Sponsored by the Port Stanley Lions and Lioness Clubs, the Dickens Days Night Parade was launched more than 20 years ago by the Port Stanley Business Improvement Area (BIA). This year’s event is scheduled to be held on Friday, November 26, 2021, at 7 p.m. The Lions also turn on the Christmas lights at Lions Landing on the 26th.

Originally, the BIA surrounded the parade with a weekend of yuletide celebrations. Dickens Days featured Port Stanley residents in costumes reflecting characters from the works of Victorian writer and social critic Charles Dickens (1812-1870).

The parade punctuated the weekend and to this day, Santa still wears a Dickens-era robe rather than the modern jacket and pants. Lions and Lioness tried to maintain the Victorian feel when they took over 16 years ago, encouraging float builders to reflect that era.

The BIA is also turning back the clock, as merchants are offering a festive lineup of events and activities this year, featuring Dickens carolers, a town crier, horse-drawn carriage rides, and an Outdoor Christmas Market. There will also be open fires to keep warm and roast marshmallows.

As is the tradition, the parade route starts behind Foodland on Frances Street, proceeding west along Stanley Street to Colborne Street, then south to Bridge Street and across the King George VI Lift Bridge to William Street. It then heads south to the parking lot at GT’s on the Beach. (Regrettably this year, due to COVID-19 restrictions, Mackie’s will not be open for hot chocolate.)