH THIS TOGETHER”.

Backstage Studio of Dance

From left: Gwenn Capodieci, Pamela Strain, Nicole Terlizzo

Horse & Wagon Rides

reo’s big brother, Jackson, is back offering Horse and Wagon Rides, beginning at the Harborview Christian Church on East Main and

from 1:00 to

3:00 over the Dickens weekend – NOTE: Tickets must be purchased in advance through Eventbrite. $2 per person. Visit www.portjeff.com/dickens to find the link.

26th Annual Dickens Festival Honorees CHARLES DICKENS FESTIVAL

This year we are celebrating the creative efforts of the Greater Port Jefferson Arts Council and Port Jefferson’s own Dave Melious, head of the Parks Department for the Village.

The Arts Council has been a fixture in the Northern Brookhaven com munity since 1986. We introduced the Village Cinema program back then leading us to host the Student Acad emy Awards for several years at Theatre Three. In 1996, we featured the inter nationally acclaimed pianist, Arnaldo Cohen, from the home of Steve and Barbara Amoretty as part of our InHouse Concert Series. This concert was the first time a concert was broadcast over the internet from a private home featuring a major star as stated by the New York Times. This happened when the ISDN standard just began and was broadcast through the Entertainment Digital Network.

Currently the Arts Council produces the Sunset Concert Series, the Winter Tide Concert Series, the revival of the Sunday Street Concert Series as well as one off presentations. We produce the Sea Shanty and Maritime Music Festi

val, the Fiddle & Folk Festival, produce the music for the Harvest Festival and, of course the Charles Dickens Festi val. We also produce the Port Jefferson Documentary Series, voted the Best Film Festival on Long Island for the past six years.

The Arts Council took over the pro duction of the Dickens Festival in 2005 growing it into the powerhouse event that it is today. The Festival has won the Best Annual Event/Festival on Long Island three of the past four years (the 2020 contest for the 2021 award was Covid cancelled) and is consistently hailed by Newsday in the number one spot. This year will feature 172 perfor mances around the village streets, in the churches and the Village Center. We are introducing the Dickens Yule tide Tree Works on the second floor of the Village Center as a tribute to Santa’s Workshop past.

Of course, none of this Dickens stuff could happen without the expert lead ership of the Parks Department by our other honoree, Dave Melious. Dave has been employed by the Village of Port Jefferson for the past 30 years and he leads a team of dedicated workers who

perform miracles around the Village. For example, after decorating for the Paint Port Pink event, he starts on dec orating for the Dickens Festival by put ting up Christmas wreaths and garland

all the lanterns around the Village. His team installs the plaques that people purchase for the lanterns in memory of loved ones (he purchased one for his father in 2002 which resides in front of the Masonic Lodge). All the Christmas trees around the Village are spruced up (pined up?) with lights and his team sets up the Festival of Trees on the sec ond floor of the Village Center and dec orates the Harbormaster building.

In the past, he led the decorating of the then Junior High School gymnasium for a Dickens performance by the Peter Duch in Orchestra, would supply mason jars filled with sand and a candle that would line the walkways of houses participating in the annual house tour and brought the magic of Pat Darling’s Santa’s workshop to life by enhancing the exterior of the Roe House (now a full time museum), to name just a few of the services he does for the Village. In short, if your arrive in the Village over Dickens weekend and think the festive atmosphere is magical, Dave and his team made it so.

Congratulations to the Greater Port Jefferson Arts Council and to Dave Me lious, our 26th annual Charles Dickens Honorees.

Dickens Festival Honorees Character Honorees

A familiar face with the Dickens Festival since 2005 play ing numerous roles., Frankie makes every effort to immerse him self into the festival and thoroughly succeeds.. Last year he was unable to partake after encoun tering a major health setback. But like the Phoenix, he has returned by focusing solely on surviving one baby step at a time, and his will to live outshined the odds. The Dr’s

credit his healthy life style of eating right and working out regularly, with helping Frankie overcome his personal battle. What Frankie loves most about the Port Jefferson Charles Dickens Festival is the reaction of the children attending. “The joy, amazement and their reactions are why we do this”. We are honored to have him as part of our Dickens Family. Thank you Frankie for all you do.

A Dickens Festival participant since 2011, Katherine loves to act, and if allowed would do it every day. She had started with tak ing dancing lessons and when doing shows found she loved it. She joined the festival with a friend, and later her mother. She  “Loves wearing all the lovely costumes,

but my favorite part is entertaining people. It’s so much fun” She has taken on many roles over the years and isn’t afraid to jump in and assist wher ever we may need her. She  loves the camarade rie of our Dickens Family and can improv with the other actors without hesitation. Thank you Katherine for all you do.

Port Jefferson’s own David Melious, head of the Parks Department for the Village.

Frankie Martinez (Our Lord Mayor Brownlow)

Katherine Netusil (Mrs Sowerberry)

HAPPY HOLIDAYS

ANIMAL HOSPITAL Caring

CHARLES DICKENS FESTIVAL

Parking, Parking Everywhere…

24 Woods Corner Road (Route 25A & Nicolls Road) Setauket, NY 11733 (631) 941–3500 www.corneranimal.com

We are once again featuring our own dedicated Jitney bus to travel to parking lots to the south and east of downtown Port Jefferson. The Jitney will carry Festival visitors to and from all the Dickensian action. We are also encouraging visitors to park in the LIRR lot immediately South and East of the railroad tracks off Railroad Avenue. The Jitney will be stopping there every hour during the day. The Dickens Parking Committee will be posting official Dickens Festival “Jitney” parking signs for your convenience, and it will be running from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM on Saturday and from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM on Sunday, December 3 & 4. We are also supplying a special Dickens Parking map in addition to the larger Dickens Event map included with this special festival section. So, if you want to have more Festival and less roaming, please take advantage of our outlying lots. For those of you who want to find a space closer, Metered Parking is in force for the Dickens weekend. At one dollar per hour, a few dollars will buy you a wealth of Dickens’ delights. All parking proceeds go to supporting the festival.

To locate the Jitney and Parking go to www.portjeff.com/parking

24/7 Text for help at: 631-403-6184

Mistletoe Lane Cra Fair

First Presbyterian Church

Main & 107 South Street, Port Je erson 12/3 & 12/4 – 10 am - 3 pm

Cra Vendors, Homemade Soups, British Candies, Outdoor Eating, Activities for Children at Santa’s Workshop (front and back of Church)

Musical Performances 12/3 & 12/4 starting at 1 pm Handel’s Messiah 12/3 at 4 pm (631) 473-0147 www.pjpres.org