Dickens Christmas Extravaganza

“It is a fair, even-handed, noble adjustment of things, that while there is infection in disease and sorrow, there is nothing in the world so irresistibly contagious as laughter and good-humour.” —A Christmas Carol, Charles Dickens.
Charles Dickens, social satirist, critic, author and creator of characters 2008-11-Ebenezer Scrooge, is possibly the most revered writer of the Victorian Era. His life and legacy will be celebrated Sunday to Tuesday, Dec. 7-9, during Cape May’s Dickens Christmas Extravaganza, sponsored by the Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts (MAC).
Cape May is the perfect place to celebrate Dickens and the holidays, as it transforms into a Victorian Christmas Village during this season. The celebration includes lectures and discussions with Dickens scholars, readings of his work, live performances, tours and a gala feast at Congress Hall’s Harrison Room, with guests encouraged to dress in Victorian garb or as their favorite Dickens’ character.
On Sunday, Dec. 7 at 6 p.m. come meet your fellow Dickensians at the Merion Inn, 106 Decatur St., and enjoy a pre-dinner cocktail and the music of George Mesterhazy, followed by a three-course dinner. The Welcome Dinner is only available as part of the full Dickens Extravaganza package.
Then at 8:30 p.m. the East Lynne Theater Company presents “O. Henry’s Christmas Stories.” Artistic Director Gayle Stahlhuth portrays twenty-plus roles as she spins O. Henry’s tales in this World Premiere performance. Admission is $25 for adults, $20 for seniors, $10 for students and children 12 and under free.
On Monday, Dec. 3 at 9:30 a.m., Dr. Jay Friedlin, president emeritus of the Philadelphia Dickens Fellowship, leads the discussion on “The Mystery of Edwin Drood.” Friedlin shares his love and knowledge of Dickens and his times.
At 10:45 a.m. The Victorian Literary Society presents cherished holiday stories. Step back in time as The East Lynne Theater Company’s Gayle Stahlhuth appears as a character from Cape May’s past to read and discuss excerpts from beloved holiday literature. Both programs are at the Inn of Cape May, 7 Ocean St. Admission is part of the full Dickens package or $10 per person on a space available basis.
At 12:30 p.m. it is time to indulge in “the restaurant capital of New Jersey,” and enjoy a relaxing lunch on your own. Consider dining at the Carriage House Tearoom and Café, located at the Emlen Physick Estate, 1048 Washington St. It will be open for lunch serving a prix fixe traditional tea lunch as well as heartier fare with a selection of entrée salads, soups, sandwiches and wraps. Reservations are required. Call 609-884-5111.
From 1-3 p.m., take the Holiday Inns Tour, a self-guided afternoon tour of three of Cape May’s festively decorated Victorian inns and the 2008 Designer Show House decked out for the season. Admission is part of the full Dickens package or $18 for adults and $13 for children (ages 3-12).
On the final day of the Dickens Christmas Extravaganza, Tuesday, Dec. 9, enjoy a series of entertaining lectures at the Inn of Cape May, 7 Ocean St. The first program, “Fantastic Music,” at 9:30 a.m. explores music with macabre and “spirit” themes, including many pieces still popular today. Admission is part of the full Dickens package or $10 per person on a space available basis.
At 10:45 a.m. enjoy the richly illustrated lecture, “Victorian Recreations.” Learn how the Victorians re-created themselves in their leisure time. Admission is part of the full Dickens package or $10 per person on a space available basis.
“Understanding the Victorians: A look inside these people of paradox” will be presented at 1:45 p.m. The Victorians were a complex sort. Learn about the paradoxes that ruled life and frequently dictated roles for men and women. Admission is part of the full Dickens package or $10 per person on a space available basis.
The grand finale of the Extravaganza, the Dickensian Feast, will be held at the Harrison Room at Congress Hall, 251 Beach Dr., at 6:30 p.m. Dress as your favorite Dickens character or in Victorian dress and enjoy a four-course Victorian Feast.
There will be guest appearances by Victorian characters and prizes for best costumes. The Feast is available only with the full Dickens package.
The full Dickens Extravaganza package is $175 per person and includes all the events listed above and a welcome gift.
Certain events may be purchased singly. Full packages with accommodations are also available. If you would like accommodations, please call for a listing of the participating inns. To purchase packages, with or without accommodations, please call 609-884-5440 or 800-275-4278.