Galveston Island Dickens On The Strand

Galveston Island, Texas, is gearing up for a historic celebration as it hosts the 50th Anniversary of the Dickens on The Strand festival from December 1-3, 2023. This event, presented by the British Consulate-General Houston and the Galveston Historical Foundation (GHF), promises an unparalleled experience blending the charm of Charles Dickens’ work with the island’s exquisite Victorian-era architecture.

Galveston Island Dickens On The Strand 2023 Highlights – New Attractions and Returning Favorites

Galveston Island Dickens On The Strand

This year’s golden anniversary features new attractions and beloved traditions:

Dickens Royal Raffle – Offering once-in-a-lifetime British experiences, including a London Getaway and a McLaren Tour and Test Drive.
Visiting Dickens Descendants – A unique opportunity to meet nine family members of Charles Dickens, including first-time and returning guests.
Buckingham Palace VIP Area – An exclusive area offering unique programming, meet & greets, and a limited-edition medallion for VIP ticket holders.
50th Anniversary Golden Ticket – A special pass granting access to all festival events, along with additional perks like a carriage ride and automatic entry to the Dickens Royal Raffle.
Golden Jubilee Feast – A gala event featuring readings from “A Christmas Carol” by Dickens’ descendants.
Dickens Descendant Champagne Reception – An intimate gathering with the Dickens family at the Moody Mansion.

Galveston Island Dickens On The Strand – Enduring Festival Favorites

Galveston Island Dickens On The Strand

The festival will also feature its classic events, such as:

Fezziwig’s Friday Night – Celebrating Mr. Fezziwig’s character with a lively evening of music and merriment.
Saint Arnold’s Strand Walking Tours – A guided historical tour paired with craft ales.
The Dickens Dash & Victorian Bed Races – A fun-filled race event that brings a competitive spirit to the festival.

Exclusive Events Around the Festival

Special events hosted by Dickens descendants provide a deeper dive into the Victorian era:

Jubilation Ringers Handbell Concert – A captivating concert in the historic St. Joseph’s Church.
The Smoking Bishop’s Soiree – An elegant evening at the Bishop’s Palace featuring performances and gourmet food.
Captain Cuttle’s Seaport Salute – A special event aboard the 1877 Tall Ship ELISSA.
Mrs. Tickit’s English Breakfast and Elevenses on the Pier – Unique dining experiences that blend historical charm with culinary delight.

Galveston Island Dickens On The Strand – Event Times, Ticket Information & More

Galveston Island Dickens On The Strand

When: The 50th Anniversary of the Dickens on The Strand festival, a signature event by the Galveston Historical Foundation, commences on Friday, December 1, offering free admission to Fezziwig’s Beer Hall from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. The celebration continues with ticketed entry on Saturday, December 2, from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Sunday, December 3, from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Where: 2002 The Strand, Galveston, TX 77550, United States

Tickets: Entry is complimentary on December 1. For December 2 and 3, tickets are available at varied rates. Advanced purchase tickets are priced at $20 for adults and $15 for children ages 7-12, while tickets bought at the gate are $25 for adults and $18 for youth.

GHF members can avail of discounted tickets at $15 in advance or $20 at the gate. Attendees in Victorian costumes enjoy a 50% discount on entry.

For more details about tickets, visit www.dickensonthestrand.org.

The 50th Anniversary of Dickens on The Strand is a celebration of Galveston’s cultural heritage and a testament to the enduring appeal of Dickens’ work. This event not only offers a journey back in time but also showcases the community’s dedication to preserving and celebrating its history.

As attendees revel in the festive atmosphere, they also contribute to the ongoing revitalization and recognition of the Strand Mechanic National Historic Landmark District.

This year’s golden jubilee promises to be a spectacular event, rich in history, culture, and festive joy. Join the festivities and become part of a legacy that has been bringing the Victorian era to life on Galveston Island for half a century.

ABOUT GALVESTON HISTORICAL FOUNDATION

Galveston Island Dickens On The Strand

Galveston Historical Foundation (GHF) was formed as the Galveston Historical Society in 1871 and merged with a new organization formed in 1954 as a non-profit entity devoted to historic preservation and history in Galveston County. Over the last sixty years, GHF has expanded its mission to encompass community redevelopment, historic preservation advocacy, maritime preservation, coastal resiliency, and stewardship of historic properties.

GHF embraces a broader vision of history and architecture that encompasses advancements in environmental and natural sciences and their intersection with historic buildings and coastal life and conceives of history as an engaging story of individual lives and experiences on Galveston Island from the 19th century to the present day.

For more information on Dickens on The Strand, Galveston Historical Foundation, or to purchase advance tickets, please visit www.galvestonhistory.org or call 409-765-7834. For more festival information, please contact Will Wright, Chief Creative Officer, at 409-765-3424 or wi*********@ga**************.org.

Note: All images and information used in this article are credited to Galveston Historical Foundation.

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