CHARLES DICKENS FESTIVAL IN DEVENTER
About This Project
December 10 – 11, 2022
Deventer, The Netherlands
Details
One of the more odd holiday festivities is held in Deventer, The Netherlands. This weekend, Deventer brings Charles Dickens’ novels from the 19th century to life. At this thrilling festival, come and meet the numerous vivid characters from his novels.
The Charles Dickens Festival transforms Deventer’s main square into a wonderful Christmas and Dickens-themed wonderland. Scrooge, Oliver Twist, Mr. Pickwick, orphans, wanderers, the upper classes, and many other characters are among the 950 or so that come to life. The old structures are transformed into a lovely wonderland from the 19th century with Christmas trees and tiny lights. The event received a nomination in 2015 for the title of Best Public Event in the Netherlands.
A cultural program complements the Christmas atmosphere in the city center churches. Deventer choirs, an orchestra, and vocal groups will perform Christmas music.
Charles Dickens
Charles Dickens, 1812 – 1870, is one of the most famous and influential English writers of the 19th Century. His works include:
- David Copperfield
- A Christmas Carol
- Great Expectations
- Bleak House
Grote Kerk Christmas Market
A Christmas market with at least 75 different stalls offering Christmas decorations, toys, clothes, and handicrafts is located in and around the Grote Kerk (formally known as St. Lebuinus Church), and Christmas carols are being sung everywhere. The chapel also features a cozy interior terrace where you can savor delicious refreshments and beverages.
Practical information
Opening hours for the Dickens Festival are 11:00–17:00. To go to the Dickens Festival you can use Keizerstraat street (by Deventer Schouwburg theatre). Do keep in mind that there is a chance you will have to wait in line to enter the festival on Walstraat Street for up to 1.5 hours. The other streets are closed off.
Video
Location
