Take a trip back to 1850s England at the Dickens Victorian Village in downtown Cambridge. What began as one man’s vision in 2006 has become an entire community’s hometown Christmas tradition.
Dickens Victorian Village runs from November 1 – December 31, 2024.
This annual event offers a wide variety of activities for everyone and is sure to fill your holidays with the Christmas spirit.
Dickens Welcome Center
Start your day at the Dickens Welcome Center (708 Wheeling Ave) in downtown Cambridge. Listen as volunteers, dressed in period attire, share the history of this one-of-a-kind event.
Capture special photo memories at Imagination Station. Visitors of all ages can dress up in Victorian era clothing for a free photo shoot taken on your personal device. Volunteers are on hand to assist in selecting garments and taking photos.
Check out the Curiosity Shoppe to find the perfect gift. Take home a Victorian hat, Christmas ornament, T-shirt, or choose from other unique handmade gifts.
Before heading out to enjoy the village displays, pick up a map and activities schedule. Some special activities require tickets which are available for purchase. The Welcome Center is open Mon-Thu from 10 am – 6 pm; Fri-Sat from 10 am – 7 pm.
Dickens Victorian Village
Spend the afternoon strolling along historic Wheeling Avenue, between 6th & 11th Streets to experience old world England.
Along the way, encounter 96 scenes located at lampposts, benches, and displayed in store windows. Look for scenes like Tiny Tim & Bob Cratchet, a bucket brigade, the town crier, a glassblower, and Father Christmas.
More than 180 lifelike mannequins are on display, all dressed in authentic vintage clothing. The face of each character is hand sculpted and painted by local artists. Be sure to stop and read each of their stories.
Downtown Cambridge
Wheeling Avenue is part of the historic National Road(Rt 40). There are many original buildings from the 1800s, each with its own charm and striking architecture.
As you walk along the route, take time to explore the eclectic shops and eateries along the way, such as Black Cat Vintage, Towne House, McKenna’s Market, Kennedy’s Bakery, and Country Bits.
Letters to Santa at Country Bits
Have little ones who want to mail a letter to Santa? Stop in at Country Bits to mail their special wish list off in style. (Letters do not receive a response)
Theo’s Restaurant
Another downtown tradition is stopping in at Theo’s Restaurant for lunch or dinner. Established in 1931, Theo’s is, a local favorite in the heart of Dicken’s Victorian Village.
The menu offers a wide variety of selections at very reasonable prices. Save room for dessert because their pies are fabulous! Dinner reservations are accepted for parties of 5 or more.
Special Activities
Make your day in Cambridge extra memorable by including one or more of these special activities during your visit.
National Museum of Cambridge Glass Holiday Open House
Friday & Saturday, November 29-30, 2024 from 12 pm – 4 pm. Visit the museum for FREE during the Holiday Open House event. Learn how glass was made from gathering, shaping, etching, and engraving.
Over 6,000 pieces of glassware are on display, including a special Christmas tree decorated with beautiful Cambridge Glass.
Admission: Free
Location: 136 S. 9th Street
Christmas Parade: Santa’s Workshop
Saturday, November 30, 2024 from 5 pm – 7 pm. Kick off the holiday season with the annual Christmas Parade! Enjoy the festive floats and catch a glimpse of Santa himself! Sponsored by Cambridge Main Street.
Admission: Free
Location: Downtown Cambridge
Trolley Tour
Saturdays, November 16, December 14 and 21, 2024 from 10 am – 5 pm. History buffs will enjoy a 1 hour narrated trolley tour of Cambridge. Discover the city’s earliest origins, interesting past, stories of the Dickens Victorian Village, plus much more.
Register & pay in person at the Welcome Center. Tours depart hourly.
Admission: $10 per person
Location: Departs from the Dickens Welcome Center, 708 Wheeling Ave
Victorian Tea
November 23 , 2024 – December 14 , 2024 @ 1 pm. Dress in your best Victorian attire (optional) and join a traditional full English tea. Entertainment will be provided. Make reservations in advance by calling the Welcome Center at 740-421-4956.
Admission: $22 per person
Location: Masonic Ballroom, 607 Wheeling Avenue
Candlelight Walk
Saturday, December 21, 2024 @ 6 pm. Stroll along the streets and enjoy the Dickens scenes by lantern or candlelight. Bring your own light and get ready for a unique holiday experience. Details.
Admission: Free
Location: Meet at the Dickens Welcome Center, 708 Wheeling Ave
Carriage Rides
Fridays & Saturdays, November 8 – December 28, 2024 from 5:30 pm – 9:00 pm. Take a horse drawn carriage ride around Cambridge to enjoy the sights and sounds of the holidays. Purchase tickets at the Welcome Center or at the departure site, weather permitting.
Admission: $12 for all riders
Location: West side of the Guernsey County Courthouse
National Museum of Cambridge Glass
Fridays & Saturdays, November 1 – December 21, 2024 from 12 pm – 4 pm. Visit the museum to learn how glass was made from gathering, shaping, etching, and engraving.
Over 6,000 pieces of glassware is on display, including a special Christmas tree decorated with beautiful Cambridge Glass.
Admission: $6 adults, $5 Seniors/AAA
Location: 136 S. 9th Street
Courthouse Light Show
Wrap up your day at the Guernsey County Courthouse which takes center stage after dark with an amazing light show.
The building is covered with 30,000 lights and 36 animated light displays, all synchronized to a festive holiday soundtrack.
The 1-hour show runs continuously from 5:30 pm – 9:30 pm now through December 31st. Visitors are welcome to watch from the courthouse lawn.
For those who want to avoid the cold, parking is available on the street surrounding the courthouse. The best view from your car is on the streets to either side (some handicap parking is available).
More to do in Cambridge & Guernsey County
Check out more things to do in Cambridge and the surrounding area here.
Looking for all of the holiday fun in Columbus? Check out these pages!
- Subscribe to Columbus on the Cheap's email list
- Free and cheap events this weekend in Columbus
- Your Guide to Christmas and Holiday Events in Columbus
- Over 40 Holiday Art and Craft Festivals
- Turkey Trots and Holiday Races
- Christmas Tree Farms and Lots in Columbus
- Christmas Theater and Concerts in Columbus
- Photos with Santa
- Locations of Mailboxes for Letters to Santa
- Community Tree Lightings and Holiday Celebrations in Columbus
- Holiday Train Rides in Ohio: Santa Trains and Polar Express
- Free and Cheap Activities for Winter Break in Columbus
- Columbus Happy Hours
More Ohio travel!
Looking for more of Deb’s amazing travel posts? Check them out below and plan some Ohio exploration!
- History, hikes, and fun stops in Wellston, Chillicothe & Hocking Hills
- Tuscawaras County: Exploring Ohio’s Firsts in Dover and New Philadelphia
- Mansfield – Where History Meets Hollywood
- Exploring Kelleys Island
- Visiting Akron’s Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens
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