Most “Dickens” celebrations are great themes for a Victorian Christmas and while true to the Victorian period, the only homage to the author himself is usually a roaming Scrooge. While these festivals are great in their own ways, none come close to the literary prowess of the Ebensburg Dickens Christmas. Consider that this festival showcases tours of the local nineteenth-century prison, dressed up as the infamous Newgate prison in London. Intriguing sure, but Christmas spirit? As festival sponsors are quick to point out, the sad and hard tradition of debtor’s prison was a strong motif in both Dickens’ work and his own personal life. In A Christmas Carol Scrooge rebukes charities looking for donations, asking “Are there no prisons… and the Union workhouses, are they still in operation?” Obviously this is a festival crafted with bookish care, and everything at Dickens Christmas seems to fall back on the traditions that surrounded the man himself.
True to its literary guide light, Ebensburg Dickens Christmas hosts sleigh and carriage rides. To obvious? Then get warm around traditional fiery cressets instead, and grab hot-mulled cider in Penn Eben Park. There are ice sculptures in the park too. All the ice may remind some visitors of what traditional winter festivals on the River Thames must have been like. For others, it may simply and pleasantly remind them of how cool reindeers look when carved out of frozen water! Roaming carolers hang around doorsteps, singing blessings to households and property as per English tradition. And as per tradition, they dutifully present their wassailing bowl for to collect handouts and goodies. Even the indoor ice skating harkens reference to Dickens’ Pickwick Papers.
The Ebensburg Historical Society is open for business with Mrs. Buck’s Sweet Shoppe. This old candy store setup serves a variety of old candy favorites, fresh pastries and hot drinks. The Christmas Cantata at the First United Church is a festival tradition. The building which is now the First Untied is the oldest church in Cambria County and was originally the Welsh Independent Church. Join the First United Church in the Victorian English celebration with a traditional Welsh Tea and enjoy the serenading choirs and ensembles hosted by the church. If you aren’t able to make it to the Welsh Tea, don’t fret, as there are a handful of such tea events throughout the festival.
The Dickens theme is deep and rich in Ebensburg but don’t worry, this festival is not so arduous that it’s like combing through a college essay on Victorian Literature. For the light of heart and deep in spirit there is plenty to do. The town parade has a Santa Clause, and there is a decorating contest at the courthouse and kid activities at the Community Center. There are dinner shows and great holiday performances. Craft vendors set camp in local churches and fire halls and offer great buys to holiday shoppers. At the Ebensburg Dickens Christmas the fixation is truly on Dickens the man and Dickens the author but it is in good measure. Have fun and enjoy the festival; what you learn won’t be on the test!
Parking and admission to the festival is free but certain activities cost a nominal fee.
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