Travel back to Charles Dickens’ Victorian London at the 45th annual Dickens on The Strand in Historic Downtown Galveston from Friday, November 30 through Sunday, December 2, 2018.
For one weekend in December, Galveston’s Strand Historic District is transported to the 19th Century’s Victorian London in a three-day celebration of the sights and sounds of English novelist Charles Dickens’ work.
Dickens on The Strand is Galveston’s annual holiday street festival bursting with parades, non-stop live entertainment on multiple streets, strolling carolers, roving musicians, bagpipers, jugglers, and a crowd of entertainers and costumed revelers.
First-time visitors and returnees alike embrace this holiday tradition, dressing up in their Dickensian finest (or raggedy threads for a proper pauper) while taking to the streets to shop, eat, party, parade, and celebrate.
Click here for more information and to purchase tickets.
As you explore the Strand, you’ll encounter costumed vendors peddling their wares from street stalls and rolling carts brimming with holiday food and drink, Victorian-inspired crafts, clothing, jewelry, holiday decorations, and other gift items.
For the 45th Dickens on The Strand, three descendants of Charles Dickens will grace the festival and attend numerous events throughout the weekend.
Great-great-granddaughter Jane Dickens Monk, great-great-great-granddaughter Lucinda Dickens Hawksley, and great-great-great-grandson Oliver “Ollie” Dickens will be on hand for the weekend’s celebration, including readings of Dickens’ work by LAMDA-graduate Ollie Dickens.
Click here for more information and to purchase tickets.
Select Featured Events at Dickens on the Strand 2018
Dickens on The Strand weekend is jam-packed with events, activities, parades, celebrations, parties, costume contests, feasts, and more. Still, there are special highlights that are not to be missed.
Here are some of the key events and happenings, including several new additions for 2018.
Friday, November 30, 2018
- Fezziwig’s Friday Night | FREE – A tribute to the jovial personality of A Christmas Carol‘s Mr. Fezziwig, this Beer Hall offers specialty acts, hearty brews, and a specialty cocktail chosen from Cedric Dickens’ book Drinking With Dickens. Jane Monk, a Dickens descendant, hosts this free event that kicks off Dickens on the Strand. 5pm to 9pm.
- Holiday Handbell Concerts – Hosted within the 1859 St. Joseph’s Church, three holiday handbell performances take place on Friday night, utilizing the exceptional acoustics of the state’s first wooden built church. $20. Reservations required. Performances at 5:30pm, 7pm, and 8:30pm. Click here to purchase tickets.
- A Dickens Soiree at the 1892 Bishop’s Palace – Held at the beautiful 1892 Bishop’s Palace, attendees enjoy a carefully curated food and drink menu while enjoying live music by Houston’s Two Star Symphony, a special acrobatics display by Cirque La Vie, and appearances by special guests including a reading by Ollie Dickens. $75. Reservations required. 6:30pm.
- Saint Arnold’s Strand Walking Tour – Held daily during Dickens on The Strand, these tours wind guests through three festival pubs on a guided tour of the National Historic Landmark district, while enjoying tasty Saint Arnold’s beverages. $35. Includes three complimentary beers. Registration encouraged. 7pm. Click here to purchase tickets.
Saturday, December 1, 2018
- Breakfast with Dickens – Jane Monk, the great-great-great-granddaughter of Charles Dickens, joins award-winning chef Mary Bass for a traditional English breakfast at the 1892 Bishop’s Palace. $75. Reservations required. 8am. Click here to purchase tickets.
- Saint Arnold’s Strand Walking Tour – Held twice on Saturday, these tours wind guests through three festival pubs on a guided tour of the National Historic Landmark district, all while enjoying tasty Saint Arnold’s beverages. $35. Includes three complimentary beers. Registration encouraged. 11am and 4:30pm. Click here to purchase tickets.
- Salute to Sunset onboard the 1877 Tall Ship ELISSA – The Texas Seaport Museum transforms into a London wharf for this toast to end the day and bring on the evening’s festivities. Board the 1877 Tall Ship ELISSA for heavy appetizers, cocktails, cannon fire, and special guests leading up to Saturday night’s Pickwick’s Lanternlight Parade. $50. Reservations required. 4:30pm. Click here to purchase tickets.
- Dickens After Dark – A private event hidden within the Dickens on The Strand grounds, Dickens After Dark gathers ticket holders for unique performances, drink, and revelry, hosted by British actor and Dickens descendant, Ollie Dickens. Guests will receive the location one week before the event. $50. Reservations required. 8pm to 10pm. Click here to purchase tickets.
Sunday, December 2, 2018
- Breakfast with Dickens – Jane Monk, the great-great-great-granddaughter of Charles Dickens, joins award-winning chef Mary Bass for a traditional English breakfast at the 1892 Bishop’s Palace. $75. Reservations required. 10am. Click here to purchase tickets.
- Saint Arnold’s Strand Walking Tour – These tours send guests through three festival pubs on a guided tour of the National Historic Landmark district, all while enjoying tasty Saint Arnold’s beverages. $35. Includes three complimentary beers. Registration encouraged. 3pm. Click here to purchase tickets.
Click here for more information and to purchase tickets.
Dickens on The Strand 2018
- Dates:Â Friday, November 30 through Sunday, December 2, 2018
- Times:Â Friday 5pm to 9pm; Saturday 10am to 9pm; Sunday 10am to 6pm
- Location:Â The Strand Historic District, 2323 Strand Street, Galveston, TX 77550
- Admission:Â Tickets are $13 for adults; $7 for ages 7 to 12 if purchased online before Friday, November 30, 2018. Tickets are $15 at the gate; $9 for ages 7 to 12. $8 at the gate for guests in Victorian-era attire. Click here for more information and to purchase tickets.Â
This post was sponsored by Galveston Historical Foundation. Per our advertising and sponsorship policy, we only accept sponsored content from organizations that meet our editorial standards and truly present a valuable activity, event, resource or destination for residents and visitors across the greater Houston area. Advertising revenue helps support 365 Things to Do in Houston, and our contributors, allowing us to expand our coverage of activities and events around the Houston area. Click here to learn about promoting your event or business.