Skaneateles Dickens Christmas brings costumed characters, street theater, and caroling to the village beside Skaneateles Lake. The season begins the Friday after Thanksgiving with the World’s Smallest Christmas Parade and continues on weekends through December 20, with a shorter program on Christmas Eve.
Charles Dickens, Scrooge, Queen Victoria, Father Christmas, and other characters mingle with visitors downtown. Spend the afternoon watching performances, browsing shops, and stopping for roasted chestnuts or a warm drink between walks along Genesee, Jordan, and Fennell Streets.
2026 dates: November 27–29; December 5–6, 12–13, 19–20, and 24.
Hours: Noon–4 p.m., except Christmas Eve, noon–2:30 p.m.
Opening parade: Friday, November 27, at noon.For the most current information, please visit skaneateles.com.
Dickens Christmas Activities
Dickens Christmas takes place throughout the village, so leave time to wander between performances. Watch for characters along the sidewalks and in local businesses, and check the daily schedule for sing-alongs, music, and street theater. Roasted chestnuts are part of the celebration, and horse-drawn rides are offered on select dates; check the current schedule before choosing a day around a particular activity.
Dining & Shopping in Skaneateles
Browse the shops along Genesee, Jordan, and Fennell Streets between performances. We found Skaneateles Artisans on Fennell Street while wandering around. Check individual business hours, especially if you’re planning an early start or a Christmas Eve visit.
Plan a meal before or after the afternoon’s activities, or stop for coffee and lunch while you’re downtown. For a sit-down meal during the holiday season, make reservations ahead when available.
Doug’s Fish Fry
A casual stop on Jordan Street for fish sandwiches, seafood, and fries, with dine-in and takeout options.
Rosalie’s Cucina
An Italian dinner option west of the village center. Check current seating hours and reserve ahead if you plan to dine after Dickens Christmas.
The Sherwood Inn
A sit-down dining option on West Genesee Street, across from the lake. Check meal times and reservation availability before your visit.
Skaneateles Bakery
Stop for coffee, hot chocolate, baked goods, or a sandwich.
Plan Your Visit to Dickens Christmas
Admission: Dickens Christmas is free. Budget separately for meals, shopping, and any optional purchases.
Location: Downtown Skaneateles, at the north end of Skaneateles Lake (get directions). Allow extra travel time for winter weather and finding parking.
Parking: The 2026 event listing identifies free parking at 1 Austin Street and the Skaneateles High School lower lot, with a free shuttle into the village. Follow event signs and check the official schedule for shuttle details on your chosen date.
What to wear: Plan for an afternoon outdoors, with warm layers, gloves, and footwear suited to cold or wet sidewalks. Leave time for indoor breaks and a walk along the lake if conditions allow.
More information: skaneateles.com
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What is your favorite thing to do during the Skaneateles Dickens Christmas?
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See you out there!
Debi
Enjoy the Journey Together!
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.
I’m going to guess it’s Moro’s Kitchen. Does that sound familiar? https://moroskitchen.com/
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
What time are the horse wagon rides and th e parade