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892 FRANKLIN ST, DILLARD, NORTH GEORGIA MOUNTAINS
Dickens in Dillard — A Charles Dickens Christmas Festival in the Mountains
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THE FESTIVAL
Dickens in Dillard is back for its second year—and this beloved mountain Christmas celebration is returning bigger, merrier, and more magical than ever!
Inspired by Charles Dickens’ timeless classic A Christmas Carol, this open-air festival will transform the Dillard City Hall grounds into a festive Victorian "village" filled with lively entertainment, holiday traditions, and plenty of community spirit.
Stroll through the grounds as you shop from talented local artists, artisans, and makers. Enjoy delicious food, festive treats, and seasonal beverages while Victorian characters bring the magic of Dickens to life. With children’s activities, live entertainment, beautiful photo opportunities, and old-world Christmas cheer around every corner, the entire day will feel like stepping into a holiday storybook.
Dress for the Dickens Magic!
Everyone is encouraged to join the fun by dressing in Victorian-inspired attire. Whether you arrive in a full period costume or simply add a festive hat, cape, scarf, or other old-fashioned accessory, your participation will help bring our Victorian Christmas village to life. Not sure what to wear? Visit our Attire tab for simple, comfortable, and practical ideas. Dressing up is encouraged, but not required, come as you are and enjoy the magic!
Celebrating With a Purpose
This year’s festival is proudly presented by Gather for Good Georgia Foundation, Inc., a Georgia 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to creating meaningful, entertaining and educational events that bring people together, support local businesses, attract visitors to our beautiful area, and make a lasting difference in the communities we serve.
A percentage of the ticket sales from Dickens in Dillard will be donated to local nonprofit organizations serving Rabun County and surrounding communities. When you attend, shop, dine, or become involved, you are also helping support important work right here in our community.
Festival Details
Date: Saturday, December 12, 2026
Time: 10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.
Location: Dillard City Hall Grounds
892 Franklin Street, Dillard, Georgia
Gather your family and friends, add a touch of Victorian flair, and join us for a joyful Christmas celebration in the beautiful North Georgia mountains!
ENTERTAINMENT
Get ready for holiday magic around every corner! This year's Dickens in Dillard is bringing an exciting lineup of entertainment, unforgettable performances, and festive surprises for all ages!
Here's a sneak peek at what's in store:
- A Christmas Carol – A captivating one-act theatrical production by Pixie Dusted Productions.
- The City Carolers – Professional Victorian carolers filling the village with beloved Christmas melodies.
- Magic & Wonder – Professional magicians Zeke & Merle bringing delightful surprises and plenty of laughter. And of course, Santa will be greeting guests on the festival grounds and taking pictures in Tiny Tim's Corner (children's area).
- Live Music – Festive performances by talented local and regional artists. To include Rosin & Rose, Marie Dunkle (Celtic fiddler), Carbon Harry and Breeze Cable.
- Stories of Dillard – Special storytelling by the Dillard family.
- Music, Dance & Community Performances – Featuring Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School's Lower and Middle School dancers, the Rabun Entertainers, and other talented groups.
- A Living Victorian Village – Meet colorful Dickensian charaters roaming the grounds and bringing the magic of Victorian England to life!
Stay tuned as we reveal more of the magic coming to Dickens in Dillard!
FAMILY EXPERIENCE
Dickens in Dillard is a holiday experience for the whole family, and this year, we're making it even more magical for our youngest visitors!
Introducing Tiny Tim's Corner!
A dedicated children's area filled with holiday fun, including storytelling in partnership with the Rabun County Library, arts and crafts, games, live magic shows, pictures with Santa, and a few more surprises we're keeping under our top hats!
But the magic doesn't stop there! Families can stroll through our festive Victorian village, explore the artisan market, enjoy live music and theatrical performances, and meet colorful Dickensian characters roaming the grounds.
With plenty of opportunities to interact, explore, and snap memorable photos, there's something special waiting around every corner!
We can't wait to bring this wonderful new addition to life and create holiday memories your family will treasure!
A friendly reminder: While Dickens in Dillard is family-friendly, we kindly ask that pets stay home for the comfort and safety of our guests. Service animals are welcome. We love our furry family members, but this Victorian adventure is for the humans!
LOCATION
The festival will take place outdoors at the City of Dillard City Hall grounds, easy to find and easy to enjoy. We will have on-site parking and clear signage, making arrival smooth and simple. Bundle up, stroll in, and enjoy the charm of a festive Christmas village set in the beautiful North Georgia mountains.
Address: 892 Franklin St, Dillard, Georgia
A NEW TRADITION BEGINS...
After a magical first year, Dickens in Dillard returns for its second annual celebration! By joining us, your family is helping this special holiday tradition grow and become part of our community’s story for years to come.
This is more than a festival—it’s a tradition in the making, and you are part of its next chapter.