The holiday season is nearly upon us and what better way to unwrap your Christmas spirit than with tidings of good cheer and family fun at Boerne’s premiere, free holiday event, the 16th annual Dickens on Main on Friday, Nov. 27 and Saturday, Nov. 28, 1-11 p.m.
Dickens on Main brings the merriment of the holidays to Boerne’s Hill Country Mile, inviting locals and visitors alike to enjoy festive activities including live musical entertainment, Dickens-era theatrical performances, ice sculpting shows, horse-drawn carriage rides, photos with Santa and more. Plus, avoid the hassle of the mall and shop local for Black Friday and Small Business Saturday, bringing home unique holiday gifts from the many Main Street shops!
Event highlights you can expect at this year’s Dickens on Main include:
Holiday Lighting Ceremony
Nov. 27, 6pm
Kick start the festivities with the lighting ceremony that promises to put you in the Christmas spirit! Experience the beaming celebration where Mayor Mike Schultz flips the switch at the annual lighting ceremony. Main Plaza will glisten with shining lights to officially commence the weekend.
Children’s Activities
Nov. 27 & 28, 1-9pm
- North Pole Plaza
In true Dickens fashion, North Pole Plaza will be filled with good ‘ol family fun! Enjoy a petting zoo, trackless train, pony rides, vintage ornament making, and more, plus a “letters to Santa” writing station. And for a change of pace, take the kiddos to the 60-foot long snow slide for a sledding experience they will never forget! This white Christmas in Boerne brings more than 40,000 pounds of snow for families to enjoy—and this is in addition to the snow flurries on Main Street each evening! - Santa’s Workshop
Santa Claus is coming to town! Bring your little ones to Santa’s Workshop for a picture with the jolly man himself. There will also be a craft station where the kids can make their very own birdseed ornaments to take home as a keepsake! - South Pole Plaza
What better way to remember Dickens than with homemade, unique crafts created by the little ones? Don’t miss South Pole Plaza’s kids’ area to create a souvenir and savor a memory with one of the many crafts provided.
Live Ice Sculpting Shows
Nov. 27 & 28, 6-7pm & 7:30-8:30pm
A crowd favorite, live ice sculpting shows return to South Pole Plaza twice each evening! Watch in amazement as ice sculptors transform block ice into a masterpiece! Children will delight in the fast-paced, magical action this offers, and the result is a treat for all ages.
“Bah Humbug: A One Man Christmas Carol”
Nov. 27 & 28 at 5:45pm, 7:15pm, & 8:45pm
“Bah Humbug: A One Man Christmas Carol”, the one actor rendition of A Christmas Carol is back this year and as memorable as ever! A Dickens on Main favorite, “Bah Humbug: A One Man Christmas Carol” brings to life all of Dickens’ original characters, portrayed by one actor!
Headliner Concerts
Nov. 27 & 28, 8-11pm
Austin-based band Groove Knight will bring the house down to wrap up Dickens on Main’s Friday night. An award-winning high energy dance band, Groove Knight will share generations of great dance music from the ‘60s, ‘70s, ‘80s and today.
Honored as the Hill Country Entertainer of the Year not once but twice, Thomas Michael Riley is a local Texan and celebrated country artist. The final performance of this year’s Dickens on Main will be one to remember, so catch the show at North Pole Plaza on Saturday evening.
Black Friday and Small Business Saturday
Nov. 27 & 28, 1-10pm
Sleep late on Black Friday and skip the traffic and stress of sunrise shopping by joining us on the Hill Country Mile, home to some of Texas’s best boutiques and shops which will have extended shopping hours both days. From alternative antiques to high-end couture, Boerne’s shopping has just what you need to finish your Christmas shopping! And the shopping doesn’t end on Black Friday—shop locally and invest in Boerne by shopping for Small Business Saturday too.
Carriage Rides
Nov. 27 & 28, 6-10:30pm
To top off your Dickens on Main experience, enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride in scenic downtown Boerne to take in the sounds and sights of the holiday season. Friends and family can pile in and take part in this quintessential Christmastime activity. This makes for a great photo opportunity, too!
For more details and the schedule of events, visit www.dickensonmain.com, follow Dickens on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube, and use the hashtag #BoerneChristmas to join the conversation. See you in Boerne!
