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The holiday season stirs a sense of nostalgia in most of us. We find ourselves gravitating to traditions that have stood the test of time. The Nutcracker; the same music we’ve listened to or movies we’ve watched for generations; recipes passed down from grandma. Another timeless holiday classic is, of course, Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. At first thought, it may seem that this story is over the heads of our little ones. Still, many adaptations are appropriate for all ages, and different ways to share this classic tale with young children.
If you are introducing your little ones to Dickens’ story or looking for a fun way to enjoy this classic tale, Little Lake County has put together this Read! Do! Go! round-up for you. You can celebrate a Dickens Christmas in Lake County.
Dickens Books for Children
Read these children’s versions of Dickens’s classic Christmas Carol to introduce them to the story and the time period.
A Christmas Carol: A Young Reader’s Edition of the Classic Holiday Tale
This version of A Christmas Carol is geared towards a younger audience with appealing colorful, traditional illustrations.
A Christmas Carol: A BabyLit® Colors Primer by Jennifer Adams
In this bright re-telling of A Christmas Carol, the author focuses on color and imagery to introduce young audiences with the nuances of the story. Available in hardcover and board book format.
Christmas Carols for Kid’s Heart by Bobbie Wolgemuth and Joni Eareckson Tada illustrated by Sergio Martinez
While it may seem that you’d sing Christmas carols, why not read them in this beautiful book and talk about what the songs actually mean? Too often kids mumble their way through songs and misheard lyrics (maybe we are all guilty of that!). In the tradition of Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, we should take the time to appreciate the true meaning of the songs.
Disney’s Mickey Mouse Christmas Carol (Disney Classics)
This post wouldn’t be complete without this classic version of THE classic! I first experienced Dickens’ story through this Disney version of the story. Donald Duck as Scrooge is perfection!
Christmas Carol Activities for the Family
Christmas Sing-Along Car-I-Oke
While loaded up in the car for your holiday travel, don’t just listen to Christmas– Car-I-Oke Christmas carols! Celebrate the true meaning of the holiday season by singing it.
There has been countless film re-tellings A Christmas Carol but some of them are just downright scary or too boring to hold a kids’ attention. This Disney version starring Jim Carey is visually engaging and appealing to kids.
Like A Mickey Mouse Christmas Carol, The Muppets Christmas Carol has become a classic in-and-of-itself.
Dickens Christmas Events in Lake County
Go! To one of these festive Dicken’s events happening in Lake County.
Visit historic and charming downtown Antioch as The Dickens Era comes alive with life-like figures the Dickens Holiday Village November 29 – January 1, 2020. Enjoy this volunteer public art exhibit outdoors and the charm of the Olde English among the many boutiques, shops, and restaurants in town.
On a personal note, I’d like to encourage you to come to Antioch to shop. My little town is growing every year but still continues to exude that warm and fuzzy hometown vibe, especially around the holidays. On your way in or out of town, stop and The Latte Cafe & Bakery for hot cocoa or coffee. Maybe you’ll see me there with my laptop, I love to go there and write.
Dickens Holiday Village Welcome Center
882 Main Street, Antioch | (847)395-2233
Dickens of a Holiday in downtown Libertyville
Visit beautiful downtown Libertyville for their line-up of special holiday events December 7 & 14 at the annual Dickens of a Holiday event series. Included both weekends are:
- Victorian Tea at St. Lawrence Episcopal Church. Enjoy an English Tea complete with finger sandwiches and tasty bite-sized desserts among the beautiful stained glass windows of the church. Space is limited, make reservations at 847-680-0336.
- Santa visits Cook Park! Visit Mr. and Mrs. Claus in their sleigh from 10:00 a.m. to noon or from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
- The Children’s Holiday Shoppe is open at Petranek’s Pharmacy in their Community Room 10:00 a.m. -3:00 p.m. Kids can shop for their family at the Holiday Shoppe with the help of Santa’s Elves. Prices for gifts go up to $5.
Waukegan Historical Society Victorian Christmas
December 3, 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.
The Waukegan Historical Society presents its annual open house, a Victorian Christmas at the Waukegan History Museum. Experience authentic holiday decorations and Christmas trees of the Victorian era.
All of us at Little Lake County wish you a very Dickens Christmas! What are your family’s favorite holiday stories?
Find more Christmas events and activities at Christmas in Lake County.
By: Holly G.
Antioch
Holly keeps busy with freelance writing, as well as many volunteer ventures including PTO, dog rescue, and Lakes Region Historical Society. She is quick to pitch in for a good cause. She is an aspiring vegan, Jazzercise addict, runner, coffee junkie, and enjoys cooking.
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