Dickens on The Strand

Victorian traditions come alive during Galveston Island’s Dickens on The Strand, a holiday festival filled with music, costumes, and spirited celebrations.

Every December, downtown Galveston transforms into a 19th-century winter wonder island. Strolling carolers, lively entertainers, parades, and holiday markets fill the historic Strand District, creating a magical celebration for all ages. Dickens on The Strand brings the island’s history, culture, and Christmas spirit together for an unforgettable seasonal tradition.

Date(s): Dec 5-7, 2025

Event Details

How do I get to the festival?

Galveston is located approximately 45 minutes south of Houston. Take I-45 south for approximately 50 miles. After you cross the causeway linking the mainland to Galveston, I-45 will become Broadway, and the cross streets will be numbered in decreasing order. To reach the Strand National Historic Landmark District, the site of Dickens on The Strand, turn left onto any of the streets designated 24th Street [Mitchell], 22nd Street [Kempner] or 21st Street [Moody]. (Left turns are not allowed in either direction onto 23rd Street [Tremont]). After making this turn, you will be heading in a northerly direction toward Galveston Bay. These streets all intersect Mechanic Street at the perimeter of the festival site. A Dickens on The Strand map will be posted closer to the event.

Where do I park?

Parking is available via paid street parking all around the festival grounds. Additionally, there are numerous parking garages available for use. Two of those are located at 21st and Market and another at 25th and Harborside. Handicap parking is reserved between 22nd and 23rd on Market and between Strand and Mechanic on 20th street.

What is NOT allowed at the festival?

Pets and ice chests are not allowed. Scooters, skateboards, rollerblades, skates, Segways, and other recreational “wheels” are forbidden. Guests bringing in costume weapons and props must have them secured and will be asked to go through additional screening.

Can I attend in costume?

Many attendees choose to dress in Victorian-era costumes. It's not required, but it can enhance your experience.

First-time guests and returning visitors alike dress up in their Dickensian finest (or raggedy threads for a real pauper) and take to the streets to shop, eat, party, parade, and celebrate this holiday tradition.

Ready to show off your hard costuming work? Held on Saturday at 3:30 at the Westminster Abbey Stage, prizes will be awarded for Victorian Woman, Victorian Man, Victorian Family, Dickens Character and Steampunk . Enter via the Costume Contest Booth at the Westminster Abbey Stage! Click here to see event map

What activities are available for children?

Dickens on The Strand has tons of family-friendly activities, including games, crafts, and performances suitable for children. Look for a schedule of events or specific family zones.

Are there food and drinks available?

There are food vendors offering a variety of Victorian-inspired and modern cuisine. Be sure to try the visitor-favorite Scotch Eggs at one of the many vendors around the festival grounds.

About Dickens on The Strand

Galveston’s world-famous Victorian holiday festival has been held in The Strand, a National Historic Landmark District.

With a nod to the ghost of Dickens's past and an eye toward the future, Galveston’s world-famous Victorian holiday festival is the island's premier holiday festival. The annual holiday street festival, based on 19th-century Victorian London, features parades, non-stop entertainment on several stages, strolling carolers, roving musicians, bagpipers, jugglers and a host of other entertainers. Costumed vendors 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.

The festival weekend also hosts a multitude of spirited events:

The crowd favorite Whimsical Whisker Revue
A facial hair contest for the bearded and the dandy
The Dickens Victorian Bed Races
Victorian Costume Contest
Daily parades

For one weekend in December, Galveston’s Strand Historic District is transported to 19th-century Victorian London in a three-day celebration of the sights and sounds of English novelist Charles Dickens’ work.