Festivities inspired by Charles Dickens’ novels with horse-drawn carriages, carolers, storytelling, tree lighting and more
This year, the City of Henderson is taking inspiration from the Victorian era, transforming its annual holiday celebration, WinterFest, into an event influenced by legendary novelist Charles Dickens and his iconic stories. Featuring holiday festivities true to the time period, WinterFest – An Old-Fashioned Christmas Delight will be held Friday, December 9 from 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. and Saturday, December 10 from 12 p.m. – 8 p.m. at the Henderson Events Plaza, 200 S. Water Street, in the Water Street District. Admission is complimentary.
WinterFest will kick off, Friday, December 9, with the arrival of Santa Claus and the official Henderson Christmas tree lighting, which will all be choreographed to a variety of favorite Yuletide carols performed by several school choirs. The evening will continue as the pages of Dickens come alive with families enjoying such old-fashioned Christmas traditions as horse-drawn carriage rides, the musical merriment of strolling carolers, an enchanting confectionary display of gingerbread houses, pony rides, storytelling and more. The Henderson Symphony Orchestra will also perform “Sounds of the Season,” a time-honored holiday tradition for a number of years.
The joyous ambience will jingle all the way to the following day, Saturday, December 10, with a bustling streetscape of additional holiday festivities with appearances by popular Dickens characters including Ebenezer Scrooge, the Ghost of Christmas Past and Tiny Tim. WinterFest will also feature musical recitals by local children, visits with Santa, craft bazaar, carousel, the Festival of Trees and an elaborate Christmas village, with miniature scenes from New York to Chicago and San Francisco.
WinterFest will culminate with an electrifying evening light parade, the first of its kind for the City of Henderson, beginning at 5 p.m. For the inaugural year, the procession will illuminate the Water Street District, featuring a collection of beautiful entries, from floats to marching groups and special interest vehicles, trimmed in lights and decorated to the event’s theme, An Old-Fashioned Christmas Delight.
For more information on WinterFest – An Old-Fashioned Christmas Delight, visit HendersonLive.com or call the City of Henderson Cultural Arts & Tourism Department at (702) 267-2171. Find us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.
The City of Henderson supports the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Advanced notice may be necessary to ensure that appropriate accommodations will be provided. For full telephone, use Relay Nevada by dialing 7-1-1.
About the City of Henderson Department of Cultural Arts & Tourism
The City of Henderson Department of Cultural Arts and Tourism is dedicated to creating and promoting innovative events, entertainment, programming and venues that celebrate diverse cultural arts, enhance tourism, involve and serve the community and enrich the economic and cultural fabric of Henderson.
The Henderson Pavilion, Henderson Convention Center and Henderson Events Plaza are all managed by the Department of Cultural Arts and Tourism.
For additional information on our programs and entertainment, please contact us directly at (702) 267-2171. Our office hours are Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.