11/30/2023
Dickens on The Strand in Galveston is a magical Victorian-inspired festival held annually. The historic downtown transforms into a festive wonderland, featuring costumed characters, live performances, and charming shops, all reminiscent of Charles Dickens' era. It's a delightful celebration that brings the spirit of 19th-century Christmas to life, enchanting visitors with its nostalgic atmosphere and holiday cheer.
Dickens on The Strand, the annual Victorian holiday festival, returns to The Strand in historic downtown Galveston on Friday, December 1. This year is 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.
Street closures
The festival is held downtown on The Strand from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday and from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday.
The following streets will close beginning at 8 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 1 and reopen by midnight Sunday, December 3:
• 21st Street from Harborside Drive to Mechanic Street
• 22nd, 23rd and 24th streets from Harborside Drive to Market Street
• 25th Street from Strand to Mechanic
The following street closures will begin at 12 p.m. Friday, Dec. 1 and reopen by midnight Sunday, Dec. 3:
• The Strand from 20th to 25th streets
• Mechanic Street from 21st to 25th streets
For more information, please visit https://www.galvestonhistory.org/events/dickens-on-the-strand