Experiencing the Dickens Festival in Deventer, Netherlands
What can you expect to find at the Dickens festival?
What Is the Dickens Festival?
More than 950 characters from Charles Dickens's works make appearances in Deventer's historic Bergkwartier. The festival is called Dickens Festival and takes place on one weekend in December every year.
You get the opportunity to hang out with Dickens's most famous fictional creations, including Scrooge, Oliver Twist, the Artful Dodger, Mr. Pickwick, Mrs. Havisham, carolers, beggars, and aristocrats.
The Dickens Festival is an event you won't soon forget, thanks to its many market stalls, street performances, and traditional Christmas cheer.
About 125,000 people visit the Dickens Festival each year. Given how popular the event is, you'll find huge lines waiting at the entrance. It is advisable to arrive early in the morning, because the entrance to the festival is free, so it draws even more people.
A Character from Charles Dickens' books
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How I Learned About the Festival
Last week, I was browsing through Instagram when I came across a reel that caught my attention. It showed an old town with some people dressed in clothes from the 19th century. I am always up for unique experiences, and through that reel, I learned this unique festival only happens for two days every year.
My husband and I had not made any plans for the weekend, so we thought of checking this city out. Little did we know that we were about to experience something so amazing!
The Street Where the Dickens Festival Starts
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How to Get to the Festival From Amsterdam
With apps like Google Maps or 9292, it is really easy to navigate yourself there. You could also rent a car to drive you, especially if you are in a larger group, but that might be a bit pricier.
We were able to get 40% off on our public transportation tickets, so we ended up taking a train from Amsterdam to reach Utrecht. Once we reached Utrecht, we needed to switch over to another train that got us closer to the festival. Overall, it took us about an hour and a half to get there from Amsterdam. The journey was very smooth and comfortable.
Never a Dull Moment
We got there at about 10 in the morning. However, the lines to enter had already become long. We thought we arrived early enough to beat them, but obviously, that was not the case.
The idea is that if they only let specific numbers of people in at a time, then everyone has a more pleasant experience without having to contend with as large of a crowd. We stood in line for almost half an hour before it was our turn to enter.
The dressed characters, however, kept those waiting occupied and amused. One actor was dressed as a pick pocketer, so he came and pretended to inspect bags of people. One actor was dressed as a beggar, so they asked people for their croissants as part of the act. Even with the waiting lines, we enjoyed every minute of it because it was all a part of the adventure.
Magical Sights Once Inside
Once we were inside, there was so much to see. From people sweeping the chimneys to bakers making oatmeal and trying to get you to taste it, from gentlemen walking and conversing to Queen Victoria's parade, there was always something going on all over the streets. It was really amusing to see this because it was also very interactive. It really felt like you'd been transported back to the 19th century and into one of Dickens' books.
Even though the actors are conversing in Dutch, you can still understand what is happening through their actions. You can also find a lot of art spread throughout the alleyways of the small town.
Charles Dickens Festival
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Try New Things at the Festival
Along the path, there were stands with food on them, and even the people who were setting up the booths were dressed up. There was a lot to choose from, and everything we ate was tasty. There was lots to offer: pies, roasted chestnuts, burgers, donuts, fudge, hot baked potatoes, and so on. Along the way, you can also find hot drinks; we had mulled wine and hot chocolate, both of which were delicious.
Visit the Charles Dickens Kabinet
Discover more about Dickens and his work by paying a visit to the Charles Dickens Kabinet in the old Women's Prison on Walstraat.
There are many books, some first editions, prints, gorgeous costumes and sculptures of Dickens characters, and even a table set with Dickens dinnerware to be viewed in this little museum. The library houses a collection of rare books, magazines, and clipping files relating to Dickens. The exhibition and library feature numerous highlights from Dickens Festijn founder Emmy Strik's extensive private collection. The entry was only two euros per person.
It was amazing to witness such an extensive collection in person.
Christmas Decor All the Way
This was a magical outing that was made all the more so simply by performances happening all around. Christmas decorations donned the storefronts, and all of the shopkeepers, from the most humble paupers to the most refined nobility, dressed the part. It was fun to gaze at all the old-fashioned lamps and garlands that graced the shops and home windows along the cobblestone streets.
Perfect 'Uit-gang'
The festival path culminates in the open plaza of the Brink, where a massive Christmas market is set up. The area is dotted with plenty of cafes and restaurants in case you haven't had enough to eat on your journey, and it also has plenty of gift shops for those last-minute purchases.
Should You Go to the Dickens Festival in Deventer?
The short answer is definitely yes!
It's a wonderful time for the whole family to celebrate together. Everyone, not just those interested in classic literature, should attend this festival. It's a perfect day outing and is enjoyable for people of all ages. I am ready to go back to Deventer next year to witness this again.
This content is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge and is not meant to substitute for formal and individualized advice from a qualified professional.
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