CAMBRIDGE, OHIO — The holiday season is getting an early start in Cambridge as Dickens Victorian Village prepares to celebrate its opening day on Saturday, November 7, 2026, with a full day of activities, entertainment and Christmas festivities.
The annual celebration will bring Victorian-era charm to downtown Cambridge, featuring carriage rides, live performances, shopping opportunities and the lighting of the Guernsey County Courthouse.
Festivities begin at 10 a.m. with cemetery tours at the Old City Cemetery, located behind the Senior Citizens Center. A second tour is scheduled for 2 p.m.
From 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., visitors can participate in the Cambridge Main Street Shop Hop. Shoppers can pick up a Shop Hop card at the Dickens Welcome Center or a participating downtown business, visit local stores and return completed cards to the Welcome Center.
Local vendors will also line Wheeling Avenue from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., offering visitors an opportunity to browse merchandise and support area businesses.
Families can take part in a scavenger hunt during those same hours, beginning at the Dickens Welcome Center. Participants who complete the activity can return their forms for a chance to receive a prize.
Throughout the afternoon, visitors will have opportunities to experience entertainment inspired by the Victorian era.
From 1 to 4 p.m., Chris Hart will stroll through the village dressed in period clothing, sharing stories about life during Victorian times.
The Friendship VII Sweet Adelines will perform at 1 p.m. in front of the Dickens Victorian Village Welcome Center, followed by the Monroe Singers from 2 to 4 p.m. on 7th Street beside Ellie’s Cottage.
As evening approaches, the celebration will shift toward one of the day’s most anticipated traditions.
The official opening ceremony begins at 6:30 p.m. on the Guernsey County Courthouse lawn, featuring remarks from community leaders, a ribbon cutting and candle lighting.
At 7 p.m., the courthouse will come alive with its holiday light show, transforming the historic building into a colorful centerpiece of the downtown celebration.
Visitors can also enjoy horse-drawn carriage rides along West 8th Street from 5:30 to 9 p.m. Tickets will be available from the driver for $12 per rider.
The evening will conclude with the Dickens Grand Opening Reception at the Guernsey County Library from 7 to 8:30 p.m., where guests can enjoy light refreshments and a Victorian-themed craft.
The opening day celebration offers families and visitors from across the Ohio Valley an opportunity to experience Cambridge’s holiday traditions while supporting downtown businesses.
With activities planned throughout the day and the courthouse light show illuminating the evening, Dickens Victorian Village promises a festive beginning to the Christmas season.
For those planning to attend, the opening day festivities take place Saturday, November 7, in downtown Cambridge, with the official ceremony beginning at 6:30 p.m. and the courthouse light show at 7 p.m.
