Hear Ye! Hear Ye! Be it decreed that all lords, ladies and children shall come and celebrate the 34th Annual Dickens on The Strand, a holiday festival, where bobbies, Beefeaters and the Queen herself will be on hand to recreate the Victorian London of Charles Dickens. Characters from Dickens novels walk the street. Food and entertainment fill the area with sights and smells that take you back to another era.

Presented by GALVESTON HISTORICAL FOUNDATION, Dickens on The Strand will take you and your family on an enchanted journey through history as a bustling 19th Century cityscape comes to life. For an entire weekend, hundreds of costumed vendors and performers will provide a look at the pomp and pageantry of the British Empire, at a time when commercial and cultural ties provided a strong connection between London and Texas’ largest and richest city.

Centered in a 10-block area of Galveston’s The Strand National Historic Landmark District, located approximately one hour south of downtown Houston, the family festival will include three parades and free, non-stop entertainment on the festival’s six stages, plus strolling carolers and roving street musicians, bagpipers and entertainers. Additionally, a vast array of year-round restaurants and shops are joined by over 150 costumed vendors peddling their wares from street stalls and rolling carts laden with tasty culinary delights and Victorian-inspired crafts, clothing, jewelry, holiday decorations and gift items.

Children’s activities include a visit to the Royal Menagerie Petting Zoo, taking a ride on a pony and an elephant, playing in the “Snow on The Strand”, joining in the Scrooge’s Scavenger Hunt (sponsored by HomeTown Bank of Galveston), enjoying fun entertainment as well as crafts and other projects.

History of Dickens on The Strand:
Dickens on The Strand began 34 years ago with a mission: save The Strand’s historic buildings from demolition. A group of Galvestonians, along with GHF, understood the historical significance of the endangered structures and took action. In December of 1974, a potluck supper was organized in The Strand to gain public awareness about the potential destruction of what is now a National Historic Landmark District.

Dickens on The Strand was born...and Galveston Island became a pioneer in preservation. Dickens on The Strand’s original mission was realized, and today The Strand is at the center of a National Historic Landmark District and a revitalized Downtown.

But the event so captured the imagination of Galveston’s residents and visitors that it has grown to become one of the most popular festivals in America, and GHF’s single largest fundraising event. The hard work of hundreds of volunteers and support of dozens of sponsors each year produces an event that is enjoyed by all, and allows GHF to continue its efforts to “preserve, revitalize and celebrate the architectural, cultural and maritime heritage of Galveston Island.”