Are you looking for a getaway weekend to rekindle the old fashioned Christmas spirit? Then plan to join us in Wellsboro on Saturday, December 6th, 2025 for the 41st annual Dickens of a Christmas. Wellsboro’s Main Street and the surrounding side streets will be closed to traffic and will become an early Victorian marketplace featuring all types of delectable wares for eating and drinking, as well as delightful gift items for wearing or enjoying.
Beginning at 9:00 a.m., the food and craft vendors, strolling musicians and singers, dancers, and street corner thespians will spread up and down Main Street, extending on to Waln and Crafton Street, and a portion of Central Avenue. Performers and vendors will be appropriately costumed and decorated to create a Victorian atmosphere that fits so well with the Wellsboro Gas Lights. With the streets closed to traffic, you have the freedom to stroll and enjoy the festivities.
The Wellsboro Men’s and Women’s Choruses traditionally perform in front of the Arcadia Theater, and you’re welcome to sing along. Several other local musical groups typically offer strolling performances throughout the day. Just stop where you happen to be and enjoy tidbits of drama or musical performances.
Many of our local churches will host luncheons, concerts, tours or special services throughout the day. Hamilton Gibson Productions usually present “A Christmas Carol” at the Coolidge Theater & Warehouse Theater several times, and the Hamilton Gibson Choirs will perform on Friday evening. Tickets may be purchased at the door.
Approximately 125 craft and food vendors line the streets dressed in Victorian garb to present many unique gift-giving options which include hand-crafted Christmas ornaments, wooden toys, jewelry, quilted items, furniture, wrought iron, homemade cheese & meats, pet treats, heirloom Santas, stuffed animals and dolls for the children on your list. In addition, several indoor craft shows are held at the United Methodist Church, the Wellsboro Active Living Center, and the Firemen’s Annex.
Numerous food vendors are always on hand to warm your tummies and tickle your taste buds with such delectable delights as hot chocolate, chili, hot dogs, homemade soups and chowders, bread pudding, homemade cookies, pies, and candies, hot beef sandwiches, crab cakes, hot cider and coffee, cheddar worsts, kettle corn, baked potatoes, apple dumplings, and cinnamon buns…just to name a few.
Bring a candle and join us for the Peace Walk from Packer Park at 5:00p.m., which travels up Main Street to the Green for the annual community Christmas tree lighting and carol sing at 5:30. Hopefully, the 2024 PA State Laurel Queen will be on hand to light the giant Christmas tree, and Santa always visits with special treats for the youngsters.
Parking will be available at several lots throughout the town, along with a shuttle which will be operated continuously from the Wellsboro High School parking lot and the Wellsboro Plaza lot on Route 6.
It’s always a wonderful way to start your holiday season! For detailed schedule of events with times and locations contact the Wellsboro Area Chamber of Commerce, 114 Main Street, Wellsboro, PA 16901, phone 570-724-1926. The schedule will also be available at local businesses, motels, and restaurants the day of the event.
The Best Dressed Showcase 2025
Christine A Moore Millinery and the Home Page Network celebrated the 10th year of the Best Dressed Showcase this past Dickens of a weekend!
It all started in 2015 with the first stroll. (Please watch the video for pictures of that stroll and past winners) Each year since then, except for the year of COVID, we have strolled, enjoying the Dickens atmosphere. Hundreds registered for the Best Dressed Showcase, and the contestants who wore fabulous Victorian outfits were presented. This year, we had close to thirty sign up for the Dickens of a Christmas showcase.
The judges: Amy DeCamp, David Boley, and Wyatt Wood chose the top five participants: Bre Weinhold, Marie Andrews, Krampus, Ralph & Renee Flynn. And they were each given a Kathleen Schnell handmade glass star, 20.00 Wellsboro Chamber Bucks, and a donated Dunhams Department Store big bag.
Many times in the past, a previous third or second place winner came again the following year to try to become the first-place winner. That is what happened this year: Bre Weinhold, who finished second last year, won the showcase, taking first place. (Please watch the video to see her outfit.)
Bre received a gift bag filled with the following certificates:
PA Suncatcher/Linda Stager Mansfield Chamber Bucks.
Christine A Moore Millinery Crossroads Bed & Breakfast Akiko's
Pop's Culture Shoppe Penn Wells C&S Sports
Benedict's Bus Smith and Co. and
Timeless Destination
Christine, Blake, John, and I want to thank the sponsors and those who have participated in the fun over the past 10 years for a Dickens of a good time.