Dickens 2020 Goes Virtual – with Celebrations for an Entire Week!
This year in Plano, the beloved Dickens in Downtown Plano holiday event will be going virtual. Dickens typically happens the first weekend in December every year, and emulates a Victorian-era holiday celebration. Due to the ongoing pandemic, though, the City of Plano wants to ensure the safety of every resident. Because of that, the celebration will be happening on Facebook.
The video production team at the City of Plano’s Arts & Events department has worked hard to create high-quality, engaging videos for Planoites to enjoy every day at 4:30 p.m. starting Nov. 29 and continuing daily until the main event on Saturday, Dec. 5.
“We want everyone to have a safe and healthy holiday, which is why we are doing all of this virtually,” shared Plano Arts & Events Marketing Specialist Amy Pagan. “We hope to share the holiday spirit with all of Plano in this festive but safe way.”
Dickens 2020 Video Schedule:
On Sunday, Nov. 29, a video on creative s’mores making will launch at 4:30 p.m. In the video, chefs from Central Market will be putting together unique recipes for the traditional graham-cracker-and-marshmallow treat (think bacon and bananas) and sharing the recipes with viewers.
On Monday, Nov. 30, Plano Arts & Events will be showcasing the handiwork of a local blacksmith artist. Filmed at the blacksmith shop at Plano’s Heritage Farmstead Museum, the video shows the artisan creating something just as would’ve been done in Victorian times.
Christmas crackers are a traditional holiday toy in England. They are festively decorated, pull-apart cardboard tubes that have treats and prizes inside. On Tuesday, Dec. 1, Plano Arts & Events will be sharing a video with instructions on creating one.
On Wednesday, Dec. 2, online viewers will meet a toymaker who makes wooden toys for children, and he will offer insight into his process. Guest star: his adorable dog Hannah.
Learn to make sticky toffee pudding with a local chef on Thursday, Dec. 3. In the video, she will invite viewers into her kitchen and walk them through the entire process before sharing the recipe.
On Friday, Dec. 4, viewers can watch an ice sculpture come to life through chainsaw ice carving. For the video, the production team brought the artist to an amphitheater and filmed his dynamic process.
Finally, on Saturday, Dec. 5 at 6:15 p.m. the culminating event will happen: Mayor LaRosiliere and Plano city council members will light the Christmas tree in Haggard Park. The Plano Arts & Events team prerecorded the ceremony, so the tree lighting will not be happening that day live. Because of this, the only way to watch the tree lighting will be at home.
During the video, a chorus will perform holiday songs, followed by an invocation and an exciting countdown. Steve Stoler will be the host of the event.
The tree in Haggard Park will stay lit the rest of December, and anyone is welcome to go see it from Dec. 6 onwards as long as they follow social distancing guidelines. The park’s bandstand will also have a self-guided photo opportunity.
Tune in beginning Nov. 29 at 4:30 p.m. to Plano Arts & Events’ Facebook page for the beginning of an exciting week of holiday festivities!
Plano Arts & Events Facebook Page > RSVP on Facebook >
The above content is sponsored.
