By Staff Writer
The Katy News – Dickens on The Strand
Each year, Galveston transforms into a glittering Victorian wonderland as Dickens on The Strand takes over the Historic Strand District. If you’ve never experienced it, imagine stepping straight into the pages of a Charles Dickens novel — swirling capes, chimney sweeps dancing on cobblestones, roasted chestnuts in the air, and holiday cheer ringing from every corner.
A Christmas Festival Straight Out of the 1800s
For one unforgettable weekend, families, friends, and holiday lovers fill the streets dressed in Victorian gowns, top hats, capes, and corsets. The energy is absolutely electric. Live performers roam the streets, carolers sing on balconies, and vendors line the walkway with handcrafted goods, festive foods, and unique holiday gifts.
Whether you love Christmas, history, costumes, or just good-old Texas fun, this event delivers something magical for everyone.
Victorian Characters Come to Life
Prepare to meet Queen Victoria, Charles Dickens, chimney sweeps, pirates (yes—pirates!), and even ghostly visitors reminiscent of A Christmas Carol. The costumed performers interact with guests, pose for photos, and make the experience feel like you’ve time-traveled.
Live Entertainment Everywhere
The Strand fills with music — fiddles, horns, choirs, jazz bands, and Victorian-era street performers. Parades roll through with dancers, stilt walkers, and beautifully decorated floats that shine with holiday sparkle. Every corner offers a new sound, a new sight, and a new memory.
Food, Vendors, and Holiday Shopping
You’ll smell the festival before you see it. Turkey legs, roasted nuts, kettle corn, festive drinks, spiced cider, funnel cakes, and more.
Vendors sell everything from handmade ornaments and Victorian hats to local art and Texas-made holiday treats. It’s the perfect place to pick up unique Christmas gifts that tell a story.
Costume Contests & Parades
Put on your best Victorian gown or Dickens-style suit and join the fun! The costume contests, parades, and family activities make this event one of the most interactive Christmas festivals in Texas.
A Galveston Tradition Full of Heart
Dickens on The Strand isn’t just a festival — it’s a tradition that brings thousands of families together every year. It celebrates imagination, community, history, and the joy of the holiday season. From kids experiencing the magic for the first time to adults reliving childhood memories, everyone leaves with a full heart.
