Hernando Dickens of a Christmas

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Google map with parking options. Avoid looking for a parking space near the square and use the Jolly Trolley Park and Ride Trolley from Kroger Marketplace, runs SATURDAY ONLY 9am-4pm with stops at Desoto County Museum and Town Square.

Kick off Hernando Dickens of a Christmas with an evening full of holiday magic, family fun, and community spirit! From the glow of the Christmas tree to ice skating and an outdoor Disney holiday movie, the whole Square will come alive with Dickens cheer. Evening Schedule: • 4:30–8:00 PM – Ice Skating in Tiny Tim’s Village on Panola Street Enjoy free ice skating thanks to All Children’s Clinic and The Children’s Dental Center! Artificial ice — no cold-weather gear needed (weather permitting). Skate rentals provided at no cost! • 4:30–8:00 PM – Dickens Beer Garden & Food Court Relax in Jim Seay’s Courtyard near the ice rink with festive drinks and bites sponsored by Associated Wholesale Grocers, Inc. Proceeds benefit Hernando Parks and Recreation • 6:00 PM – Christmas Tree Lighting Join the Hernando Main Street Chamber of Commerce and city officials for the official lighting of the Christmas tree on the Town Square! • 6:05 PM – Storytime with the Mayor Gather ‘round the tree as Mayor Chip Johnson shares a heartwarming Christmas story for children and families. • 6:30 PM – Holiday Movie on the Square End the night with a FREE holiday movie under the stars on the Town Square! Sponsored by Friends of Hernando Public Library and the Mississippi Army National Guard Thank you to our Hernando Dickens of a Christmas Presenting Sponsor, Farm Bureau Mississippi, for helping make this magical evening possible!

Ice Skating at Hernando Dickens of a Christmas Enjoy free ice skating thanks to our generous sponsors, All Children’s Clinic and The Children’s Dental Center! Location: Tiny Tim's Village on Panola Street Friday: 4:30PM–8 PM Saturday: 9AM–7PM Details: • Artificial ice (no cold-weather gear required if the weather is mild) • Skate rentals available at no cost • Fun for the whole family! Thank you to our Hernando Dickens of a Christmas Presenting Sponsor, Farm Bureau Mississippi!

Dickens Beer Garden & Food Court sponsored by Associated Wholesale Grocers, Inc Need a break from all the holiday fun? Stop by the Dickens Village Food Court for a quick bite and support Hernando Parks! They will be located in Jim Seay's Courtyard on Panloa Street near the ice skating rink in Tiny Tim's Village. Table and chairs will be available on Panola Street to eat and watch the skaters and entertainment. Dickens Beer Garden Hours: Friday 4:30-8 Saturday 9-7 Thank you to our Hernando Dickens of a Christmas Presenting Sponsor, Farm Bureau Mississippi!

The Hernando Farmers Market Christmas Market at Hernando Dickens of a Christmas The Farmers Market is back with a holiday sparkle! Stroll the Hernando Square and shop from local makers and farmers while enjoying the sights and sounds of Dickens. Saturday, November 22 9 AM – 4 PM Historic Hernando Town Square Shop and enjoy: • Fresh fall produce • Local meats – beef, pork, lamb • Honey, jams & baked goods • Artisanal breads & handmade holiday gifts • Live folk art demonstrations Shop local and kick off the holidays with us! Thank you to our Hernando Dickens of a Christmas Presenting Sponsor, Farm Bureau Mississippi!

Tiny Tim’s Village on Panola Street Presented by Atmos Energy Nov 22, 2025 9AM-4PM Discover the heart of family fun at the all-new Tiny Tim’s Village, a cheerful hub of children’s activities and holiday excitement at Hernando Dickens of a Christmas. Located on Panola Street, this festive area is filled with sights, sounds, and smiles for all ages. Experience: • Free Ice Skating (open until 7PM)– Glide across the rink thanks to All Children’s Clinic and The Children’s Dental Center • Gingerbread Adventure – Sponsored by TDL Contractors, featuring a gingerbread-themed inflatable maze and obstacle course • Children’s Activities – Crafts, games, and festive fun for little ones throughout the day • Food Court & Beer Garden (open until 7PM) – Sponsored by Associated Wholesale Grocers, Inc., offering great food, drinks, and a place to relax while enjoying the festivities Bring the whole family to Tiny Tim’s Village, where the magic of Christmas comes alive with laughter, lights, and holiday cheer. Thank you to Atmos Energy for sponsoring Tiny Tim's Village and to our Hernando Dickens of a Christmas Presenting Sponsor, Farm Bureau Mississippi, for helping create a joyful destination for families throughout the weekend.

Dickens Performances – on the Beautiful Overton Park Shell on Wheels! Experience the magic of the season at the Dickens Performance Stage, set against the stunning backdrop of the Overton Park Shell on Wheels — a mobile masterpiece bringing big-stage beauty and sound right to the heart of Hernando’s Courthouse Square! Thank you to our Performance Stage Sponsors CMG Home Loans, Daly, Kirk PLLC, and Magnolia Title for bringing this unforgettable experience to life during Hernando Dickens of a Christmas! Location: Hernando Square Showtimes: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Performances all day!) Experience: • Enjoy live entertainment from local singing, theater, and performance groups sharing festive favorites and heartwarming holiday acts • Be captivated by headliners Kevin and Bethany Paige, delivering a high-energy, soulful Christmas concert you won’t forget • Tap your toes to the rich harmonies and lively picking of The Mulberry Jam, a beloved bluegrass band bringing an authentic down-home sound to the celebration • Cozy up with hot cocoa, sing along with carolers, and celebrate the joy of community and Christmas cheer! The Overton Park Shell on Wheels provides the perfect stage for this magical day of music and merriment — combining world-class sound, local talent, and a touch of holiday nostalgia. Thank you to our Hernando Dickens of a Christmas Presenting Sponsor, Farm Bureau Mississippi!

Avoid searching for parking and arrive at Hernando Dickens of a Christmas in true Victorian style aboard the Free Park & Ride Trolley thanks to B&P Enterprises ! Saturday, November 22 9 AM – 4 PM Park Location: Kroger Marketplace (next to the Pharmacy) Route Runs Throughout the Day Experience: • Park with ease, then hop aboard the Jolly Trolley for a charming ride straight to the Historic Hernando Square • The trolley stops conveniently near the DeSoto County Museum, where you can enjoy even more fun — including the Horse-Drawn Carriage Historic Tour and Trolley Tour of Historic Homes • Don’t want to walk? The Jolly Trolley makes it easy to get around and enjoy every corner of the festival! Roundtrip Route: Kroger ➔ Museum ➔ Square ➔ Museum ➔ Kroger Donations Encouraged: Support Wesley Meadows, a vital part of our Hernando community providing compassionate care and joyful living for senior adults. Your generosity helps make the holidays brighter for residents and neighbors alike. Thank you to our Hernando Dickens of a Christmas Presenting Sponsor, Farm Bureau Mississippi!

Historic Trolley Tour at Hernando Dickens of a Christmas Free thanks to our sponsor Civil Link! Travel through Hernando’s history with a Victorian tour guide! See some of the city’s oldest homes and points of interest on this charming ride. Trolley Stop: Hernando Baptist Church Parking Lot (11 E. Center Street) Tours: 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM (last ride) First come, first served Getting There: 1. Walk down Center Street from Town Square to Hernando Baptist Church. 9 min walk (Courthouse faces Center Street) 2. Ride the Jolly Trolley – pick up at SaintxSocial or Kroger Marketplace and get off at the Museum stop walk behind the museum to Hernando Baptist Church. 3. Drive and park at Hernando Baptist Church (11 E. Center Street) Thank you to our Hernando Dickens of a Christmas Presenting Sponsor, Farm Bureau Health Mississippi!

Free to ride thanks to the Optimist Club of Hernando! Bring the kids for a magical ride on the Kiddie Train chugging along Center Street during Hernando Dickens of a Christmas! Saturday, November 22 9 AM – 4 PM Center Street Details: • Pick up on Center Street near Bon Von Gifts (Courthouse faces Center Street) • A perfect family-friendly activity to add to your holiday memories Don’t miss this festive favorite — the Kiddie Train is ready to roll! Thank you to our Hernando Dickens of a Christmas Presenting Sponsor, Mississippi Farm Bureau Health Plan!

Free to ride thanks to our sponsor Burch Realty! Location: DeSoto County Museum Time: 9:00 AM–4:00 PM (last ride at 3:30PM) Pick-up & Drop-off: Back of the Museum Rides last about 30 minutes. Space is limited, first come first served. Please be prepared to wait. Experience: • Victorian tour guides will take you back to Hernando in the late 1800s • Enjoy entertainment, food, and beverages nearby while you wait • The trolley tour also picks up nearby and may have a shorter wait Getting There: • Park and ride the trolley from the Square for a museum drop-off, or walk down Center Street • Limited parking available near the DeSoto County Museum Thank you to our Hernando Dickens of a Christmas Presenting Sponsor, Farm Bureau Mississippi!

NEW! Gingerbread Adventure in Tiny Tim’s Village Saturday, November 22, 2025 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM Tiny Tim’s Village on Panola Street Thank you to TDL Contractors for sponsoring the all-new Gingerbread Adventure, a whimsical and free holiday attraction debuting at Hernando Dickens of a Christmas. Experience: • Explore a larger-than-life gingerbread-themed inflatable maze filled with colorful surprises • Conquer the gingerbread obstacle course featuring candy tunnels and a festive slide • Designed for kids and families ready for a cheerful and active holiday adventure • A perfect place for fun, laughter, and memorable holiday photos Thank you to Atmos Energy for sponsoring our new children's area, Tiny Tim's Village and to our Hernando Dickens of a Christmas Presenting Sponsor, Farm Bureau Mississippi, for helping make this magical experience possible.

Free thanks to our sponsor Obsidian Public Relations! Parking: Hernando Civic Center (3800 Robinson Gin Rd). Lighted parking with trolley service to the cemetery beginning at 5:00 PM. Tour begins at 5:30 PM, with trolley returns running until 8:00 PM. Experience: • Step back in time and hear the stories of Hernando’s earliest settlers • Enjoy a bonfire, roast marshmallows, and sip hot cocoa • A family-friendly activity! This year’s Ghost Tour is dedicated to Mary Evelyn Starr, whose tireless work helped restore the historic Spring Hill Cemetery. Her passion for preservation and history leaves a lasting legacy for our community. Donations for tour are appreciated and accepted by the Friends of Springhill Cemetery to support the Mary Evelyn Start Scholarship at Northwest Community College. Thank you to our Hernando Dickens of a Christmas Presenting Sponsor, Farm Bureau Mississippi!

Experience a Hernando tradition like no other at Dickens of a Christmas Afternoon Tea! Join us for a whimsically traditional Afternoon Tea at 1 Memphis Street. Enjoy a live performance by Opera Memphis at 11:45. Learn Victorian-era etiquette with the charming and knowledgeable, Kara Brown Smith and enjoy authentic sweet treats by the incredible Sweet Serendipity Cakes. Finger sandwiches, tea, and tisanes by Tea & Tisanes. Arial performance by Stars in Motion. The event will be held at 1 Memphis Street, where you'll be transported back in time to the days of Charles Dickens. Don't miss this unique opportunity to experience a touch of old-world charm and elegance! Open to all ages. Doors open at 11:30, tea begins promptly at 12:00 noon. Sponsored by Hernando Dickens of a Christmas, 1 Memphis St., and Tea & Tisanes. A portion of the proceeds go to benefit Desoto County Museum!

Celebrate the season at Hernando’s Dickens of a Christmas with a festive and creative door hanger painting event! ?✨ Join artist Samantha Elliot and paint a cheerful Santa door hanger, the perfect way to add a touch of handmade charm to your holiday décor. No experience is needed—our step-by-step guidance makes it fun and relaxing for everyone. Come enjoy a cozy, cheerful atmosphere filled with creativity, laughter, and Christmas spirit. Leave with a one-of-a-kind piece that’s sure to spread smiles all season long! Cost is $35 and you must pre-register to secure your spot!

Join Fairway Home Mortgage and build a gingerbread house at Hernando Dickens of a Christmas! You’ll be provided with everything you need to build and decorate your very own Gingerbread House and take it home to enjoy! This hands-on holiday activity is perfect for kids and families who want to get creative, have fun, and make a sweet memory together. All supplies are included, and our helpers will be on hand to make sure everyone has a magical time! Advanced ticket purchase recommended to guarantee your spot.

The Hernando Civic Garden Club welcomes you to come and enjoy a workshop to create a beautiful Christmas decoration that could be used on your table, mantle or door. Workshop will take place on the front of the DeSoto County Courthouse Lawn. Cost is $20 and covers all supplies. First come first serve. November 22nd 11:00AM-12:30PM

Christmas Fundraiser Raffle Win a Magical Visit from Santa Claus! Drawing Date: November 24, 2025 Winner’s Home: (within 30 miles of Hernando Town Square) Grand Prize: Santa will visit your home or designated location for 1 hour — complete with: A personalized Christmas story featuring your kids, pets, or favorite activities Photos with Santa Holiday cheer and festive fun for the whole family Raffle Tickets: 1 for $5 10 for $40 25 for $100 How to Enter: Buy tickets online, in person at The Parish, or at Hernando Dickens of a Christmas Friday, Nov. 21 (4–8 PM) Saturday, Nov. 22 (9 AM–6 PM) Visit must be scheduled within November 29–December 4 or December 15–December 24, 2025. Each online purchase will be entered into the raffle with a corresponding physical ticket completed by a Meals on Wheels volunteer. Proceeds Benefit: Hernando Meals on Wheels Phone: 662-403-0944 Email: hernandomealsonwheels@gmail.com Every ticket helps provide meals for seniors in need and gives your family a chance at a magical Santa experience!

Letters to Santa with The Hernando Optimist Club 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM | November 22 | Courthouse Lawn Join the Hernando Optimist Club for a festive “Letters to Santa” experience! Children are invited to stop by, write their heartfelt letters to Santa, and send them straight to the North Pole. Every child will receive a special response from Santa himself! The Optimist Club of Hernando is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting children and youth activities in Hernando, MS. Mission Statement: By providing hope and positive vision, Optimists bring out the best in youth, our communities, and ourselves.

During Hernando Dickens of a Christmas, stop by the DeSoto County Museum to visit the House of Grace. Guests can enjoy warm drinks, sweet treats, and handmade gifts, all available for donations supporting their mission to help survivors of domestic violence and their children. House of Grace in Southaven, Mississippi, has provided private, confidential support to survivors of domestic violence and their children for more than 25 years. They offer free temporary shelter, basic necessities, counseling, and personalized care in a safe and respectful environment. Certain services, such as housing assistance, counseling, and case management, are available exclusively to shelter clients, ensuring that each resident receives the focused care and privacy they need during their stay. All services are free of charge and provided without discrimination of any kind. If you are in an abusive situation, you don’t have to face it alone. House of Grace is here to help you safely, privately, and with compassion. Your donations help provide comfort, safety, and hope to those rebuilding their lives. To learn more or contribute directly, visit our website.

Northwest Mississippi Community College Theatre 12:00PM-12:30PM| Saturday, November 22 | Dickens Performance Stage, Hernando Town Square Enjoy a festive performance by the Northwest Mississippi Community College Theatre students as they take the Dickens Stage in costume to perform classic Christmas songs filled with energy, harmony, and holiday spirit. Northwest Mississippi Community College’s award-winning Theatre Program has a long-standing tradition of excellence that sets the stage for its students’ creative journeys. The program provides professional training and performance opportunities for those passionate about theatre—both on and off stage—preparing them to pursue successful careers in the performing arts.

Memphis Wind Symphony Brass Ensemble 9:30AM–10:00 AM| Saturday, November 22 | Dickens Performance Stage, Hernando Town Square The Musicians of the Memphis Wind Symphony are spreading holiday cheer at Hernando’s Dickens of a Christmas! Enjoy your favorite carols and festive tunes played by our talented brass ensemble on the beautiful Overton Park Shell on Wheels. Ready for more holiday spirit? Catch the entire Memphis Wind Symphony at their next concert on December 12 at Christian Brothers University Theatre. For more information about this free concert, visit www.memphiswindsymphony.org.

Conxion 10:30AM-10:50AM| Saturday, November 22 | Dickens Performance Stage, Hernando Town Square Enjoy a festive performance by the ConXion Gym Dancers, ages 3–10, as they take the Dickens Stage to showcase their Christmas Recital routine filled with holiday cheer, energy, and sparkle. ConXion Gym is a community-centered program dedicated to helping families and individuals reach their personal goals through fitness, gymnastics, and movement. Their programs include preschool and school-age gymnastics, pre-team and competitive training, tumbling, dance, and an American Ninja Warrior obstacle course—the only one of its kind in the area.

Cotillion Social 11:00AM-11:20AM| Saturday, November 22 | Dickens Performance Stage, Hernando Town Square This season, Cotillion Social students have been learning classic dance steps such as the waltz and swing dancing along with important lessons in etiquette, leadership, and social confidence. They’re excited to showcase their skills and grace in a live performance at Hernando’s Dickens of a Christmas, where they’ll demonstrate not only their dance moves but the poise and confidence they’ve gained through Cotillion Social!

Ballet Desoto in collaboration with Stars in Motion Selections from the Nutcracker Ballet 10:00AM-10:20AM| Saturday, November 22 | Dickens Performance Stage, Hernando Town Square Delight in the beauty and grace of the young dancers from Ballet DeSoto as they perform selections from the beloved Nutcracker Ballet on the Dickens Stage. These talented performers bring holiday magic to life through expressive movement and timeless choreography. Stars In Motion is a place for joyful movement, offering a safe, inclusive, and welcoming community where every dancer can shine.