11th Annual Village of Port Jefferson
Charles Dickens Festival Information

Victorian Holiday Ball Information - Family Puzzle Hunt Information

Calendar of Events
All schedules are subject to change

Come and celebrate three nights and two full days of historic and cultural programs at the
11th Annual Port Jefferson Village Charles Dickens Festival
(All programs are free and open to the public unless otherwise designated*)

Friday Events - Saturday Events - Sunday Events

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 1

5:00 PM Victorian Lantern Lighting
VILLAGE WAY RESTAURANT, 106 Main Street and PJ FREE LIBRARY East Main Street. Join the procession as two memorial street lanterns are dedicated and lit. This charming ceremony includes tributes from the donor families and poetry readings by school contest winners at each lantern.

5:30 PM Opening Ceremony
FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH ON MAIN STREET. Come hear the Chiming of the Bells. Delight in the music of the Joyful Sound Choir as lantern donor families receive the thanks of the Village. Scrooge appears, and the Festival is declared officially open as the church bells of the Village toll.

5:00 – 9:00 PM A Children’s Affair/A Fired Up Affair*
HARBOR SQUARE MALL. Create an elf hat or stocking, or paint your own holiday and winter ceramic ornaments, Christmas trees and gifts. Suitable for all ages. *Supply fee.

6:30, 7:15 & 8:00 PM What the Dickens – A New Twist on Oliver Twist
MASONIC LODGE, MAIN STREET. Be part of the music and mirth as the characters and story comes alive right before your eyes. A must see premiere performance for all who are young, and young at heart. Admission is free - multiple performances. Presented by the Greater Port Jefferson-Northern Brookhaven Arts Council. Directed by Pam Caden with dance by Backstage Studio of Dance.

6:00 – 9:00 PM Model Train Exhibit & Clinics
PORT JEFFERSON ANNEX (Formerly Port Jefferson Yacht Club), West Broadway. A unique display of N-scale, G-scale and Lionel trains. Thomas the Tank Engine will be running too! Members of the Long Island Model Railroad Engineers Club will conduct clinics and share their knowledge on this fascinating hobby.

6:30-8:00 PM American Girls Tea Party
PORT JEFFERSON FREE LIBRARY For children 6 – 10 with caregiver and their favorite dolls. Bring your own teacup! Pre-registration required 473-0022.

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.

7:30-11:30 pm 2nd Annual Victorian Holiday Ball*
PORT JEFFERSON VILLAGE CENTER
Join the merriment and elegance of 19th century high society in a spectacular setting. Dress in Victorian splendor and join in the Grand March, Polkas and airy Waltzes performed by Jerry Constanzo’s Big Band Orchestra. Partake of the culinary delights prepared by Paces Restaurant. Marvel at a special skating performance by Skating on the Harbour. Relax in the upstairs’ lounge with the music of harpist Marilyn Levine. *Tickets are $60 per person. Call 743-5220.


8:00 PM A Christmas Carol*
THEATRE THREE presents its 23rd annual adaptation of the Charles Dickens classic. Make this a family holiday tradition. *Tickets are $21 – 28 adults, children $12. Have your picture taken with Scrooge after the performance in the theater lobby (non-ticket holders also invited) $5. Tickets call 928-9100.

8:00 PM The Nutcracker*
Harbor Ballet Theater presents their 15th anniversary performances 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


SATURDAY, DECEMBER 2

10:00 AM – 10:00 PM ICE SKATING AT PORT JEFFERSON VILLAGE CENTER*
Harborfront Park, East Broadway. *Skates available for rent. *Skating fee call 928-1236.

9:00 AM – 9:00 PM A Decade of Dickens
PORT JEFFERSON VILLAGE CENTER, 2nd Floor
A unique photographic collection of our own Dickens Festival taken by photographer John Griffin.

10:00 AM – 3:00 PM 14th Annual Cookie Walk and Christmas Fair
FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

10:00 – 5:00 PM Holiday Craft Fair
INFANT JESUS CHURCH For new and handmade holiday gifts, visit this wonderful holiday fair in the Parish Center.

10:00 AM – 7:00 PM Model Train Exhibit and Clinics
PORT JEFFERSON ANNEX (Formerly Port Jefferson Yacht Club), West Broadway.
See Friday’s program.

10:00 AM – 3:00 PM Free Family Video e-mails to US Military serving around the world
PORT JEFFERSON VILLAGE CENTER, 2nd floor.
WSI Integrated Web Solutions will create and send free personal video e-mail messages
to family members serving in the US Military around the world. Arrive early to reserve your time slot.

SPECIAL EVENTS AT CHRIST CHURCH, BARNUM AVENUE.

10:00 AM – 5:00 PM World Mission Crafts
Gifts from around the world include carvings and paintings. A great opportunity to purchase unique Christmas gifts. Proceeds go back to the artists in Africa and Asia.

12:00 – 4:00 PM St. Nicholas’ Inn*
An assortment of soups and breads along with hot beverages served in a humble Dickens style. St. Nicholas mural sections will be colored by the children at the Inn. *Adults $6.00, children $3.50. Home made baked goodies, one-of-a kind door swags and roasted chestnuts also for sale.

1:00 & 3:00 PM The Evergreen Choir
This wonderful choir has been entertaining Long Island and the Dickens Festival for some time. Sit, relax and enjoy an outstanding A Cappella 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 AM – 9:00 PM A Children’s Affair/A Fired Up Affair
HARBOR SQUARE MALL. Create an elf hat or stocking, or paint your own holiday and winter ceramic ornaments, Christmas trees and gifts. Suitable for all ages. *Supply fee.

11:00 AM Family Puzzle Hunt
Pick up the clues at the Festival’s DICKENS ALLEY table inside the Village Center or on East Main Street. Learn fun facts about Port Jefferson’s historic past as you locate historic landmarks and collect all eight pieces of a puzzle. First 100 families to complete the hunt will receive a Victorian keepsake. A perfect family activity.

11:00 AM Nutcracker Ballet Party
PORT JEFFERSON LIBRARY. An invitation for 3-6 year olds with caregiver to dress in costume and dance to holiday music. Pre-registration required 473-0022

Picture with Santa available all weekend*
HARBOR SQUARE MALL

11:00 – 5:00 PM Dickens Alley Marketplace
EAST MAIN STREET & PORT JEFFERSON VILLAGE CENTER
Experience the sights and sounds of a Victorian Marketplace. Buy a top hat, a trinket or a treasure.


11:30 AM The Evergreen Choir
FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH. This wonderful choir has been entertaining Long Island and the Dickens Festival for some time. Sit and enjoy and outstanding concert of seasonal songs.

12:00 PM – 4:00 PM Historic Walking Tours
PORT JEFFERSON VILLAGE CENTER, East Broadway.
Take a step back in Port Jefferson’s history during the late 1700’s and early 1800’s with tour guide Maureen Calamia. Tour will include landmarks on the East side of the Village including East Main Street, Prospect Street and High Street.

12:00 PM Holiday Songfest
PERFORMING ARTS STUDIO OF NEW YORK, East Main Street
Enjoy a special holiday concert performed by our own talented neighbors including classic favorites, something new and a sing-a-long for the kids.

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

12:30 pm Fifteen Minute Christmas Carol with Apologies to Mr. Dickens
Don’t miss this rendition of a timeless classic at the First Baptist Church, East Main Street. The very talented Jeffrey Sanzel has created a refreshingly tart satire of this revered holiday work – a hilarious short, shorter and shortest version.

1:00, 1:45 & 2:30 PM What the Dickens – A New Twist on Oliver Twist
MASONIC LODGE, MAIN STREET. Be part of the music and mirth as the characters and story comes alive right before your eyes. A must see premiere performance for all who are young, and young at heart. Admission is free - multiple performances. Presented by the Greater Port Jefferson-Northern Brookhaven Arts Council. Directed by Pam Caden with dance by Backstage Studio of Dance.

2:00 – 5:00 PM 11th Annual Victorian Tea
FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
A special part of each year’s festivities is this elegant high tea 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 Brookhaven Flute Choir

2:00 pm Unitarian Universalist Fellowship Choir, Stony Brook

3:00 pm Handel’s Messiah
Not to be missed, the North Shore Chamber Choir under the direction of Jeffrey Schneider will perform this classic baroque oratorio.

4:30 pm Port Jefferson High School Wind, Brass, and Chorale Ensemble

3:00 PM Winter Dreams
MASONIC LODGE, lower level. MAIN STREET
Join author, photographer and lecturer Monica Randall on a journey to the magical winter season as it was celebrated during the last century. Featured will be majestic estates as they are rarely seen during the winter months when they are garlanded in snow.

3:00 and 8:00 PM A Christmas Carol
THEATRE THREE See Friday’s program.

3:00 and 8:00 PM The Nutcracker
PORT JEFFERSON HIGH SCHOOL, Harbor Ballet Theatre. See Friday’s program.

4:30 PM The Stony Brook School Choir
FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH. Holiday music sung, directed by Bob Padgett.

4:30 – 8:30 PM 11th Annual Charles Dickens Victorian Lanternlight House Tour*
This year’s walking tour takes place in the historic area known as Brick Hill in the Village of Port Jefferson. In additional to the six circa 1800 Victorian homes, the tour will include Christ Church Episcopal, with the hospitality center at the Port Jefferson Fire House and Museum. *Tickets required, cost $25 call 473-5220.


6:00, 6:45 & 7:30 PM What the Dickens – A New Twist on Oliver Twist
MASONIC LODGE, MAIN STREET. Be part of the music and mirth as the characters and story comes alive right before your eyes. A must see premiere performance for all who are young, and young at heart. Admission is free - multiple performances. Presented by the Greater Port Jefferson-Northern Brookhaven Arts Council. Directed by Pam Caden with dance by Backstage Studio of Dance.

8:00 PM An Evening of Gospel Music
FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHRCH Join us for a rousing evening of Gospel Music by the choir from the First Baptist Church of Riverhead. Be prepared to rock the rafters and praise the Lord with a mix of traditional and modern pieces. Doors will open at 7:30 PM. Seating is limited to 300 on a first come, first served basis.

GREAT DINNERS AND ENTERTAINMENT AT LOCAL RESTAURANTS. RESERVE EARLY.
See Friday’s program

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 3

9:00 AM – 9:00 PM A Decade of Dickens
PORT JEFFERSON VILLAGE CENTER. See Saturday’s schedule

10:00 AM - 6:00 PM ICE SKATING AT PORT JEFFERSON VILLAGE CENTER*
Harborfront Park, East Broadway. *Skates available for rent. Call for fees 928.1236

Picture with Santa available all weekend*
HARBOR SQUARE MALL

10:00AM – 3:00PM Free Family Video e-mails to US Military serving around the world
PORT JEFFERSON VILLAGE CENTER, 2nd floor.
WSI Integrated Web Solutions will create and send free personal video e-mail messages
to family members serving in the US Military around the world. Arrive early to reserve your time slot.

11:00 AM - 3:30 PM Dickens Alley Marketplace
EAST MAIN STREET & PORT JEFFERSON VILLAGE CENTER
See Saturday’s program.

11:00 AM Family Puzzle Hunt
Pick up clues at the Festival’s DICKENS ALLEY table inside the Village Center or on East Main Street. Learn fun facts about Port Jefferson’s historic past as you locate landmarks and collect all eight pieces of a puzzle. A perfect family activity.

11:00 AM – 4:00 PM Model Train Exhibit
PORT JEFFERSON ANNEX (Formerly Port Jefferson Yacht Club), West Broadway.
See Friday’s program.

11:30 AM & 1:30 PM*
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; $15.95 for children, four and under free.*

SPECIAL EVENTS AT CHRIST CHURCH, BARNUM AVENUE.
11:00 – 4:00 PM World Mission Crafts
Gifts from around the world include carvings and paintings. Good opportunity to purchase unique Christmas gifts. Proceeds go back to the artists in Africa and Asia.

12:00- 4 PM St. Nicholas’ Inn*
An Assortment of soups & breads along with hot beverages served in a humble Dickens style. St Nicholas mural sections will be colored by the children at the Inn (Adults $6.00, Children $3.50). Baked goods, one of a kind holiday door swags, and roasted chestnuts also for sale.

2:00 PM Holiday Barbershop Quartet
Relax and enjoy classic songs of the season.

3:00 PM St. Nicholas Story
St. Nicholas explains his feast day celebrated around the world in early December. Special gifts for children.

Victorian Stories & Art
PORT JEFFERSON VILLAGE CENTER
Two special hands-on workshops using stories and art that exemplify the life of Victorian children at home, at school and at play.
Presented by Susan Stern. For reservations call 473-5220.
11:00 AM – children grades K-2 must be accompanied by adult.
1:00 PM – children grades 3-5 must be accompanied by adult.

12:00 PM - 5:00 PM Horse and Carriage Rides*
Line up for rides at the First Baptist Church on East Main Street
*Suggested $2.00 donation appreciated.

12:00 PM – 5:00 PM A Children’s Affair/A Fired Up Affair*
HARBOR SQUARE MALL. See Saturday’s Program

12:00 PM – 3:00 PM Historic Walking Tours
PORT JEFFERSON VILLAGE CENTER, East Broadway.
Take a step back in Port Jefferson’s history during the late 1700 and early 1800’s with tour guide Maureen Calamia, Tour will include landmarks on the East side of the Village including East Main Street, Prospect Street and High Street.

12:00 PM Holiday Songfest
PERFORMING ARTS STUDIO OF NEW YORK, East Main Street Enjoy a special holiday concert performed by our own talented neighbors. Classic favorites, something new and a sing-a-long for the kids.

12:00 – 3:00 pm: Open House and Tour
FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
Families from the church show you around this 1897 jewel of a building with its splendid stained glass windows.

1:00 – 4:00 PM 11th Annual Victorian Tea*
FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
A special part of each year’s festivities is this elegant event. 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

1:00pm North Shore Suzuki School String Ensemble

1:40 pm Port Jefferson Middle School String Orchestra

2:20 The Logan Family: Cello, Viola, and Vocal Selections

3:15 pm Port Jefferson High School String Orchestra

4:00 pm New Century Singers


1:00 – 3:00 pm: A Ceramic Gingerbread Man Workshop
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, WEST BROADWAY
Children create their own ceramic ornament. Call for free tickets 473-1414.

1:00 – 4:00 PM MATHER HOUSE MUSEUM, PROSPECT STREET
The Mather House Museum presents its annual Holiday Reception. Antique toys, rocking horses and children’s furniture accompany a beautifully decorated Victorian Christmas Tree. Enjoy punch and refreshments in the front parlor while listening to live holiday music. Members free, others $2 donation.

1:00 PM – 4:00 PM MATHER HOUSE MUSEUM, Prospect Street*
The Mather House Museum presents its annual Holiday Reception. Antique toys, rocking horses and children’s furniture accompany a beautifully decorated Victorian Christmas Tree. Enjoy punch and refreshments in the front parlor while listening to live holiday music. Members free, others $2 donation*

1:00, 1:45 & 2:30 PM What the Dickens - A New Twist on Oliver Twist
MASONIC LODGE, MAIN STREET. Be part of the music and mirth as the characters and story comes alive right before your eyes. A must see premiere performance for all who are young, and young at heart. Admission is free - multiple performances. Presented by the Greater Port Jefferson-Northern Brookhaven Arts Council. Directed by Pam Caden with dance by Backstage Studio of Dance.

2:00 PM Dramatic reading of A Christmas Carol
PORT JEFFERSON FREE LIBRARY. Veteran actor David Houston returns in costume for a dramatic reading of this classic work. Not recommended for children. Free. Pre-registration a must 473-0022.

3:00 PM “American Jewry and the Civil War During the Dickens Era.”
MASONIC LODGE, lower level, Main Street
Rabbi Joseph S. Topek presents an engaging program on Jewish military history accompanied by artifacts from the Dickens era in the Colonies.

3:00 PM Danielle Hammarth & Pastor Elmer Hardy, Jr.
FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH
A medley of holiday songs.

3:00 PM Steve Johnson’s Magic Variety Show
PORT JEFFERSON VILLAGE CENTER, 3rd floor
Captivating magic effects, comedy, audience participation and a thrilling juggling act.

3:00 and 7:00 PM A Christmas Carol
THEATRE THREE See Friday’s program.

3:00 PM The Nutcracker
PORT JEFFERSON HIGH SCHOOL. Harbor Ballet Theatre. See Friday’s program.

4:30 PM Passing of the Lantern of Life, Main St.
A tradition that celebrates the meaning of neighborliness and community.
STARTS AT CVS PARKING LOT, CORNER OF BARNUM AND MAIN STREET

5:00 PM Dickens Festival Grand Finale Parade
Giant 25 foot puppets, singing choirs, dancing children and more in a parade of lights march down Main Street to the Village Hall for the closing ceremony featuring the Twin Shores Barbershop Chorus. The Tree of Life is lit, celebrating all that the future will hold.

~Finis~