The rain may have dampened our hats, but not our spirits! We invite you to join us for a weekend filled with holiday cheer at Hernando’s Dickens of a Christmas, hosted by The City of Hernando and presented by Principle Toyota of Hernando. Festivities begin on Friday night, November 8th, with the main event Saturday, November 9th, with even more fun on Sunday, November 10.

Where: Hernando Historic Town Square, Losher Street, Panola Street, Center Street and Desoto County Museum 

Friday Night, November 8

• Ice skating starts at 4:30pm  
• Christmas Tree Lighting at 6pm – Help The Hernando Main Street Chamber of Commerce kick off the season with a magical tree lighting ceremony.
• Story Time with the Mayor- following tree lighting 
• Outdoor Movie – Enjoy The Santa Clause on the courthouse lawn.
• Dickens Feztival of Trees Christmas Tree Giveaway – 5pm-8pm Purchase a $1 raffle ticket for a chance to win a fully decorated tree stocked with gift cards and gifts and visit with the Grinch. Proceeds support the Desoto County Shrine Club! 295 Losher Street. Winners announced Saturday at 5pm, you don't have to be present to win.   

Saturday, November 9 – Dickens-Inspired Events

• Carriage Rides and Trolley Tour of Homes – Pick up carriages at the DeSoto County Museum for a memorable ride through historic sites. Trolley Tour of Homes picks up behind museum at Hernando Baptist Church
• Kiddie Train – Pickup at Bon Von Gifts 
• Vintage Car Display – Stroll down Center Street and admire classic cars.
• Selfies with Santa – Visit the Dickens Feztival of Trees for photos with Santa from 10am-2pm. Free books for the first 600 kids! 295 Losher Street on the square
• Music – Enjoy live bluegrass performances at the DeSoto County Museum and throughout the day around the square. 
• High Tea and Etiquette Presentation and Cookies and Cocoa at One Memphis Street -tickets required, see app for details!
• Kids’ Crafts and Live Animals– Free craft activities and live animal demonstrations on Losher Street and the Dickens Courthouse Lawn 
• Park and Ride Trolley Service to make getting around easier, we offer park and ride trolley services from Kroger Marketplace on Saturday. The trolley will make stops along the way at the DeSoto County Museum and drop off on the Square, making it convenient to reach all event locations. 
• Chamber Open House – Hernando Main Street and Chamber of Commerce invite you to shop local boutiques and stores and vote on your favorite window display! 
• Christmas Market – Artisans, folk demos, and farmers market vendors all day around the square. 
• Dickens Feztival of Trees Christmas Tree Giveaway – 9am-5pm Purchase a $1 raffle ticket for a chance to win a fully decorated tree stocked with gift cards and gifts and support the Desoto County Shrine Club. Visit with the Grinch (all day) and Santa from 10am-2pm. 295 Losher Street. Winners announced at 5pm, you don't have to be present to win.   
• Ice Skating – Starting at 4:30 PM on Friday and Saturday 9-6 on Panola Street.
• Food and Beer Garden – Watch the skaters, catch the game and enjoy bbq and beer in the courtyard on Panola Street supporting Hernando Parks and Recreation Foundation, sweet treats from City Hall Cheesecake and Italian offerings from Fratello's Italian Steakhouse! 
• Reindeer Watercolor Workshop, Gingerbread Making, and Christmas Swag Craft – Enjoy festive workshops at DeSoto Arts Council, Stockton Mortgage, and with the Hernando Civic Garden Club (fee required for swag craft).
• Spring Hill Cemetery Tour –starts at 5:30pm Join us for a family-friendly ghost tour on Saturday night followed by smores! This special event adds a bit of mystery and history to your holiday weekend! For your convenience and lighted parking, park and ride trolley from the Civic Center ball fields to catch a ride to the cemetery! Trolley runs 5pm-8pm

Sunday, November 10

• Hernando Main Street Open House – The fun continues with more shopping and special events at Hernando boutiques and stores from 1-5pm. Be sure to vote on your favorite window display! 
• Santa Pictures in the Courthouse with The Hernando Main Street Chamber of Commerce 

Stay Updated on Hernando Dickens of a Christmas and other events throughout the year! 
Download our event app for live updates throughout the weekend:
📲 Apple App: https://apple.co/3LUXtUh
📲 Google Play: https://bit.ly/3dQcDxP

All activities at Hernando Dickens of a Christmas are funded by our sponsors and this event could not happen without their support! Thank you to all the businesses and community partners that make this such a fun and festive holiday weekend in Hernando! 

Bring your friends and family and let your Christmas spirit shine brighter than the weather!

Warm holiday wishes and we hope to see you this weekend!