Dickens on The Strand Festival 2026

Dickens on The Strand returns to Galveston, Texas, December 4–6, 2026, for its 53rd annual celebration. Organized by Galveston Historical Foundation, this Victorian holiday festival fills the historic Strand District with entertainment, costumed characters and a Christmas market inspired by 19th-century London.

Festival Hours

• Friday, December 4: 5:00–9:00 PM. Fezziwig’s Friday, with free admission.
• Saturday, December 5: 10:00 AM–9:00 PM. Paid admission.
• Sunday, December 6: Noon–6:00 PM. Paid admission.

Victorian Entertainment and Shopping

The festival features parades, performances across four stages and characters roaming the streets. Family attractions include Tiny Tim’s Play Land and Shopkeeper Skills Village.

Costumed merchants sell Victorian-inspired clothing, jewelry, crafts, holiday decorations and gifts from stalls and carts. Food and drink vendors operate throughout the festival. Visitors are welcome to attend in Victorian clothing, although costumes are optional.

Admission Prices

• Adults: $20.
• Youth ages 7–12: $13.
• Children ages 6 and under: Free.
• GHF members: $15.
• Group rates: $13 per adult; $12 per youth.
• Two-day VIP admission: $100 per adult; $40 for ages 7–12; free for children 6 and under.

General, member and group prices increase by $5 on November 20. Victorian-costumed visitors receive half-price gate admission. Tickets are nonrefundable, and the festival operates rain or shine.

Purchase admission and separately ticketed experiences through the official festival ticket page.

Special Events Schedule

These experiences take place at venues around Galveston and have separate admission charges.

Friday, December 4

• 5:00–6:00 PM: JuBellaté Ringers handbell concert, 1859 St. Joseph’s Church. $25.
• 6:30–7:30 PM: Second handbell concert, 1859 St. Joseph’s Church. $25.
• 6:30–8:30 PM: The Smoking Bishop’s Soiree, 1892 Bishop’s Palace. $100.
• 7:00–8:00 PM: Saint Arnold’s Walking Tours.
• 8:00–9:00 PM: Third handbell concert, 1859 St. Joseph’s Church. $25.

Saturday, December 5

• 10:00–11:00 AM: Elevenses on the Pier, Galveston Historic Seaport. $60.
• 10:30 AM–12:30 PM: Mrs. Tickit’s English Breakfast, 1859 Ashton Villa. $75.
• 11:30 AM–12:30 PM: Saint Arnold’s Walking Tours.
• 1:00–2:00 PM: Saint Arnold’s Walking Tours.
• 3:00–4:00 PM: Miss Havisham’s Afternoon Tea, 1892 Bishop’s Palace. $50.
• 4:30–5:30 PM: Saint Arnold’s Walking Tours.
• 7:00–9:00 PM: The Artful Dodger’s After Dark, Galveston Historic Seaport.
• 7:30–8:30 PM: Saint Arnold’s Walking Tours.

Sunday, December 6

• 10:30 AM–12:30 PM: Mrs. Tickit’s English Breakfast, 1859 Ashton Villa. $75.
• 1:00–2:00 PM: Saint Arnold’s Walking Tours.
• 3:00 PM: Miss Havisham’s Afternoon Tea, 1892 Bishop’s Palace. $50.

Browse more Christmas festivals and events in the December 2026 calendar.

Getting There and Parking

The festival occupies Galveston’s Strand National Historic Landmark District. From Houston, I-45 leads onto the island and becomes Broadway. Downtown streets connect Broadway with the festival area.

Paid street parking surrounds the grounds. Parking garages are available at 21st and Market and 25th and Harborside. Accessible parking is designated on Market between 22nd and 23rd Streets, and on 20th Street between Strand and Mechanic.

Pets, coolers and recreational wheeled equipment are prohibited. Costume weapons and props must be secured and undergo additional screening. For accessibility assistance, contact 409-765-7834 before visiting.

Approximate Road Distances to Galveston

• Texas City: 14 miles.
• League City: 27 miles.
• Pearland: 42 miles.
• Pasadena: 42 miles.
• Houston: 51 miles.
• Beaumont: approximately 105–122 miles, depending on the route.