Dickens Festival
Visitors step into a 19th-century English city populated by hundreds of storybook figures, including Ebenezer Scrooge, Oliver Twist, Miss Havisham, and caroling choristers. Costumed artisans demonstrate historic crafts and merchants sell roasted chestnuts, cider, punch, and jewelry along the narrow streets. The festivities conclude inside the Bergkerk with a sing-along alongside the performers.
Dec 12 – Dec 13, 2026
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Plan Your Visit
Tickets
€7.50 admission; children aged 7 and under free; €0.25 service fee for online and debit card payments. Early Bird tickets for €6 are sold out.
Food & Drink
Festival merchants offer gingerbread and cider, while roasted chestnuts and punch add to the aromas along the route.
Parking
Parking garages are available in and around Deventer city centre, including at De Keizer 1, Emmastraat, Boreelplein 45, Stationsplein 1, and Binnensingel or TG Gibsonstraat. Parking at De Worp has limited availability.
Accessibility
Assistive devices and electric wheelchairs can be recharged in the Bergkerk, and disabled parking is provided at Pothoofd.
Pets
Dogs are discouraged; guide and assistance dogs are allowed and can enter without waiting in line.
Location
Tips & Advice
- Book a time-slot ticket and arrive for its selected slot, since entry is only allowed during that window.
- Use Keizerstraat near Hotel Finch to reach the entrance, and follow the one-way festival route.
- Consider taking the train; Deventer station is a short walk from the city centre, and characters welcome visitors there.
- If driving, consider a city-centre garage; De Worp parking has limited availability and fills when full.
- Leave dogs at home if possible; the organisers caution about queues, other animals, moving objects and unexpected sounds.
Special Events & Promotions
- Children aged 7 and under get free admission.
- Early Bird tickets were offered at a reduced price; they are sold out.
- The festival concludes both days with a Sing Along in the Bergkerk.
- This year introduces time-slot tickets to help limit waiting times.
Links & Contact
Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide, not the organizer of this event. For tickets, entries, vendor spots or questions, contact the organizer directly through their website.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to book a time slot in advance?
Yes. Tickets are tied to a selected time slot, and entry is only permitted during that slot. The festival also sells tickets at the door.
What can visitors see and do along the route?
Meet characters from Charles Dickens’ books, watch costumed artisans demonstrate crafts, and explore scenes including Bob Cratchit’s home and a London prison.
What food and drink can I find at the festival?
Merchants offer gingerbread and cider, and visitors can find punch and roasted chestnuts.
Can I join the Sing Along?
Yes. The festival concludes on both days with a Sing Along in the Bergkerk, and visitors are welcome to join.
Can I bring a dog, or take part in costume?
Dogs are discouraged, but guide and assistance dogs are allowed and can use the entrance without waiting in line. Costume participants must register for the waiting list by November 19; admission is not guaranteed.
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Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.