Dickens Festijn Deventer: A Magical Journey into Victorian Times

Last weekend I spent a few days in a small town near Deventer, Netherlands.

It turned out to be the weekend of the famous Dickens Festijn in Deventer. An event that transforms Deventer Old Town into a magical Charles Dickens-style world.

I have visited the event once before, but I cannot remember how long ago that was. So, I decided to have a look.

The Dickens Festijn in Deventer

The Dickens Festijn in Deventer is a popular annual event held in the city of Deventer in the Netherlands, which celebrated its 31st anniversary this year. It holds a reputation as one of the largest and most impressive Charles Dickens-themed events globally.

The festival is inspired by the books of the famous 19th-century English author Charles Dickens, particularly his novels set in Victorian England.

The event aims to recreate the atmosphere of Dickensian London and bring the characters and scenes from his novels back to life.

The festival takes place on the weekend before Christmas and transforms the medieval neighborhood "Bergkwartier" back in time. The festival attracts many visitors each year, with thousands of participants dressed in elaborate Victorian costumes, bringing Dickens' characters to life in the streets of Deventer. Wonder through the streets of Deventer, and you will see characters like Ebenezer Scrooge and Oliver Twist.

A very long queue

The start of my Dickens Festijn adventure in Deventer was a bit of a waiting game. The organizers had given us a heads-up about a 1.5-hour wait, but the reality turned out to be worse. We waited for almost 2.5 hours before stepping through the "gate".

Was it worth the wait? Absolutely! The Dickens Festijn in Deventer may have put my patience to the test with a long 2.5-hour wait, but the moment I stepped inside, it was pure magic. The festive atmosphere, the dedication of the volunteers in their beautiful Victorian costumes, and the lively energy of the street performances made every minute worth it.

It was an enchanting experience that was honestly worth the wait. Once you are immersed in the charm and magic of the event, any frustrations melt away, leaving you to enjoy the festivities and unique atmosphere of this Dickensian festival.

Have you missed the event? It will come back next year on December 15th and 16th.