The World’s Smallest Parade, held the Friday after Thanksgiving, kicks off Skaneateles Dickens Christmas, a month-long weekend-only event. The festival continues every Saturday and Sunday, leading up to Christmas. Charles Dickens and other characters can be seen roaming the streets, shops, and restaurants, greeting guests and spreading holiday cheer. Enjoy horse-drawn wagon rides around the village, caroling and plays at the gazebo, and chestnuts roasting on an open fire. For more information, please visit skaneateles.com.
Dickens Christmas Activities
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.
Dining & Shopping in Skaneateles
All the unique shops, cafes, and restaurants on Genesee and Jordan Streets are open for holiday shopping. Shopping is easy—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.
More information about the 2024 Skaneateles Dickens Christmas
Cost: Free
Located 80 minutes / 70 miles from Rochester (get directions)
More information: skaneateles.com
Explore More
Your 2024 Holiday Spirit Guide: Festive Events that Celebrate the Season
As the holiday season approaches, Rochester transforms into a place filled with community warmth, light, and festive spirit.
Our 3 Favorite Neighborhoods with Spectacular Christmas Light Displays: 2024 Edition
Enjoy our favorite extreme Christmas lights around Rochester! These homeowners and communities go all out to celebrate the holiday season.
The Village of Skaneateles is the perfect place to get away and enjoy the pace of lake life, surrounded by unique boutiques and restaurants.
🌲 20 Christmas Tree Farms Around Rochester
As December nears, it’s time to start thinking about one of the most beloved family traditions—selecting and decorating the Christmas tree.
Give the Gift of Rochester! 5 City Shops that Celebrate Regional Novelties
These Rochester gifts are more than mere objects; they are nostalgic expressions of the city’s soul, making them a joy to give and receive.
Shared Rochester Experiences that Make Great Gifts
Giving the gift of shared Rochester experiences offers rewards that go well beyond mere personal joy—where less is genuinely more.
What is your favorite thing to do during Skaneateles Dickens Christmas?
I’d love to hear from you—please share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.
Help Support My Work
People often ask if I get free access to the places I visit. The answer is no—unless I’m invited to a special preview or offered behind-the-scenes access through my media role. Most of the time, I don’t even mention Day Trips Around Rochester, New York when I visit a place. I want to have the same experience you would.
I create and share this content because it brings me joy—and I hope it adds value to your adventures, too.
If my work has helped you explore and appreciate the Rochester area, please consider becoming a paid subscriber on Substack. You’ll receive an email whenever I publish new content and have the chance to connect with a growing community of local explorers.
Thank you for supporting my efforts to keep producing meaningful and helpful content.
Thank you!
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.
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
I’m going to guess it’s Moro’s Kitchen. Does that sound familiar? https://moroskitchen.com/
What time are the horse wagon rides and th e parade