Dickens on the Strand

There have been sunny years, cold years, wet years and hurricane years, but the one thing that all have in common is that Dickens on The Strand has always remained open. For over 40 years, Galveston’s world-famous Victorian holiday festival has been held in The Strand National Historic Landmark District and we’re looking forward to our 43rd anniversary. 

With a nod to the ghost of Dickens past and an eye towards the future, Galveston’s world famous Victorian holiday festival returns for another weekend! The annual holiday street festival, based on 19th-century Victorian London, features parades, non-stop entertainment on six 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 fun with events such as the crowd favorite Whimsical Whisker Revue, a facial hair contest for the bearded and the dandy; the Dickens Victorian Bed Races; Victorian Costume Contest; and daily parades through Galveston’s National Historic Landmark Strand District. In addition, new and expanded events are planned for all days of the event!