A Dickens of a Christmas is in its second year in downtown Llano. Staff photo by Suzanne Freeman
A Dickens of a Christmas is a three-day celebration of the holidays, Victorian-style, in downtown Llano. The event kicks off on Dec. 6 with A Dickens of a Dinner Theater and ends on Dec. 8 with A Dickens of a Victorian Tea. Dec. 7 is the big day, which includes breakfast with Santa, a Christmas Bazaar, a bed race, a parade, and much more. If you want to do it all, here’s the schedule. Or, visit LlanoTXDickens.org.
Friday, Dec. 6
6 p.m.
A Dickens of a Dinner Theater
Lutie Watkins Memorial United Methodist Church, 800 Wright St.
A $40 ticket includes a four-course dinner and entertainment. Victorian-period attire or holiday finest is encouraged. Money goes to support local youth in foster care. Tickets are available on the festival’s website.
Saturday, Dec. 7
9-10:30 a.m.
Pancakes with Santa and Mrs. Claus
Lutie Watkins Memorial Methodist Church, 800 Wright St.
The Llano Chamber of Commerce hosts a pancake breakfast with Mr. and Mrs. Claus. For $5, diners get pancakes, sausage, and orange juice, water, or coffee as well as a children’s craft—and, of course, photos with the North Pole couple.
9 a.m.-4 p.m.
A Dickens of a Farmers and Crafters Market
Courthouse Square
The entire courthouse lawn is circled with vendors, while on the grounds, festivities include live music and entertainment, a Victorian costume contest, ice carving, a petting zoo, and holiday crafts and games. Father Christmas will be on hand for photos, while free carriage rides circle the square all day.
10 a.m.
Fruit cake baking contest
Courthouse Square gazebo
Contestants turn in their one entry at 10 a.m. Judging begins at 10:30 a.m. Prizes for first, second, and third places will be presented at 11:30 a.m. Must be present to win. For rules, visit the festival website.
10 a.m.-4 p.m.
A Dickens of a Christmas Bazaar
Llano Art Gallery, 503 Bessemer Ave.
The bazaar will be open Nov. 23-Dec. 22 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. A Dickens-themed party is planned for 2 p.m. Dec. 7. Purchases during the party are discounted by 10 percent. Refreshments will be served.
Noon to 5 p.m.
Holiday Home Tour
West Sandstone Street
Tour beautiful homes and businesses decorated for the holidays. Tickets are $15 each or $28 for two. Proceeds benefit the Llano County Scholarship Fund and other Woman’s Culture Club of Llano projects.
3:30 p.m.
Bed race
First Baptist Church, 107 W. Luce St.
Watch three-person teams in youth and adult categories compete for cash prizes in a Victorian holiday-themed race of decorated bed frames. Only in Llano!
6 p.m.
Lighted Christmas Parade
Downtown Llano
Floats, bands, and more line up on Ford Street and circle the square in an end to the downtown festivities. The fun’s not over, however. Everyone is invited to Badu Park at 300 Legion Drive for the Starry, Starry Nights display. The light show is open 6-9 p.m. Dec. 2-31.
Sunday, Dec. 8
3 p.m.
A Dickens of a Victorian Tea
Llano ISD Community Room, 1400 Oatman St.
Enjoy a full English tea service with live music by Here Comes Treble and the Hill Country Chamber Orchestra. Tickets are $30 for ages 13 and older and $15 for ages 12 and younger. Purchase them at the Llano County Historical Museum website.
