Dickens-on-the-Strand highlights Galveston architecture

For almost 48 years, the Galveston Historical Foundation’s Dickens-onthe-Strand festival has highlighted downtown Galveston’s Victorian-era architecture while providing a one-of-a-kind holiday destination filled with the sights and sounds of Charles Dickens’ work.

The year’s event continues that tradition with new entertainers and events, returning favorites, and family-friendly programming.

This GHF annual fundraiser begins Friday, December 3, with free admission to Fezziwig’s Beer Hall from 5-9 pm, hosted by Charles Dickens himself! It continues with ticketed entry Saturday, December 4, 10 am to 9 pm, and Sunday, December 5, from noon to 6 pm. Mechanic and Strand Streets from 20th to 25th Streets will be fenced off for the festival.

“The 2021 Dickens-onthe-Strand promises to be a remarkable return to our full annual holiday festival. Our board, staff, and volunteers are ready to make Galveston come alive again in the holiday season as we recognize the wonderful work of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol,” said GHF executive director Dwayne Jones.

The holiday street festival, based on 19th century Victorian London, features parades, non-stop entertainment on multiple 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 drinks, Victorian-inspired crafts, clothing, jewelry, holiday decorations, and gift items.

A children’s area on 24th Street includes a Snow yard, petting zoo, and the Tiny Tim Playland, with a mural for the children to create and sidewalk chalk drawings.

Events Committee Chairman Beverly Davis of Liberty will once again be in charge of the Information Booth on 23rd and Mechanic on Saturday, December 4, and volunteers with her from Liberty include Jo Ann and Charles Wiggins and Roberta and Neal Thornton, who have been Dickens volunteers for several years. Also, Leigha and Jack Thornton from North Carolina will be volunteering.

Special Events include Dickens After Dark, Breakfast at Ashton Villa, Dickens Soiree at the Bishop’s Palace, Salute to Sunset, the Dickens Dash, the St. Arnold’s Strand Walking Tour, Tea with the Captain’s Wife, and the Holiday Handbells at St. Joseph’s. There will be a Costume Contest, and interested people can register online.

Ollie Dickens, the great, great, great-grandson of Charles Dickens, will be coming from England and helping with various events this year.

For information on tickets and the festival events, please visit galvestonhistory.org or call 409-785-7834.