Revel in three days of live entertainment, parades, and crowds of costumed merrymakers at the 48th annual Dickens on The Strand in Historic Downtown Galveston from Friday, December 3 through Sunday, December 6, 2021.
After a 2020 hiatus for all the obvious reason, Galveston’s big, time-bending, three-day holiday festival is back this year in all of its glory.
And so, on the first weekend in December, Galveston’s Strand Historic District will once again transport visitors to 19th-century Victorian London for a celebration of the sights, sounds, and extended universe of English novelist Charles Dickens’ work.
The streets, venues, and more will be bursting with live entertainment on multiple streets. Expect strolling carolers, roving musicians, bagpipers, jugglers, and a bevy of entertainers, and—perhaps the very best part—countless costumed revelers.
Although most of the festival is ticketed, Friday night presents a free, no cover option with Fezziwig’s Friday, held on 22nd Street between Strand and Mechanic.
Learn more about Dickens on the Strand or order tickets.
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.
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.
Learn more about Dickens on the Strand or order tickets.
Select Featured Events at Dickens on the Strand 2021
Dickens on The Strand weekend is jam-packed with events, activities, parades, celebrations, parties, costume contests, feasts, and more. Still, there are many special highlights that are not to be missed.
Here are some of the key extra events and happenings, including a few new additions for 2019.
Friday, December 3, 2021
- Fezziwig’s Friday Festival Kick-Off on on 22nd Street between Strand and Mechanic | FREE – Everyone is welcome to join the official launch party at the annual pop-up of Fezziwig’s Beer Hall, featuring live entertainment, hearty ales, and more. 5pm to 9pm.
- Holiday Handbell Concerts at 1859 St. Joseph’s Church – Hosted within the 1859 St. Joseph’s Church, three holiday handbell performances take place on Friday night, utilizing the exceptional acoustics of Texas’ first wooden built church. $20. Advance tickets only.Performances at 5:30pm, 7pm, and 8:30pm. Order tickets or learn more.
- Dickens After Dark at a Secret Location – A private event hidden within the Dickens on The Strand grounds, Dickens After Dark gathers ticket holders for unique performances, drink, and revelry. Guests will receive the location one week before the event. $40. Advance tickets only. 6pm to 9pm. Order tickets or learn more.
- The Dickens Soiree at 1892 Bishop’s Palace – Melt into the breathtaking 1892 Bishop’s Palace for a carefully curated food and drink menu while enjoying live music, special aerial acrobatics performance, and appearances by special guests. $80. Advance tickets only. 6pm to 9pm. Order tickets or learn more.
- Saint Arnold’s Strand Walking Tour – Explore the history of the Strand and stop in on multiple public housed, on a guided tour of the National Historic Landmark district, all while enjoying tasty Saint Arnold’s beverages. $35, includes three complimentary beers. Advance tickets only. $35. 7pm. Order tickets or learn more.
Learn more about Dickens on the Strand or order tickets.
Saturday, December 4, 2021
- A Dickensian Breakfast at 1859 Ashton Villa – Start the day of right (and in theme) with a traditional English breakfast at the gorgeous 1859 Ashton Villa, with a special guest, surprise performances, and more. $80. Advance tickets only. 8:30am. Order tickets or learn more.
- Tea with the Captain’s Wife on the 1877 Tall Ship Elissa – Join the captain’s wife on the 1877 Tall Ship Elissa at Pier 22 for tea and cookies with a hint of history. While you snack and hear tales of history, you can watch the ship crew at work, set sails, and climb in the rigging. $40. Advance tickets only. 11am. Order tickets or learn more.
- Saint Arnold’s Strand Walking Tour – Explore the history of the Strand and stop in on multiple public housed, on a guided tour of the National Historic Landmark district, all while enjoying tasty Saint Arnold’s beverages. $35, includes three complimentary beers. Advance tickets only. $35. 11am and 4:30pm. Order tickets or learn more.
- Salute to Sunset Aboard 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. $60. Advance tickets only. 4:30pm to 6:30pm. Click here to purchase tickets. $40. 6pm to 9pm.
- Dickens After Dark at a Secret Location – A private event hidden within the Dickens on The Strand grounds, Dickens After Dark gathers ticket holders for unique performances, drink, and revelry. Guests will receive the location one week before the event. $40. Advance tickets only. 6pm to 9pm. Order tickets or learn more.
Sunday, December 5, 2021
- A Dickensian Breakfast at 1859 Ashton Villa – Start the day of right (and in theme) with a traditional English breakfast at the gorgeous 1859 Ashton Villa, with a special guest, surprise performances, and more. $80. Advance tickets only. 8:30am. Order tickets or learn more.
- The Dickens Dash at Hendley Green – Take to the festival grounds it opens in costumed fun-run, walk, stroll, etc. The half-mile run included early access, special entertainment, a complimentary drink, souvenir medal, and more. Advance tickets only. $40, 10am. Order tickets or learn more.
- Saint Arnold’s Strand Walking Tour – Explore the history of the Strand and stop in on multiple public housed, on a guided tour of the National Historic Landmark district, all while enjoying tasty Saint Arnold’s beverages. $35, includes three complimentary beers. Advance tickets only. $35. 4:30pm. Order tickets or learn more.
Learn more about Dickens on the Strand or order tickets.
Dickens on The Strand 2021
- Dates: Friday, December 3 through Sunday, December 6, 2021
- Times: Friday 5pm to 9pm; Saturday 10am to 9pm; Sunday noon to 6pm
- Location: The Strand Historic District, 2323 Strand Street, Galveston, TX 77550
- Admission: Advance tickets (before Friday, December 3, 2021) are $18 for adults; $12 for kids ages 7 to 12; free for 6 and under. Discounted tickets are available for groups of 20 or more. Learn more about Dickens on the Strand or order tickets.
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