A Christmas Carol 2025

St. Marys Arts & Sounds proudly launched its Living Literature series with one of the most cherished holiday classics ever written: Charles Dickens’s A Christmas Carol. This inaugural immersive experience invited residents and visitors to step directly into the charm, merriment, and warmth of Dickens’s Victorian world—brought to life throughout downtown St. Marys.

On December 6th, 2025, during the Bells of St. Marys Festival, guests encountered Dickens’s characters in full costume, interacting with the community and embodying the spirit of the story through authentic, ad-lib performances. Our inaugural cast truly had a Dickens of a time, embracing their roles with enthusiasm, heart, and good humor.

As part of the festivities, SMAS also featured an A Christmas Carol float in the parade, complete with a gigantic storybook—as if the beloved characters had stepped straight out of its pages.

After the parade, SMAS Board President Sarah Seiter read an abridged children’s version of the story at The Ivy House, where Dickens’s characters visited with the children during story time, adding a magical and memorable touch.

One of the centerpiece moments of the evening was a visit with the Ghost of Christmas Present, who welcomed guests at his banquet table inside the well-known Pilgrim’s Keep restaurant and pub.

Character interactions throughout the event allowed visitors to experience the novel in a new and unforgettable way. And, to honor the literary roots of the presentation, guests had the opportunity to receive a beautiful replica of the original 1843 first edition of A Christmas Carol, complete with historic illustrations and authentic Victorian styling.

With its themes of compassion, renewal, and the call to see others with kindness, A Christmas Carol served as the perfect beginning to our Living Literature series. Our community stepped into the story, met its iconic figures, and rediscovered the classic that has shaped Christmas tradition for generations.