A Guide to Visiting Historic Clinton NJ during Dickens’ Days

Experience the magic of the season and step back in time to the era of Charles Dickens at Clinton, NJ’s Dickens’ Days November 29-December 1. This annual festival transforms the historic town into a Victorian Christmas wonderland!  Dickens’ Days features beautiful decorations, horse and carriage rides, carolers roaming the streets, Father Christmas walking by to say hello, and so much more – you won’t want to miss it!

Dickens’ Days Parking Tips and Event Locations

While Dickens Days brings lots of visitors there is plenty of parking! Parking is available on Main Street, East Main Street, the Municipal Building Parking Lot, the Lower Center Street Parking Lot, the Water Street Parking Lot, and the Parking Lot at the Clinton Fire Department. Once you park, the downtown area is just a few steps away from each of these locations.  Most of the Dickens’ Days events take place on Main Street and across the historic iron truss bridge at the famous and picture-perfect Red Mill.

Dickens’ Days on Main Street

Dickens’ Days has been occurring in downtown Clinton for over 40 years.  It is a yearly tradition for visitors from all over who appreciate the magical charm of historic Clinton during the holiday season. Throughout the weekend, every day is filled with unique things to see and do.  There are horse and carriage rides, Victorian carolers, visits from Father Christmas, Victorian characters, and more! On Friday evening, the town Tree Lighting takes place on the patio next to Dora’s Restaurant at 6:30pm. Keep an eye out for Santa who likes to visit once the tree is lit!

We recommend taking a ride on the horse and carriage to get the full experience – viewing downtown Clinton from the back of a carriage pulled by horses allows you to take in the beauty of Clinton and all the special decorations. Plus, the sound of the horse hooves clicking and clocking, makes you feel like you are back in time!

The Winter Village at the Red Mill

After experiencing the charm of Main Street and shopping at the unique small businesses, head across the beautiful historic bridge over the falls and spend some time at the historic Red Mill!  The Red Mill hosts the Winter Village at the Red Mill – an outdoor German-inspired market with unique craft vendors galore! You will be sure to find a one of a kind find during your time at the market. There are over 45 vendors, and the market is open the same days as Dickens’ Days from 10am-6pm. Admission is just $10 and includes access to the Festival of Trees throughout the mill grounds. Trees decorated by local townspeople and businesses provide you with holiday joy, artistic admiration, and sometimes even a good laugh. While viewing them, you can even vote for your favorite!

Holidays in Hunterdon

Hunterdon County is filled with holiday charm wherever you go – from Clinton to Frenchtown and all of our Main Street towns, to the beauty of homes decorated throughout the countryside, there is something for everyone. Make your holiday season even more magical by exploring Hunterdon County!

PS – If you’re looking to cut your own Christmas Tree to bring back home with you, Hunterdon has some of the best Christmas Tree Farms! From Peterson Farm to Charlie Brown’s Christmas Tree Farm, there are plenty to visit for the perfect tree for your home.