About this Event
TICKET IS GOOD FOR SATURDAY OR SUNDAY ADMISSION
Brush off your bowlers and prepare your petticoats — the streets of Galveston once again transform into a scene straight out of Charles Dickens’ London. Galveston Historical Foundation proudly presents the 53rd Annual Dickens on The Strand, a cherished holiday tradition returning the first weekend of December. For more than half a century, families and festivalgoers have filled The Strand with holiday cheer, enjoying lively parades, roaming costumed characters, and a city alive with Victorian pageantry.
Step into a 19th-century wonderland where carolers fill the air with music, vendors in period attire peddle their wares from stalls and rolling carts, and four stages brim with nonstop entertainment. From holiday food and drink to handmade crafts, clothing, jewelry, and festive décor, Dickens on The Strand offers an immersive holiday marketplace and a one-of-a-kind experience that blends history, tradition, and merriment for all ages.
PLEASE NOTE: Discount tickets are available for GHF members.
EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
- Tickets are non-refundable and good for a single day's admission.
- Admission for Fezziwig's Friday, December 4, from 5-9 p.m., is free to the public.
- Ticket prices will increase on Friday, November 20, to $25 for adults and $18 for youth.
- VIP area access closes at 7 p.m. on Saturday and 5 p.m. on Sunday.
- Attendees in Victorian costume may purchase their half-price ticket at the gate.
VIP & GOLDEN TICKET DETAILS
Buckingham Palace VIP - Includes 2-day entry! The Buckingham Palace VIP area, located inside the festival grounds at 23rd and Strand, is your spot to relax, enjoy specialized programming and opportunities, eat, drink, and be merry. Tickets include festival admission, two drink tickets, a souvenir medallion, premium restroom access, balcony viewing area, and more.
Please note there is no elevator access to the 2nd floor area, and it will close at 7 p.m. on Saturday and 5 p.m. on Sunday. Food is not included in the ticket.
The Dickens Golden Ticket - Holders of this pass will receive a two-night stay at The Tremont House (Friday and Saturday night) and a special code that allows redemption of one ticket to every event held during the festival. In addition, Golden Ticket passes will include a #GalvestonHistory guest pass good for one admission to Galveston Historical Foundation sites and attractions, a limited edition Dickens on The Strand medallion, a reserved carriage ride for Golden Ticket holders in the Dickens on the Strand parades, VIP area access, one complimentary membership to Galveston Historical Foundation, and early admission to select events.
Please note that reservations for special events must be entered via a promo code sent by Galveston Historical Foundation by Friday, November 20, while supplies last. Golden Ticket holders are required to reserve their tickets for associated special events. Galveston Historical Foundation is not responsible for special events being sold out before Golden Ticket is redeemed. Tickets not reserved by that date will not be allowed access.
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ABOUT DICKENS ON THE STRAND
For 53 years, Galveston Historical Foundation’s Dickens on The Strand festival has highlighted downtown Galveston’s Victorian-era architecture while providing a one-of-a-kind holiday destination filled with the sights and sounds of Charles Dickens’ work. This year’s event continues that tradition with new entertainers and events, returning favorites, and family-friendly programming. Learn more by clicking here.
For the safety and comfort of our attendees, pets, ice chests, scooters, skateboards, rollerblades, skates, Segways, and other recreational “wheels” are forbidden.
The festival is open, rain or shine. GHF is not responsible for independent transactions between visitors and vendors. Parking is available on many streets, lots, and parking garages within easy walking distance of the festival.
We are committed to making Dickens on The Strand special needs accessible. If we can assist with arrangements, we encourage you to contact us at 409-765-3424 in advance of your visit.
Event venue & nearby stays
Dickens On The Strand, 2028 Strand, Galveston, United States
Concerts, fests, parties, meetups — all the happenings, one place.