Hernando Dickens of a Christmas takes guests back to the Victorian Era
Photo: Carolers provide a holiday sound in front of the DeSoto County Courthouse during Hernando’s Dickens of a Christmas. (Bob Bakken/desotocountynews.com)
By Bailee Harris
It was a step back into time this weekend with the fifth annual Hernando Dickens of a Christmas, presented by Principle Toyota.
Hernando was first established in 1839, close to the publishing of Charles Dickens’ timeless classic, “A Christmas Carol.” This annual tourist attraction brings community and history together to make for a beloved tradition.
“We are so excited to have our fifth annual Hernando Dickens of a Christmas. It’s drawing a big crowd; we’ve already had people here today from Texas, the Carolinas, and Virginia,” Gia Matheny, Community Development Director says. “Our storytellers will be doing a high tea, and we have a ghost tour tonight that is new. We are so excited, and we hope that everybody will come out!”
This weekend-long event kicked off Friday night with the official Christmas Tree Lighting on the historic town square. Mayor Chip Johnson read a Christmas story to local children, followed by a showing of A Muppets Christmas Letters to Santa for families to enjoy. Children were also provided the opportunity to ice skate on Panola Street beginning Friday night.
Saturday morning, the Christmas Farmer’s Market as well as open houses from 20 participating businesses provided visitors to participate in holiday shopping. Guests were also given many delightful treat options including hot cocoa to enjoy throughout the day.
Participating visitors were granted the opportunity to take a tour downtown to learn about historic homes and sites throughout town. Trolley tours or horse-drawn carriage rides were two options guests could choose from.
Other events that occurred throughout the weekend included Selfies with Santa, a historic high-tea and Victorian fashion show, The Nutcracker Ballet put on by CK Dance Theatre youth students & Stars in Motion adult students, a ghost tour through the historic Spring Hill Cemetery, a beer garden and food court, main stage performances, and more.
To learn more about this exciting event and other activities, visit The Hernando Dickens of a Christmas Facebook page by clicking here.
Note: Bailee Harris is a journalism student at the University of Mississippi-DeSoto and a contributor to DeSoto County News.
