Be ready to get into the holiday spirit by attending the annual Dickens Faire on Saturday, Dec. 5. The event will take place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in front of the McHenry Mansion at 15th and I streets in Modesto. There will be a variety of vendors, crafts, food, carolers and other musical entertainment. You may tour the beautiful McHenry Mansion, which will be decorated for the holidays as it was in Victorian times. Docents dressed in period clothing, and stationed throughout the home, will be available to answer questions about the history and artifacts of this beautiful Victorian house. There is no charge for the event. The Parade of Lights follows the Dickens Faire around 5 p.m.

Later in the month, candlelight tours of the McHenry Mansion will be available on Friday, Dec. 18 and Sunday, Dec. 20. Tours begin at 5 p.m. and the last tour leaves at 8:30 p.m. During the tours, visitors will see docents dressed in period clothing demonstrating Victorian life as it was during the holidays. One might see popcorn stringing, musicians, a gingerbread house being decorated and much more.