Dickens on the Strand

Victorian-era Costumed Celebration Ushers in Holidays in Galveston

In a town known for its history, it only makes sense to ring in the holiday season with characters from Christmases past. Such is the case with Galveston, where the annual Dickens on the Strand event helps usher in the month of December and kicks off the holiday season.

Now in its fourth decade of existence, Dickens on the Strand transports revelers back to the time of Charles Dickens for a weekend by providing non-stop entertainment on six stages, parades, street musicians, carolers and more – all dressed as characters from Dickens’ novels. There are also over 150 costumed vendors lining the historic Strand, where the event takes place. And, there are plenty of children’s activities, including the Royal Menagerie Petting Zoo and a snow area for the kids to play in.

The 2009 edition of Dickens on the Strand is set for Dec. 5 and 6. Event hours are 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 6 and 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 7. Admission is $9 for advance tickets and $12 at the gate for adults, children 7 to 12 are $4 in advance and $6 at the gate. Children 6 and under are free. And, in the true spirit of this costumed event, guests arriving dressed as Dickens’ characters will be charged half of regular admission prices.