Charles Dickens' characters come alive in a Dutch town enamored with the English author

The Dutch city of Deventer has been transformed into a 19th-century English city where 950 people in costumes brought characters from Charles Dickens’ books to life. Oliver Twist, Ebenezer Scrooge, Miss Havisham and Mr. Pickwick were among the character sightings. They were accompanied by Christmas carol singers in the narrow streets of Deventer’s historic center. Merchants peddled antique wares and gingerbread. People portraying pickpockets hunted for unsuspecting targets. Onlookers bowed when Queen Victoria rode through in her carriage. It’s the 32nd edition of the festival, which attracts some 100,000 visitors each year from around the Netherlands and abroad, according to the town organizers.