A landmark event fifty years in the making returns to Galveston's historic downtown for the 50th Anniversary of Galveston Historical Foundation's (GHF) Dickens on The Strand, presented by the British Consulate-General Houston. The event, GHF's largest fundraiser, returns the first weekend in December for three days of the sights and sounds of Charles Dickens' work, surrounded by the island's unmatched Victorian-era architecture. This annual festival begins Friday, December 1, with free admission to Fezziwig's Beer Hall from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. and continues with ticketed entry on Saturday, December 2, from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday, December 3, from 12 to 6 p.m.
Tickets purchased before November 23 are $20 for adults and $15 for children ages 7-12. Tickets purchased at the gate are $25 for adults and $18 for youth. Discounted tickets for GHF members are available for $15 in advance or $20 at the gate. Attendees in Victorian costumes receive 50% off entry. Tickets are available online at www.dickensonthestrand.org.
"This 50th anniversary of Dickens on The Strand is a milestone in many ways. It represents years of commitment to developing and maintaining a top-rated festival that brings thousands to our island during the holiday season. In the mid-1970s, GHF leaders and volunteers wondered if we could ever see the renaissance of the Strand Mechanic National Historic Landmark District. We questioned if tourists and locals would see the historic area as a place to walk, shop, and dine," states GHF Executive Director Dwayne Jones. "Without any doubt, the Dickens event and its impressive number of visitors have helped to build the credibility of the Strand and contributed to its revitalization. GHF began our work in the area long before others came on board. Our staff and board brought a vision that led the earliest development, and the Dickens event is a key part of our ongoing vision."
Based on 19th-century Victorian London, the annual holiday street festival features parades, non-stop entertainment on multiple stages, strolling carolers, roving musicians, bagpipers, jugglers, and 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.
NEW IN 2023 | The 50th Anniversary event features callbacks to past event programs and new offerings for 2023.
Dickens Royal Raffle – Presented by VisitBritain |Three unforgettable British experiences are on hand for the lucky winners of this special 50th-anniversary raffle ticket. Raffles are $20 per ticket and can be purchased at Ebeneezer’s Retail and all festival pubs during the weekend.
- Prize package 1 – London Getaway: Enjoy a four-night stay in London, complete with airfare, Dickens-themed itinerary, meet and greets, and more!
- Prize Package 2 – McLaren Tour and Test Drive: A private tour and test drive await the winner of this package at McLaren Automotive’s Dallas headquarters.
- Prize Package 3 – High tea with Richard Hyde, British Consul General, at his Houston residence.
Visiting Dickens Descendants | Each year, Dickens on The Strand welcomes representatives from the Charles Dickens family. This year's event features nine family members hosting special events, appearing at meet and greets, signings, and appearances throughout the festival all weekend. Join us in welcoming:
- Lucy Bacon – great-great-great-granddaughter (1st appearance)
- Polly Olivia Boyd – great-great-great-granddaughter (returning guest)
- Mark Charles and Debbie Dickens – great-great-grandson and spouse (returning guests)
- Oliver' Ollie' Dickens – great-great-great-grandson (returning guest)
- Lucinda Dickens Hawksley – great-great-great-granddaughter (returning guest)
- Marion Dickens Lloyd – great-great-granddaughter (1st appearance)
- Jane Dickens Monk – great-great-granddaughter (returning guest)
- Harry Whinney – great-great-great-grandson (1st appearance)
Buckingham Palace VIP Area – Presented by the British Consulate-General Houston | VIP tickets include access to the Buckingham Palace VIP area, including balcony access overlooking The Strand. This space, located inside the festival grounds, has special programming, meet & greets, photo opportunities, drinks, and more on both days. VIP ticket holders will also receive a limited-edition Dickens on The Strand medallion. Saturday, December 2, and Sunday, December 3, $100 per person.
50th Anniversary Golden Ticket | Holders of this anniversary pass will receive a unique code that allows redemption of one ticket to every event held during the 50th anniversary of Dickens on The Strand. 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 50th Anniversary Dickens on The Strand challenge coin, a reserved carriage ride for Golden Ticket holders in the Dickens on the Strand parades, one complimentary membership to Galveston Historical Foundation, early admission to select events and automatic entry to the Dickens Royal Raffle. $1,500 per person includes access to every Dickens on The Strand 50th Anniversary event.
Golden Jubilee Feast – Hosted by Mark Charles and Debbie Dickens | This special 50th Anniversary gathering welcomes nine descendants of Charles Dickens, each reading a portion of Dicken's masterpiece A Christmas Carol. Guests will enjoy live music, a seated dinner, readings, guests of honor, and more at this special gala in the 1880 Garten Verein. Reservation holders will also be gifted a limited-edition Dickens 50 Challenge Coin as a token of thanks while being held in the company of Queen Victoria and her court. Saturday, December 2, 7-9 p.m., $200 per person.
Dickens Descendant Champagne Reception – Hosted by Marion Lloyd | Join us as we welcome this year's nine Dickens descendants to the 50th annual Dickens on The Strand! This special meet and greet will be held in the 1895 Moody Mansion and is your first opportunity to welcome visiting Dickens descendants, purchase their various books, and have them signed. Complimentary champagne, wine, and hors d'oeuvres will also be available. Thursday, November 30, 5:30-7:30 p.m., $40 per person.
Canterbury Theatre of Variety | Holders of this limited ticket will gain access to a private location within the Dickens on The Strand grounds. Ticket holders will take in a specially created Victorian burlesque performance, drinks, and revelry for this new addition to the 50th annual Victorian festival. Friday, December 1, and Saturday, December 2, 7-9 p.m., $60 per person.
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FESTIVAL FAVORITES | The festival hosts many spirited events, such as the crowd favorite Whimsical Whisker Revue, a facial hair contest for the bearded and the dandy, the Dickens Victorian Bed Races, Victorian Costume Contest, special kid's programming, daily parades through Galveston's Strand Mechanic National Historic Landmark Strand District, and more. 50th-anniversary highlights include:
Fezziwig's Friday Night – Hosted by Charles Dickens | Mr. Fezziwig was everything Ebenezer wasn't, and we pay tribute to his jovial personality at our Fezziwig's Beer Hall. Join us Friday evening, December 1, from 5 to 9 p.m. for specialty acts, hearty brews, and new friends. Admission is free for this lively start to the weekend.
Saint Arnold's Strand Walking Tours – Hosted by Saint Arnold | Learn about the history of The Strand and enjoy some of Saint Arnold Brewing Company's signature ales during this festival-favorite tour. Held daily during Dickens on The Strand, you'll visit three festival pubs as you walk through the National Historic Landmark district with your guide, learning about The Strand's stories, buildings, and history. Friday, December 1 at 5:30 p.m., Saturday, December 2 at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 4:30 p.m., and 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, December 3 at 1 p.m., $40 per person.
The Dickens Dash & Victorian Bed Races – Hosted by Ollie Dickens | Speed is the name of the game for the big finish of the 50th annual Dickens on The Strand. The Dickens Dash, a costumed run, welcomes individual and team competitions, and the Victorian Bed Races features teams of five as contestants make for the best time across the finish line, cheered along by the adoring crowd. Sunday, December 3 at 4 p.m.
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SPECIAL EVENTS | Dickens on The Strand also highlights many historic sites and attractions that Galveston Historical Foundation owns and operates. These added experiences, hosted by a visiting descendant, occur around the festival and do not include festival admission.
Jubilation Ringers Handbell Concert – Hosted by Harry Whinney | The 1859 St. Joseph's Church, the first wooden-built church in Galveston and well known for its exceptional acoustics, hosts three holiday handbell concerts. Friday, December 1, at 5:30, 7, and 8:30 p.m. $25 per person, and reservations are required.
The Smoking Bishop's Soiree – Hosted by Ollie Dickens | Named for the iconic drink featured in A Christmas Carol and featuring specialty acts, award-winning performers, and a carefully curated food and drink menu, this kickoff to the annual festival is not to be missed! Held at the breathtaking 1892 Bishop's Palace, attendees will enjoy live music, food and wine, an exceptional aerial acrobatics performance, and appearances by special guests. Friday, December 1, 6:30-8:30 p.m. $100 per person, and reservations are required.
Captain Cuttle's Seaport Salute – Hosted by Lucinda Dickens Hawksley | Toast the end of the day and the beginning of the evening onboard the Official Tall Ship of Texas. The 1877 Tall Ship ELISSA welcomes you aboard for heavy appetizers, a specialty cocktail, cannon fire, and special guests leading to Saturday night's Pickwick's Lanternlight Parade. Saturday, December 2, 4:30-6:30 p.m. $95 per person, and reservations are required.
Mrs. Tickit's English Breakfast – Hosted by Jane Dickens Monk and Lucy Bacon | Start your Dickens day with a one-of-a-kind experience in one of Galveston's most beloved historic homes, the 1859 Ashton Villa! Take in an English breakfast with special guests, surprise performances, and more in a gorgeous holiday setting inside the house. Saturday, December 2, at 8:30 a.m. and Sunday, December 3, at 10:30 a.m., $100 per person.
Elevenses on the Pier – Hosted by Polly Olivia Boyd | Join us at the 1877 Tall Ship ELISSA for tea and cookies with a touch of history. Enjoy a relaxing morning on the harbor alongside the Official Tall Ship of Texas. Live music and a welcome by Dickens descendant Polly Olivia Boyd will be on hand, helping set the tone for your day at Dickens on The Strand. Saturday, December 2, and Sunday, December 3, at 11 a.m., $60 per person, and reservations are required.
