Dickens on the Strand

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Rio Grande Valley

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It's SHOWTIME

in Historic Galveston

It's been described as charming, entertaining, and rare...

an event to be remembered long after the holidays are gone; a celebration of the holidays; a celebration of local history; a celebration of literary significance...

WHEN: December 3-4

WHERE: The Strand National Historic Landmark District,

Galveston, Texas

Dickens on The Strand began over thirty-one years ago with a purpose...to save The Strand’s historic buildings (in downtown Galveston) from demolition. A group of Galvestonians, along with GALVESTON HISTORICAL FOUNDATION (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 mission was not only realized, but the event today is the single largest fundraising event for GHF to continue its efforts to preserve and revitalize the architectural and cultural heritage of the Island for the education and enrichment of all.

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 includes 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. There's even a snow yard for kids! Yes snow in Texas, at least for a few hours.

The Queen’s Parades 2pm Saturday & 3pm Sunday

Her Majesty Queen Victoria, escorted by a colorful guard of Beefeaters in her own royal parade, greets her subjects both festival days from an elegant horse-drawn carriage draped with garlands. Others joining the 10-block procession through historic downtown Galveston include skirling bagpipe bands, a host of costumed characters and Victorian attired ladies and gentlemen, on foot and riding in decorated carriages and on horseback.

Pickwick’s Lanternlight Parade 7pm Saturday

Royal festivities move into the evening hours as the soft glow of gas light and holiday melodies from carolers and bagpipe bands fill the streets for a gala afterdark parade that includes musical groups, horse-drawn carriages and wagons, Victorian costumed passengers and lanterncarrying escorts.

In addition, A Dickens Costume Contest will be staged - a real highlight of the celebration - and a Royal Victorian Wedding Ceremony where dozens of young couples exchange vows in a public display at the festival.

Book Signings by Mark Charles Dickens

Mark Charles Dickens, great-great-grandson of the legendary author Charles Dickens, will be available to sign Dickens’ literary works on Dec. 4th and 5th.

Enjoy a Dickens tradional feast as Mark Dickens reads selections from his great-great grandfathers work, "The Christmas Carol", make reservations quickly as this is a popular event.

Consider a visit to Historic Galveston for the holidays and discover the pageantry and gayety of Dickens on the Strand.

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