Revel in three days of live entertainment, parades, and crowds of costumed merrymakers at the 46th annual Dickens on The Strand in Historic Downtown Galveston from Friday, December 6 through Sunday, December 8, 2019.
For one weekend in December, Galveston’s Strand Historic District is transported to 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 live entertainment on multiple streets, including strolling carolers, roving musicians, bagpipers, jugglers, and a crowd of entertainers and costumed revelers.
Click here for more information and to purchase 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.
Click here for more information and to purchase tickets.
Select Featured Events at Dickens on the Strand 2019
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 a few new additions for 2019.
Friday, December 6, 2019
- 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 Impulse Strings Electric Violinist Allie May. The event will also feature a special acrobatics display by Cirque La Vie, plus living statues, jugglers, face painting, magic, and balloon art. $80. Reservations required. 6:30pm. Click here to purchase tickets.
- 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.
Click here for more information on events happening at Dickens on the Strand.
Saturday, December 7, 2019
- 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. $80. Reservations required. 8:30am. Click here to purchase tickets.
- Morning Tea with the Captain’s Wife – 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, you can watch the ship crew at work, set sails, and climb in the rigging. $20. 11am. 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. $60. Reservations required. 5pm. Click here to purchase tickets.
- The Queen’s Feast – Cheers to the queen at this special feast in the 1859 Ashton Villa. Guests will enjoy a four-course meal, a special reading of A Christmas Carol from Ollie Dickens, a complimentary champagne toast, and more. $125. 7pm.
- 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 8, 2019
- 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. $80. Reservations required. 10:30am. 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. 4:30pm. Click here to purchase tickets.
Click here for more information on events happening at Dickens on the Strand.
Dickens on The Strand 2019
- Dates: Friday, December 6 through Sunday, December 8, 2019
- 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: Tickets are $13 for adults; $7 for ages 7 to 12 if purchased online before Friday, December 2, 2019. Tickets are $15 at the gate; $9 for ages 7 to 12. Tickets at the gate are half-price for guests wearing Victorian-era attire. Click here for more information and to purchase tickets.
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