For one weekend each December, the harbor village of Port Jefferson on Long Island’s North Shore becomes a Dickensian Christmas. Costumed characters from A Christmas Carol roam the streets, choirs sing on corners, Santa holds court in a green velvet chair and Theatre Three stages its long-running production of the Dickens classic. It’s Long Island’s most charming holiday festival and has run for nearly three decades.
The festival is held on the first full weekend of December; in 2025 it took place December 6–7. Expect the 2026 festival on Saturday–Sunday, December 5–6, 2026 (confirm with the Greater Port Jefferson Arts Council at gpjac.org).
Quick Facts
| Expected 2026 dates | Saturday–Sunday, December 5–6, 2026 (first weekend of December; confirm at gpjac.org) |
|---|---|
| Where | Village of Port Jefferson, Suffolk County (centered around Village Hall and Main St/E Main St) |
| Cost | Most events free; some activities (e.g., skating, theater) ticketed |
| Parades | In 2025: 11 a.m. Saturday and 5 p.m. Sunday |
| Getting there | LIRR Port Jefferson Branch to Port Jefferson (about 2 hours from Penn Station); Port Jefferson ferry from Bridgeport, CT |
Festival Highlights
- Costumed street characters: Scrooge, Tiny Tim, the Ghosts of Christmas and a whole cast of Victorians wander the village.
- Parades: a costumed procession through the village on both days.
- Santa Claus Central: Santa in a Victorian setting, typically at a village church.
- Crafts for kids: ornament-making at “Mrs. Cratchit’s Craftworks” and other workshops.
- Festival of Trees: decorated trees on display at the Village Center.
- Theatre Three’s A Christmas Carol: a Long Island tradition for decades, playing through December (see our A Christmas Carol in New York guide).
- Live music: choirs, handbell ringers and concerts in churches and halls.
Tips
- Arrive by mid-morning on Saturday; parking fills quickly. Village and municipal lots charge in season.
- The village is hilly and busy; leave the big stroller at home if you can.
- Book a harbor-view lunch or dinner ahead.
- From Connecticut, the Bridgeport–Port Jefferson ferry drops you right in the village.
More North Shore Christmas
Nearby, the Stony Brook Village Holiday Festival is the following weekend, and the candlelight evenings at Old Bethpage Village are another historic-holiday favorite.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Port Jefferson Dickens Festival 2026?
It is held the first full weekend of December, so expect Saturday–Sunday, December 5–6, 2026. Confirm with the Greater Port Jefferson Arts Council.
Is the Dickens Festival free?
Most street activities, parades and performances are free. Some activities and theater shows are ticketed.
Can I take the train to the Dickens Festival?
Yes, the LIRR Port Jefferson Branch ends in Port Jefferson, a short walk to the village.
