Photo credit: Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts

Charles Dickens’ descriptions of a Christmas Village are reborn in Victorian Cape May during the holiday season.

Dickens, social satirist, critic, author and creator of characters like David Copperfield, Oliver Twist and Ebenezer Scrooge, is possibly the most revered writer of the Victorian Era. His life and legacy is celebrated from Sunday, Dec. 6 to Tuesday, Dec. 8, during Cape May’s Dickens Christmas Extravaganza, sponsored by the Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts (MAC).

The celebration includes lectures and discussions with a Dickens scholar, readings of his work, live performances, tours and a gala, with guests encouraged to dress in Victorian garb or as their favorite Dickens character.

On Sunday, Dec. 6 at 6 p.m. meet fellow Dickensians at the Merion Inn, 106 Decatur St., and enjoy a pre-dinner cocktail and the music of George Mesterhazy, followed by a three-course dinner. The Welcome Dinner is only available as part of the full Dickens Extravaganza package.

That evening at 8:30 p.m., the East Lynne Theater Company presents the World Premiere of “Christmas in Black and White.” The American Christmas experience from the viewpoint of freed slaves to newly arrived immigrants.

Performances take place at The First Presbyterian Church, Decatur and Hughes streets. General admission is $23, $13 for full-time students and free for children 12 and under.

On Monday, Dec. 7 at 9:45 a.m. at the Inn of Cape May, 7 Ocean St., Dr. Jay Friedlin, president emeritus of the Philadelphia Dickens Fellowship, leads a discussion on Dickens’ Martin Chuzzlewit. At 11 a.m. step back in time as the East Lynne Company’s Gayle Stahlhuth appears as a character from Cape May’s past to read and discuss excerpts from beloved holiday literature.

On the final day of the Dickens Christmas Extravaganza, Dec. 8, enjoy a series of entertaining lectures at the Inn of Cape May, 7 Ocean St.

At 9:45 a.m. delve into 400 Years of Cape May History. Admission is part of the full Dickens package or $10 per person on a space available basis.

At 1:45 p.m. Sousa Rocks the Cultural World. John Philip Sousa was an outspoken supporter of American music and musicians. He believed they were on a par or superior to their European counterparts. In this program, Sousa heartily defends his opinion. Admission is part of the full Dickens package or $10 per person on a space available basis.

The grand finale of the Extravaganza, the Dickensian Feast will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 9. There will be guest appearances by Victorian characters and prizes for best costumes. The Feast is available only with the full Dickens package.

The full Dickens Extravaganza package is $150 per person and includes all the events listed above and a welcome gift. Certain events may be purchased singly. To purchase packages, with or without accommodations, call 609-884-5440 or 800-275-4278 or capemaymac.org.