Dickens’ Christmas Towne to Usher in Holiday Season at Nauticus

Dickens’ Christmas Towne to Usher in Holiday Season at Nauticus

New, grand-scale experience opens November 21

The holiday season will be larger than ever in Hampton Roads – Nauticus and Virginia Stage Company are building a massive, 15,000 square foot Christmas village, complete with strolling carolers, actors, a large-scale train display, merchants, games, activities and entertainment.  Dickens’ Christmas Towne gives visitors an opportunity to journey through a magical world, transforming the first floor of Norfolk’s Half Moone Cruise & Celebration Center into festive Victorian London.  

In addition, visitors can take a ride on a trackless train through Towne Point Park (Saturday and Sunday nights), make holiday crafts, discover the “Science of Christmas,” purchase seasonal treats from a variety of vendors, and much more.

“This is the start of a major new tradition in Hampton Roads,” said Stephen E. Kirkland, Nauticus executive director.  “It’s a huge undertaking, and our main goal is to give families an opportunity to create special, long-lasting holiday memories.”

Dickens’ Christmas Towne will be brought to life with activities for children as well as performers that include magicians, jugglers, stilt walkers and other entertainment popular in the 19^th century. Beginning November 29, every Saturday morning children are invited to take part in a Toy Parade at 10:30 a.m. Free admission will be granted to all kids participating in the parade. In addition, visitors will be able to purchase items from vendors in storefronts along the streets of the Victorian village including Barnes & Noble, Binns of Williamsburg, Carolina Cupcakery, Chocollage, Flashback Old Time Photos, Jody’s Popcorn, London Docks Gift Shoppe, Photogenic, We Are Nuts and Virginia Zoo-Tique.

Dickens’ Christmas Towne will be open November 21 through December 14 on Fridays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. and on Sundays from noon – 6 p.m.; and December 17 through December 28 on weekdays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. – 8 p.m., and on Sundays from noon – 6 p.m. The experience will be open on December 24 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and closed on Christmas Day. On Saturday, November 22, the night of the Grand Illumination parade, Dickens’ Christmas Towne will be open from 10 a.m. until 10 p.m.

Admission is just $5 for adults, $4 for children (4-12), and ages 3 and under are free. 

Dickens’ Christmas Towne is sponsored in part by the Patricia and Douglas Perry Foundation, Bill Magann, Colonna’s Shipyard, Virginia Maritime Association, MacArthur Center, Norfolk Southern Corporation, the Taylor Foundation, T. Parker Host, Eddie Wolcott and McGuire Woods, LLP.