Organizers Cancel Dickens Downtown Due To COVID-19 Concerns

NORTHPORT, AL. — A longtime holiday tradition in historic downtown Northport has been canceled due to safety concerns prompted by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

The Merchants of Historic Downtown Northport have voted to cancel this year’s Dickens Downtown event, which was announced on the group's Facebook page on Wednesday.

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The group cited downtown's small storefronts and their ability to safely handle the thousands of people who attend this event each year as factoring in to the decision.

Typically held the first Tuesday night in December, the annual Victorian holiday celebration in the past involved Theatre Tuscaloosa performing scenes from the Charles Dickens' classic "A Christmas Carol," in addition to local choirs and other performers.

The beloved annual event also typically features business and neighborhood open houses.