Skaneateles Dickens Christmas cover

Skaneateles Dickens Christmas 2023

Get ready to immerse yourself in the joyful spirit of Christmas at the 2023 Skaneateles Dickens Christmas festival with festive performances, carriage rides, and a cast of merry-making characters. The fun begins on Bright Friday, the day following Thanksgiving, with The World’s Smallest Christmas Parade and continues each weekend through Sunday, December 24.

Experience the magic of Dickens Christmas with festive activities like savoring roasted chestnuts, shopping Skaneateles’ unique boutiques, caroling at the gazebo, and capturing memories with Father Christmas and Mother Goose.

Dickens Christmas Activities

Skaneateles Lake Dickens Christmas
Sherwood Inn

During the holiday season, Charles Dickens and his troupe of more than 40 individuals engage with local inhabitants in streets, stores, and eateries, providing a unique experience to visitors. The village offers a variety of traditional Christmas activities, such as live performances by musicians, a joyful carol sing-along, horse-drawn wagon rides, and the classic winter treat of roasted chestnuts. Immerse yourself in the joyful atmosphere and make the most of your visit!

Check out this year’s schedule of performances at the gazebo and library.

Skaneateles Lake
Skaneateles Dickens Christmas parade
Skaneateles Dickens Christmas collage
Skaneateles Dickens Christmas Sherwood Horse Carriage
Skaneateles Dickens Christmans horse drawn carriage rides
Skaneateles Lakes Dickens Christmas
Skaneateles Lake
Skaneateles Artisans

Dining & Shopping in Skaneateles

Skaneateles Lake Doug's Fish Fry
Sherwood Inn
Skaneateles Artisans
Skaneateles winter shops
Skaneateles winter shops
Skaneateles Lake
Village of Skaneateles

All the unique shops, cafes, and restaurants on Genesee and Jordan Streets are open for holiday shopping.

Shopping is easy—just stroll around the village and stop at the various boutiques along Genesee (US-20), Jordan, and Fennel Streets. We found Skaneateles Artisans on Fennel just wandering around.

When you start getting hungry, keep these places in mind:

Doug’s Fish Fry
If you have to pick just one place to eat in town, this is the place.

Rosalie’s Cucina
People come from miles away to eat at this Italian restaurant, and reservations are required.

The Sherwood Inn
Not only is The Sherwood the center of Dickens’ Christmas activities, but it is also a gorgeous, historic building serving excellent meals. Reservations are strongly encouraged.

Skaneateles Bakery 
Perfect for a quick sandwich or hot beverage.

Skaneateles Lake
Skaneateles Lake
Skaneateles winter
Skaneateles winter
Skaneateles winter lake

More information about Skaneateles Dickens Christmas

Cost: Free

Located 80 minutes / 70 miles from Rochester (get directions)

More information: skaneateles.com

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What is your favorite thing to do during Skaneateles Dickens Christmas?

Your insights and experiences are valuable. Please share them in the comments.

Debi Bower, Day Trips Around Rochester NY

Debi Bower is the founder and creative director of daytrippingroc.com and author of the award-winning book Day Trips Around Rochester, New York.

People often ask me if I get free access to places while exploring. The answer is no unless I’m invited to previews or granted behind-the-scenes access as part of my media role. Generally, I don’t mention my project, Day Trips Around Rochester, NY, because I want the same experience you would have. I create and share content simply because it brings me joy. I would appreciate your support—a cup of coffee or two to help fuel future field trips—if you have found valuable information here that has helped you explore the Rochester area.

4 thoughts on “Skaneateles Dickens Christmas 2023”

  1. Hello, disappointed we aren’t going to be able to make it to Skaneateles on a Saturday or Sunday. Just curious, not to much else is mentioned about the village itself. Are there a lot of houses and businesses that decorate with lots of lights and other attractions which might make it worth an hours drive to visit on a Friday afternoon/evening without being able to experience the Dickens Christmas? A real shame they don’t include activities on certain other days besides Sat & Sun.

  2. Greetings, I saw a menu for a restaurant that was running during the Dickens Christmas in Skaneateles. It was on facebook, and now I can’t find it. It begins with an “M.” baked oysters was on the menu. Can you enlighten me, please? Thank you, Diane Holbert

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