Spirit of Dickens colors Henderson WinterFest

Henderson's annual WinterFest is going to the dickens.

Or, more precisely, the Dickens -- as in Charles Dickens, author of "A Christmas Carol."

The beloved yuletide tale provides one of the inspirations for this year's edition of Henderson's annual WinterFest. Themed "An Old-Fashioned Christmas Delight," the free event will light up the Henderson Events Plaza Friday and Saturday.

From strolling characters straight out of Dickens -- including Ebenezer Scrooge himself -- to horse-drawn carriage rides, WinterFest is designed to capture "the traditional spirit of Christmas," explains Nicole Johnson, spokeswoman for Henderson's cultural arts and tourism department.

"Those are traditions not many kids of today know," she says, and city officials "really wanted to bring them back."

It's a challenge to evoke snowy 19th-century London in the midst of the 21st-century Mojave Desert, Johnson acknowledges, but the festive seasonal trappings should help.

About 15 members of the Las Vegas Shakespeare Company who'll be participating in this year's festivities certainly think so, reports founding director Dan Decker.

The Victorian costuming worn by troupe members this weekend "actually makes it easier for the performer," he says. "Once they get the costume on, they know what to do."

In addition to providing costumed performers strolling Water Street, Shakespeare Company singers will perform a cappella versions of Christmas carols old and new.

They're far from the only performers involved, however; a variety of school choirs and gymnastics groups also will participate. The Henderson Symphony Orchestra returns to play "Sounds of the Season," while storytellers will spin holiday tales.

But it just wouldn't be a holiday happening without Santa Claus. Accordingly, WinterFest officially takes flight at 6 p.m. Friday with St. Nick's arrival and the lighting of Henderson's official Christmas tree.

At 5 p.m. Saturday, WinterFest spotlights its first night parade: a light parade featuring floats and special-interest vehicles trimmed in lights, along with a variety of marching groups -- including Shakespeare company members.

Another new WinterFest element: a display of miniature cities and towns, including picture-window views of Chicago's skyscraper-bedecked skyline and San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge.

Kids will have the choice of riding make-believe steeds on an old-fashioned carousel -- or real live ponies -- in addition to the horse-drawn carriage rides.

From previous festivals, Henderson officials have learned "horses are a huge hit, so we know the carriage rides will be huge for families," Johnson predicts.

Regardless of whether the weather cooperates in creating the proper winter atmosphere.

"Last year, it was 90 degrees and we had kids in shorts and T-shirts," Johnson recalls. "It was so warm I think I got a tan."

Not quite chestnuts roasting on an open fire, but when it comes to the holiday spirit, it's the thought that counts. Just ask Charles Dickens.

Contact reporter Carol Cling at ccling@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0272.