Hernando Dickens of a Christmas is one of DeSoto County’s most beloved holiday traditions. Over 13,000 attendees gather on Hernando Courthouse Square each November for a multi-sensory Victorian Era Christmas celebration. It’s where families create lasting memories. Where strangers become friends. Where the spirit of Christmas comes alive in authentic, genuine ways. Toyota of Hernando is proud to be part of this cherished tradition.
The festival transforms the historic Courthouse Square into a Victorian Christmas village. Elaborate decorations, period-accurate costumes, and thoughtful details create an immersive experience that transports attendees back in time. It’s not a typical modern holiday festival. It’s a genuine attempt to recreate Christmas as it might have been celebrated during Dickens’ era.
The event spans Friday evening and Saturday all day, providing ample opportunity to experience everything. Families often plan full days around the festival, arriving early and staying late. Some return multiple years in a row. It’s become a generational tradition for many DeSoto County families.
Dickens of a Christmas offers diverse activities for every age and interest. The Christmas tree lighting ceremony is a highlight, with the massive tree illuminated for the season. It’s a magical moment that kicks off the holiday weekend.
The ice skating rink is always popular. Families and friends rent skates and enjoy the rink while carols play. Children who’ve never skated try it for the first time. Experienced skaters show off skills. Grandparents cheer from the sidelines. The rink creates memories that last for years.
The Christmas market features vendors selling handmade crafts, holiday decorations, gifts, and specialty items. Shoppers browse booths, discover unique finds, and support local artisans. The market atmosphere is festive and relaxed, encouraging browsing and conversation.
Horse-drawn carriage and trolley rides provide transportation around the square and through nearby neighborhoods. It’s a romantic, nostalgic way to experience the festival. Carriage rides are especially popular with couples and families with young children.
High tea service offers attendees a chance to sit, relax, and enjoy refreshments in a refined Victorian setting. It’s a quieter, more intimate experience amid the festival energy. Perfect for those wanting a moment of calm during a busy day.
Santa photo sessions are always busy. Children visit Santa, share Christmas wishes, and pose for photos. Parents capture precious moments. Santa is patient and warm, making each child feel special and heard.
Victorian character actors wander the festival, interacting with attendees. They stay in character, speaking in period-appropriate language and engaging visitors in casual conversation. Kids are delighted. Adults appreciate the commitment to authenticity.
Cemetery ghost tours are a unique attraction. Local historians share stories about the town’s history while walking through the historic cemetery. It’s educational, slightly spooky, and fascinatingly engaging.
Live storytelling performances entertain crowds throughout the day. Costumed performers share holiday tales and Christmas stories. Children sit captivated. Adults enjoy the theatrical performances.
Dickens of a Christmas draws significant crowds, so plan accordingly. Arrive early for the best parking and to experience the festival from opening. Dress warmly. November in Hernando can be chilly, especially in the evening. Layers allow you to adjust as activity level changes.
Wear comfortable walking shoes. You’ll explore the Courthouse Square area extensively. Good footwear makes the day more enjoyable. Consider bringing blankets or folding chairs if you want to sit and watch performances or the tree lighting ceremony.
Bring cash along with credit cards. Some vendors prefer cash, and tipping is common for services like carriage rides and photo sessions. Budget for carriage rides, high tea, Santa photos, and market purchases. It adds up, but it’s worth it.
Plan specific activities you don’t want to miss. Popular activities like carriage rides and Santa photos have limited capacity. Prioritize based on family preferences. If ice skating is important to you, schedule time early.
The festival takes place on Hernando Courthouse Square, the heart of downtown Hernando. From Toyota of Hernando at 2887 McIngvale Rd, head north on McIngvale Rd directly into downtown Hernando. The Courthouse Square is the prominent landmark in the center of town. Parking is available on surrounding streets and in designated festival lots.
Arrive early for better parking options. Festival parking fills quickly as the day progresses. If downtown parking is full, shuttles typically run from remote parking areas. Ask volunteers for shuttle information upon arrival.
The 2026 Toyota Highlander is perfect for family holiday adventures. Starting at $42,675, the Highlander seats eight with three rows of seating. Comfortable cloth or leather seating, climate control, and ample cargo space for blankets, chairs, and shopping bags. The Highlander provides reliable, family-friendly transportation for full festival days.
The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander is even larger, starting at $42,355. It offers additional cargo space, premium seating comfort, and more features than the standard Highlander. Both vehicles are excellent choices for families who spend significant time at holiday events and need comfortable, reliable transportation.
Both Highlander models offer Toyota’s legendary reliability and resale value. Three-year, thirty-six-thousand-mile basic warranty. Five-year, sixty-thousand-mile powertrain warranty. Nationwide Toyota service network ensures maintenance and repairs are always available. Call (662) 912-9403 to test drive a Highlander or Grand Highlander today.
Toyota of Hernando sponsors Dickens of a Christmas because family traditions matter. This festival brings thousands of families together to celebrate, create memories, and experience holiday spirit in genuine, meaningful ways. That’s something we’re proud to support.
Community is our priority. We don’t just sell vehicles. We’re part of DeSoto County. We sponsor youth sports. We support local charities. We celebrate with our neighbors. The holidays are when community spirit shines brightest, and we want to be part of that.
Dickens of a Christmas is more than a festival. It’s an opportunity to slow down, connect with family and neighbors, and experience holiday magic together. It’s worth planning your November around. It’s worth bundling up and exploring. It’s worth the full-day commitment to experience everything.
Bring your family. Bring your friends. Create memories that your kids will talk about for years. That’s the true spirit of Dickens of a Christmas. That’s why thousands of families return year after year. That’s why we sponsor it. Because holidays are about people. About time together. About memories made.
Call (662) 912-9403 for More Information
Dickens of a Christmas is held annually in November on Hernando Courthouse Square. The event typically runs Friday evening and Saturday all day. Over 13,000 attendees gather for this five-year-plus holiday tradition. Specific dates vary yearly. Check Hernando City events or the chamber of commerce for current dates and times.
Dickens of a Christmas features a full Victorian Era recreation. Activities include Christmas tree lighting ceremonies, ice skating rink, Christmas market with vendors, horse-drawn carriage and trolley rides, high tea, Santa photo sessions, Victorian character actors, cemetery ghost tours, and live storytelling performances. It’s a multi-sensory holiday celebration.
Yes, absolutely. Dickens of a Christmas is specifically designed for families. Kids enjoy ice skating, meeting Santa, carriage rides, and watching Victorian characters. Parents appreciate the market shopping, high tea, and festive atmosphere. It’s a tradition many families return to year after year.
Dress warmly. November in Hernando can be chilly, especially in the evening. Layers are recommended so you can adjust as needed. Comfortable walking shoes are important since you’ll explore the Courthouse Square area. Many attendees wear Victorian-inspired clothing to match the theme, but it’s not required.
Toyota of Hernando is committed to supporting community traditions that bring families together. Dickens of a Christmas is a signature DeSoto County event that creates lasting memories for thousands of families. We’re proud to be part of this holiday tradition and to help make Hernando’s Christmas celebration special.
The 2026 Toyota Highlander and Grand Highlander are ideal for family holiday events. The Highlander starts at $42,675 with three rows and seats for eight. The Grand Highlander starts at $42,355 with additional cargo space. Both provide comfortable, reliable family transportation for holiday adventures. Call (662) 912-9403 to test drive your perfect family SUV.
Looking for a family SUV for holiday outings and year-round adventures? Related Pages: 2026 Toyota Highlander, 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander, Toyota Dealer Near Hernando, Community Events & Sponsorships
Toyota of Hernando is located at 2887 McIngvale Rd, Hernando, MS 38632. We’re open Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Call (662) 912-9403 with questions or to schedule a test drive.
