Dickens on The Strand - December 5-7, 2025 | #GalvestonHistory 2026
About
Galveston Historical Foundation presents the 53rd annual Dickens on The Strand, a Victorian holiday street festival in The Strand National Historic Landmark District, downtown Galveston. Held the first weekend in December, it is based on 19th-century Victorian London and includes parades, entertainment on four stages, Tiny Tim’s Play Land, Shopkeeper Skills Village, roaming characters, and costumed vendors with holiday food and drink, crafts, clothing, jewelry, and gifts. The foundation expects more than 35,000 guests.
Dates and hours
The 53rd anniversary edition is 4–6 December 2026. Official vendor information (2026): Saturday 10:00–21:00, Sunday 12:00–18:00. Friday 4 December features Fezziwig’s Beer Hall with live entertainment 17:00–21:00; vendors in that area are encouraged to open then. Rain or shine. Tickets are non-refundable. 2026 public ticket prices were not posted on the tickets page at verification (that page still listed 2025 admission).
Venue and access
The site is The Strand National Historic Landmark District. From Broadway, turn onto 24th Street (Mitchell), 22nd Street (Kempner), or 21st Street (Moody) toward Galveston Bay; those streets meet Mechanic Street at the festival perimeter (no left turns onto 23rd/Tremont). Paid street parking; garages at 21st and Market and at 25th and Harborside. Handicap parking between 22nd and 23rd on Market and between Strand and Mechanic on 20th Street. A festival map is posted closer to the event.
Visitor notes
Pets, ice chests, scooters, skateboards, rollerblades, skates, Segways, and other recreational wheels are not allowed. Costume weapons and props must be secured and may require extra screening. Accessibility: contact GHF in advance at 409-765-7834. Victorian costume is encouraged and historically reduced gate admission. Contact: 2002 Strand, Galveston, TX 77550; [email protected].
Register for entry or booths
Venue Map and Hotels Around
Galveston - The Strand National Historic Landmark District, Texas, United States