4 minute read
CLAREMORE'S VICTORIAN CHRISTMAS Celebrates 30 Years!
BY VALUENEWS.COM
Every holiday season, the streets of historic downtown Claremore, Oklahoma, transform into a festive scene straight out of a Charles Dickens novel. This year marks the 30th year for the annual “Dickens on the Boulevard” event. Opening night is Friday evening November 21st, 2025, at 6 pm until 9 pm; and continues through Saturday, November 22nd with daytime events from 11 am to 4 pm and reopens that evening from 6 pm to 9 pm. During festival hours, Will Rogers Blvd. will be closed to thru traffic from Muskogee Ave. to Lynn Riggs Blvd.
The 30th Anniversary promises to be a highlight of the holiday season for everyone!
Locals and visitors of all ages are invited to step back in time and celebrate a Victorian-themed Christmas, with lively entertainment seen only in the charming town of Claremore. This free celebration is the community’s way of ushering in the holiday spirit with caroling, dancing, games, activities, all with Victorian flair.
A Step Back in Time and Dress Victorian!
Enjoy the sights and sounds of the holidays from days gone by. Storefront windows along the street will become “living history” displays with volunteers dressed in period attire portraying Victorian-era artisans. Festivalgoers are also encouraged to dress in “Turn of the Century Victorian” styled clothing too!
Entertainment and Activities for All Ages
Dickens on the Boulevard is packed with activities for the entire family. Live stage entertainment and carolers fill the air with holiday music, while a Victorian street dance and stroll inspires you to join in the merriment. Victorian dance instructors guide participants through period dances, creating a lively holiday atmosphere that spills onto the sidewalks.
Envision a truly memorable Victorian street faire experience. All the activities below are in an easily walkable area comprised of the 3-block historic downtown, the park at the east end of downtown and continue on the Museum of History and Belvidere Mansion.
Eliza Doolittle Tussie Mussies; local vendors offering flowers, produce, and handcrafted goods.
Wooden bowls, cutlery, leather and textile vendors
Locally owned Sweet Shoppes featuring sweet and savory delights.
Engaging magicians, street musicians, and reenactors such as street urchin newsies, and the beloved Mr. Fezziwig, among others.
Carriage rides
Food trucks serving modern and period food choices
Traditional holiday spiced wassail
Petting Zoo and Living Nativity
Blacksmith
Downtown businesses will be themed inside and out, along with special store promotions
Vintage themed “Selfie” stations
Visit with Santa, photos, and mailbox to the North Pole
16-man Barbershop Choir
More fun and Reindeer Games will be at the Museum of History
Fun Contests
Bob Cratchit’s Victorian Costume Rivalry for those who want to show off their Victorian finery.
Mr. Hardy’s Great Beard & Mustache Exhibition, it will be exciting to see who is best in show!
Tiny Tim’s Little Miss Dickens Pageant, which will inspire a lot of crowd-pleasing oohs and awes.
History and Folklore Experience
Explore Claremore history during “Ghosts from Christmas Past” tour, where Christa Rice and Megan Douglas, history explorers and hosts in period attire, recount Claremore’s history while offering a viewing of the upper floors of several historic buildings.
A Treasured Tradition
For 30 years, Claremore’s Dickens on the Boulevard has been a true community effort presented by local businesses, volunteers, and the board of Claremore Mainstreet Inc. and a variety of local sponsors and volunteers, all working together to create a magical and nostalgic experience. This year’s event is sponsored by Ken and Mary’s Statton’s MST Manufacturing company.
Event and activity schedules will be available on the Claremore Main Street Facebook page and at the onsite Information Center located at the SE corner of Missouri and Will Rogers Blvd.
For more information about contests, events, and how to get involved contact anita.miller@claremorems.org, call (918) 3415881, or visit claremorems.org.
Dickens On The Boulevard
CLAREMORE MAIN STREET | 412 W. WILL ROGERS BLVD., CLAREMORE, OK 74017 (918) 341-5881 | WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/LILACDISTRICTOK
https://www.valuenews.com/claremores-victorian-christmas-news-article_6345
