Hernando’s annual “Dickens of a Hernando Christmas” drew one of its biggest crowds yet this weekend, transforming the town square into a holiday festival packed with small-business vendors, families, and a full lineup of Christmas attractions. Running from 10 a.m. 4 p.m, the event stretched across the historic square with ice skating, food trucks, handmade goods markets, balloon artists, live animals and Santa’s Workshop a major draw for younger kids eager to snap a photo with Santa. The festival has become one of the most popular seasonal traditions in DeSoto County, pulling hundreds of residents and visitors downtown.
A row of food trucks lined the east side of the square, offering everything from barbecue to hot cocoa.
“The food was really good,” said local resident Lauren Marshell, who said she tries to attend the festival every year. “There’s always something new to try.”
Downtown shops extended their hours, opening their doors to steady lines of shoppers looking for early Christmas gifts. Street vendors filled any remaining space, selling jewelry, candles, ornaments and seasonal crafts. Many business owners said the event has become one of the most important days of the year for sales and community visibility. For families, the biggest hits were the ice skating rink and the holiday petting area, where kids gathered around goats, miniature horses and other small animals outfitted with festive ribbons. Church groups, school clubs and local organizations also set up booths, adding games, treats and giveaways.
“I feel like it’s a great opportunity for people and kids to get out into the community and enjoy Christmas activities while other people are able to advertise their small businesses,” said Hartlee Rainey, who attended with friends. “All around, I feel it’s an awesome community thing for Hernando.”
Lines for Santa’s Workshop stretched down the sidewalk through most of the afternoon. Inside the tent, families posed for pictures, wrote letters to Santa and picked up small crafts. Volunteers said the workshop stays busy from the moment the event opens until closing time. Vendors said the crowd was not only large, but steady throughout the day — a welcome boost for small business owners ahead of the holiday season. Several said they rely on the festival to reach new customers who don’t typically shop downtown.
“Events like this help keep local businesses alive,” said one vendor from a family-run candle booth. “People come for the fun stuff, but they always end up discovering shops they’ve never seen before.”
The festival also featured street performances, from carolers to small acoustic sets, adding to the Victorian-era theme the event is known for. Many families arrived in matching holiday sweaters or Christmas-themed outfits, and children carried balloon animals shaped like reindeer, snowmen and Christmas trees.
“Honestly it was pretty fun,” said Matteo Gallo, a teenager attending the event for the first time. “There were a lot of cool attractions and great food. Can’t wait for next year!”
City organizers said they were pleased with the turnout and credited the success to community participation. Many volunteers including high-school students, church groups and business owners helped run the attractions, manage lines and keep the event running smoothly. The festival’s growing popularity mirrors Hernando’s increasing emphasis on community centered events intended to support small businesses and strengthen local connections. For many residents, “Dickens of a Hernando Christmas” marks the unofficial start of the holiday season. By the end of the day, vendors were packing up, families were carrying bags of holiday finds and the lights around the square continued glowing in the cold November air a sign of another successful year for one of Hernando’s most cherished traditions.
