Step back in time at Dickens on the Strand, the annual Victorian Christmas Festival that takes place in Galveston in the historic “Strand District”. The event features strolling carolers, handbell choirs, bagpipers, costumed characters, food, candlelight house tours, parades and more.
2300 Strand, Galveston.
The festival runs over three days.
Friday, Dec. 6 from 5-9 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 7; from 10 a.m.-9 p.m.
Sunday, Dec. 8. from 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Friday, December 6 – A Christmas Carol
The live version of “A Christmas Carol” will be performed by members from Clear Creek Community Theater. The performance will begin at 6 p.m. in Saengerfest Park and will feature a special welcome by Charles Dickens great-great-granddaughter, Jane Monk. Admission to the performance is free with paid admission to Friday night’s festival.
Saturday, December 7 – A Christmas Carol
Sunday, December 8 – Victorian Bed Races
Come watch the Victorian Bed Races, held Sunday, December 8 at 4:3.
The two-block race includes a stop in the middle at which time one member of each team must change places—and costumes—with the team member who started out in the bed.
Prizes will be awarded to the teams with the fastest time (1st, 2nd and 3rd places) and for the best-decorated bed as well as the crowd favorite. For $1, festival patrons can cast a vote for their favorite and for the best decorated bed. Half of the “People’s Choice” donations will go to a charity designated by the winning team in the bed decoration category and half will go to Galveston Historical Foundation to help continue its mission to preserve the historic integrity of Galveston Island.
All the beds will be on display all day Saturday for voting and for judging.
All participants are invited to take to the parade during Sunday’s 2 p.m. Queen’s Parade on The Strand. The Queen’s Parade includes Queen Victoria herself in an elegant, horse-drawn carriage, other “royalty” and hundreds of other participants in Victorian costume.
For complete schedule and ticket information, call (409) 763-7834 or go to http://dickens.galvestonhistory.org/