The annual Galveston Island ‘Dickens on the Strand’ takes place again this year December 4^th and 5^th.  This wonderful and festive holiday street festival takes a step back in time to a 19^th Century Victorian London.  The mystical theme of the festival is taken from the most popular Christmas Story of all time …”The Christmas Carol’

Visitors come from near and far to enjoy all of the festivities.  A 10 - square block area of Galveston’s historic downtown is the back drop and for 2 days is filled with costumes, entertainment, food and art.  You will start believing that you are indeed in another place at another time.  As you make your way through the streets greeted by Victorian dressed characters, some of which you will recognize, you will feel the Holiday Spirits all around you!

Her Majesty Queen Victoria’s parade takes place on Saturday with the Queen surrounded by her royal guards and array of bagpipe bands and ladies and lords of the era.

The popular Victorian Bed Race, introduced at last year's Dickens festival, will be held again this year. Voted best new event in its budget category in the International Festivals and Event Association competition in September, the bed race features teams of contestants wearing Victorian sleeping attire pushing Victorian-dressed beds on wheels down Galveston's Mechanic Street as onlookers cheer.

A new event on Thursday, December 2 kicks off this year's Dickens special event lineup. The Dickens Champagne Reception from 6 to 8 p.m. will feature a lecture in the new Menard Hall about Charles Dickens by author Lucinda Dickens Hawksley, great-great-great granddaughter of the famous author.  Ms Hawksley will have a book signing of Dickens’ literary works.

Christmas at The Oaks, Saturday evening from 6 to 9 p.m. will highlight the new Menard Hall and the expansion and improvement of the grounds and facilities adjacent to the historic Menard House, features an open house with Christmas quilts courtesy of the Island Quilters Guild adorning the candlelit historic house. There will also be continuous entertainment and light refreshments at the new Menard Hall.

Other festival highlights include parades, non-stop entertainment on five stages, strolling carolers and roving musicians, bagpipers, jugglers and a host of other entertainers plus a snow yard for children.

Costumed vendors will 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.

This is a wonderful family event that you won’t want to miss.  So get out your knickers and hooped skirts and head to Galveston Island to kick off the holiday season …..”Victorian Style!”

Guests who wear Victorian costumes receive half-price admission at the gate  

Pictures Taken form the Galveston Historical Society