For 48 years, Galveston Historical Foundation’s (GHF) 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. This annual festival begins Friday, December 3, with free admission to Fezziwig’s Beer Hall from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. and continues with ticketed entry Saturday, December 4, from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday, December 5, from 12 to 6 p.m.
Tickets purchased at the gate are $20 for adults and $14 for youth. Discounted tickets for GHF members are available for $15 in advance or $17 at the gate. Tickets are available online at www.dickensonthestrand.org. Attendees in Victorian costume receive 50% off entry.
“The 2021 Dickens on The Strand promises to be a remarkable return to our full annual holiday festival. Our board, staff, and volunteers are ready to make Galveston come alive again in the holiday season as we recognize the wonderful work of Charles Dicken’s A Christmas Carol,” states GHF Executive Director Dwayne Jones. “Many friendly faces, entertainers, and vendors will return to Galveston in December as a reawakening of an inspirational event unfolds.”
The annual holiday street festival, based on 19th-century Victorian London, features parades, non-stop entertainment on multiple stages, strolling carolers, roving musicians, bagpipers, jugglers, and a host of other entertainers. Costumed vendors peddle their wares from street stalls and rolling carts laden with holiday food and drink, Victorian-inspired crafts, clothing, jewelry, holiday decorations, and gift items. Each year’s event also welcomes descendants of the author and this year Oliver Dickens, the great-great-great-great-grandson of Charles Dickens, will make his return to Galveston.
NEW IN 2021
This year’s Dickens on The Strand includes numerous additions inside the festival grounds for youth and adults. The Dickens snow yard makes its return, and new areas like Tiny Tim’s Play Land and Shopkeeper Skills Village will introduce participants to numerous hands-on experiences. Roaming performers and sets throughout the site will also offer new interactions with Charles Dickens’ beloved storytelling.
The Dickens Dash
Take to the festival grounds before we open to the public with our costumed fun-run, walk, stroll, what-have-you! The Dickens Dash allows entry into the festival grounds Sunday at 10 a.m., special entertainment on the Hendley Green stage, a complimentary drink, souvenir, medal, and more. This dash is not a timed race; it’s a spirited costumed .5-mile loop through the downtown historic district. Costumes are required, with prizes for best costume, best group, and more. Sunday, December 5, 10 a.m. $40 per person, includes festival admission.
Dickens After Dark
Holders of this limited ticket will gain access to a specially curated evening of art, music, and performance inside the festival grounds. Guests will be greeted with unique arrangements, drinks, and revelry for this special evening addition to the 48th annual Victorian festival. Friday, December 3 and Saturday, December 4, 6-9 p.m. $40 per person, includes festival admission.
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