Every winter, as the chill of November settles over North Dakota, something magical happens in Garrison. Cobblestone streets fill with costumed townsfolk, carriage bells echo through the air, and the scent of roasted chestnuts mingles with laughter and carols. For a few enchanted weekends, visitors are transported to the pages of A Christmas Carol during the Dickens Village Festival, a beloved celebration that has become one of the state’s most treasured holiday traditions.
At Smile Shack, we believe community events like this are the heart of what makes local life meaningful. They bring families together, showcase small businesses, and remind us that smiles are most beautiful when shared. That’s why we’re proud to participate in the Dickens Village Festival and help spread the joy it brings to so many.
A Festival that Feels Like Home
The Dickens Village Festival captures everything we love about the holidays — kindness, connection, and creativity. Visitors stroll past gas-lit lamps and storefronts decked in wreaths, meet characters from Dickens’ stories, and enjoy live performances, a lighted parade, and even real reindeer. Each detail, from the horsedrawn carriage rides to the Queen Elizabeth tour, immerses guests in a Victorian wonderland that celebrates both imagination and community pride.
For local residents, the festival is more than an event—it’s a shared experience rooted in tradition. Generations of families volunteer, decorate, and perform. Local artists display their crafts, and nearby restaurants and shops open their doors to new faces. It’s proof that when a community works together, something extraordinary can happen.
Why Local Support Matters
When small businesses and community organizations come together, everyone benefits. Events like the Dickens Village Festival not only attract visitors from across the region but also generate new opportunities for local merchants, performers, and families. They breathe life into main streets, strengthen civic pride, and remind us that even the smallest towns can create moments that rival big-city magic.
At SmileShack, we believe those connections — the laughter shared over hot cocoa, the carols sung in the cold, the smiles of children spotting Santa for the first time — are what make a community thrive. Supporting local events helps ensure those moments never fade.
Plan Your Visit
The 2025 Dickens Village Festival takes place over three festive weekends, November 28 - 29, December 5 - 6, and December 12 - 13, in Garrison, North Dakota. From the Lighted Parade to the vendor market and live theater, there’s something for every age to enjoy. For a full schedule, ticket info, and lodging options, visit DickensFestival.com.
When you arrive, keep an eye out for SmileShack’s booth or volunteers — we’ll be there celebrating alongside you!
FAQs
- When is the 2025 Dickens Village Festival?
The festival runs three weekends — Nov. 28–29, Dec. 5–6, and Dec. 12–13, 2025. - Where is it located?
In the heart of Garrison, North Dakota, about 70 miles north of Bismarck. - What can families do at the festival?
Enjoy carriage rides, live Dickens plays, a lighted parade, reindeer, vendor markets, children’s crafts, and more. - How does SmileShack contribute?
Through sponsorships, volunteering, and community outreach — plus kid-friendly experiences like craft stations and storytime events. - Are tickets required?
Some attractions are free, while select performances and rides require a small ticket fee. Purchase in advance at DickensFestival.com. - Is the event family-friendly?
Absolutely! The festival is designed for all ages and perfect for a holiday weekend outing. - How can local businesses get involved?
Vendors and performers can apply through the festival’s website or contact organizers directly. SmileShack also collaborates with select local businesses each year. - How can I support SmileShack’s community initiatives?
Follow SmileShack on social media, share local event posts, shop local, or volunteer alongside us at future events.
Bringing Smiles to Every Season
As Dickens wrote, “There is nothing in the world so irresistibly contagious as laughter and good humor.” That spirit drives everything our team does at Smile Shack. By supporting the Dickens Village Festival, we hope to share that contagious joy - one smile, one story, and one community moment at a time.
This holiday season, join us in celebrating local traditions, supporting small businesses, and spreading smiles that last long after the decorations come down.