Steampunk/ Victorian Christmas (Prometeus (123RF))
Something about the spirit of London can turn even the curmudgeonly “Bah Humbug-er” into a cheer-meister singing Christmas carols at the top of their lungs and shouting along with Tiny Tim, “God bless us, everyone!”
Whether your love of the Victorian Era began with reading Dickens in history class, obsessing over the scandals on “Bridgerton” or, like me, watching “Mickey’s Christmas Carol,” the U.K. has several chances for you to experience a Dickensian Christmas.
From Nov. 8, 2024, to Jan. 12, 2025, fully immerse yourself in the story of “A Christmas Carol” in a way you never have before, from the perspective of Charles Dickens himself, with this live dinner theatre show.
It’s Christmas Eve 1843: the lights dim, the piano and bell chimes crescendo and the audience is haunted by the words “You will be haunted by three spirits .”
Every year, Dickens prepares for his annual Christmas feast. Yet, this year is different; this year, he has been walking the streets late at night and locking himself in his study for who knows what reason. Tonight, you will discover exactly why as Dickens’ famous story comes to life while you feast on a traditional Victorian meal.
The three-course meal is sourced from archival records, Victorian cooking manuals and is tested for months in advance to ensure tasty flavors in conjunction with authenticity. This year, visitors can look forward to corn-fed chicken, confit Gressingham duck and for dessert, plum pudding ice cream. Dietary restrictions? Fear not, unlike the haunting spirits, those can be accommodated.
To learn more about this experience and to purchase your tickets, visit christmasfeast.thelostestate.com.
Vintage Christmas photo (liligraphie (123RF))
London is not the only place with Dickensian Christmas Flair. Make your way to Rochester, Kent from Dec. 7-8 if you want to experience a full Victorian era weekend event where the cobblestone streets are transported to the time of Dickens. Kent even has ties to Dickens as the writer lived in the area for several years during his childhood. He returned later and wrote some of his classics such as “David Copperfield.”
Prepare to be fully immersed as you walk the streets of Rochester. You might even run into one of Dickens’ many famous characters while scenes from his works are performed.
Each day of the festival begins with a procession at 11 a.m. along High Street, followed by a noon parade concluding at the Boley Hill Stage. Later in the afternoon, there is a candle-lit parade as the sun sets, ending in a Christmas choral concert.
While you don’t have to don a costume for this festival, isn’t it much more fun to get in on the action? You can purchase Victorian-style clothing at the festival. You can also shop at over 100 stalls and get a one-of-kind Christmas present for your favorite person (or yourself) at the Rochester Christmas Market, which takes place simultaneously. There is a Christmas village where children can meet Santa’s elves, or participate in story time, making decorations and baking.
While in the area, you can also check out Dickens’ Rochester chalet where he worked on “The Mystery of Edwin Drood” shortly before dying in 1870. Crowds are expected, so it is highly recommended that you use a “park and ride” to get to the event, take the bus or, for the most ease and convenience, take the train. Go to kentlive.news to learn more about getting to this festive event.
Not in London? Check out these other, small Dickens events across the U.K.
