Even Ebenezer Scrooge will join the fun during the 13th annual Skaneateles Dickens' Christmas festival as a classic holiday story's timeless characters, including the humbugging miser, get revived in scenes around the village.

Entertainers will act out one installment each weekend from Charles Dickens' 1843 novel “A Christmas Carol” during the annual ceremony. As long as spectators have a basic knowledge of the plot, they can come any weekend - they don't have to follow the entire story, said Sue Dove, executive director of the Skaneateles Area Chamber of Commerce.

Meanwhile, participants will stroll down the streets dressed in Victorian-era costumes like the characters of the holiday ghost story.

People can take a step back in time as the scent of roasted chestnuts wafts from the eatery Johnny Angel's and can enjoy a carriage ride through the village streets.

Each step into the decorated village takes people into a different time where groups still go caroling, horse-drawn sleighs still roam the village and street entertainers can make crowds laugh.

This year's highlight is the new addition of “A Very Merry Musicale” at 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 16, at the First Presbyterian Church, 97 E. Genesee St.

Organizers broadened the scope this year and decided to look at the holiday's traditions in a pantomime, rather than past features which focused more on the “Christmas Carol.”

The celebration's musical director, Kelly Stallard, asked to include more music and entertainment in this year's festivities.

Nearly 80 percent of the actors are from surrounding towns such as Syracuse, Ithaca and Auburn. Jim Greene, owner of Scarlett Red Entertainment, always keeps an eye out during his travels for performers he thinks would fit well with the celebration. He also invites actors from the Sterling Renaissance Festival in northern Cayuga County.

Also new this season is a magician in the library.

Sponsors continue to keep the festival going and growing so it can include these new acts, Dove said.

“Real estate offices, banks, financial (advisors) and insurance (salesmen)... People aren't coming into their stores on those weekends but they know how important it is so they continue to sponsor it to keep it well and alive,” she said.

While the festival has hit a plateau the past few years, by no means has the popularity diminished. Dove estimates 5,000 people visit the village each weekend during the Dickens' Christmas.

Staff writer Jessica Soule can be reached at 253-5311 ext. 267 or at jessica.soule@lee.net