You don’t need a time machine to experience a Victorian Christmas, just a ticket to Dickens on the Strand. The beloved Galveston holiday tradition is back for its 49th year, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 2 to 4.
More than 35,000 people a year attend the event which features parades, entertainment on four stages, special events, costumed characters and vendors hawking 19th century wares.
Fezziwig’s Friday is a free event from 5 to 9 p.m. that kicks off the festival. Charles Dickens hosts the event with readings, toasts and more at 5:15, 6:30, and 7:45 p.m. Live entertainment will include Crescent Circus, The Traveling Pianist Adam Lozoya and The Bilge Pumps. At 5 p.m., Saint Arnold Brewing Company will tap the first keg and hand out free samples to guests 21 and up. The newly expanded Fezziwig’s Beer Hall offers a peek at the weekend festivities. For those interested in mixing history, architecture and beer, there will be a Saint Arnold’s Architectural Walking Tour at 7 p.m. for $35.
The festivities begin in earnest on Saturday. Tickets are $18 for adults and $13 for youth ages 7-12. Children 6 and under are free. VIP tickets are $75 for adults and $30 for youth. Tickets can be purchased online. Attendees in Victorian costume may purchase half-price tickets at the gate. Dicken’s on the Strand takes place rain or shine. Tickets are not refundable.
In addition to carolers, concerts, food and fun, attendees can add-on special events for a fee. These include holiday handbell concerts (tickets sell out quickly so buy now), Dickens Soiree, Salute to Sunset, Dickensian Breakfast, Tea With the Captain’s Wife and Elevenses on the Pier.
Don’t miss the Victorian Bed Race held at 4 p.m. on Sunday. The five-member teams push decorated beds down Strand Street. Teams wear themed nightcaps and gowns. Children can play all day at Tiny Tim’s Play Land.
It’s a holiday treat for the entire family! If you live in Lago Mar, you’ll be less than 30 minutes away!
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