40 Years of Holiday Magic: Experience the Great Dickens Christmas Fair
The Great Dickens Christmas Fair (or as locals call it, Dickens) is the holiday tradition that sleighs the season! Step into a magical winter wonderland, where the streets of London come alive with holiday cheer. You’ll find this immersive theatrical event at The Cow Palace in Daly City opening Saturday, November 23rd and will be open weekends through December 22nd, 2024, including the Friday after Thanksgiving.
This year marks 40 years that Dickens has been bringing the best immersive holiday experience to The Bay Area. This season, they’re decking the halls with even more magical moments. Whether you’re wandering through the fair’s festive streets, enjoying a unique experience, or just soaking in the holiday cheer, The Great Dickens Christmas Fair promises to create lasting memories and moments of joy for all ages. It’s a scene straight out of a classic tale, blending the charm of Victorian London with the drama of Dickens’ works, all wrapped up in a holiday bow!
Start with a Map of London
Like I mentioned, Dickens is not just an annual event but it’s a stage for holiday magic, where talented actors bring Dickens to life with a festive storyline set in mid-1800s London. Wander through over a hundred holiday-themed shops, pubs, stages, and several dance halls. The over 4 acres of festive interactive holiday delights has something for everyone to bring that yule-tide cheer.
If it’s your first time at Dickens, I recommend kicking things off with a tour of London and picking up a map to help you navigate the 4-acres city. You’ll meet with theatrical guides who’ll set you on a self-guided journey to help you get the lay of the land and immerse you in the sights and sounds of Victorian London. Traveling with little ones? Just head over to the Tours of London Kiosk, where they’ll hand you a special map highlighting all the Children’s Tour across the fair. From fairy house building to kid-centric shows and more, there’s plenty to keep the whole family jolly and entertained!
Exclusive Experiences That Will Elevate Your Dickens Adventure
I think what I love most about this event are the special moments being formed everywhere. Because you and I are basically besties, I’m going to give you a few tips that will make your experience at Dickens next-level awesome.
Ride the NEW mini steam train! This year, they will have a mini steam train just as you enter Dickens. You can get a ticket and ride the train which helps support historic live-steam associations.
Be sure to add on one of the experiences when you buy your ticket. Delight in themed experiences like the Port and Chocolate Tasting, the Champagne Tasting, or unravel the mystery and bring Mr. Hyde to justice on an exciting pub crawl adventure. Don’t forget the chance to try on a luxurious corset at Dark Garden, complete with bubbly and store credit. Here are my favorites I don’t plan on missing out on during my visit. (Experiences are add-ons within ticketing on their website)
Finish up your visit with High Tea at The Tea Shoppe. There’s one thing I love to do is enjoy high tea at Cuthbert’s Tea Shoppe which offers a charming spot to enjoy tea, scones, sandwiches, and desserts amid the bustle of Victorian London. This year, they have a new tea they are featuring and I’m looking forward to a cozy cup. High Tea is at 4pm. While reservations aren’t required, they are recommended—especially for the popular 4 p.m. High Tea service. For reservations ahead of your time at Dickens you can make them here: https://cuthbertsteashoppe.com/
I truly believe that at The Great Dickens Christmas Fair & Victorian Holiday Party, you’ll create magical memories where you build those little moments of holiday joy that you look back upon with a warm heart. Dickens is the ultimate holiday tradition that brings the magic of Victorian London to life with a cast of characters straight out of a fairytale!
THE DETAILS ALL ROLLED UP IN ONE SPOT:
WHEN: For 5 weekends only, starting Saturday, Nov. 23rd through Dec. 22nd from 10am to 6 pm, including the Friday after Thanksgiving.
WHERE: The Cow Palace Exhibition Halls, 2600 Geneva Avenue, Daly City, CA
TICKETS & INFORMATION: www.dickensfair.com
How much: Tickets range from Free (for children under 5) to $45, are date-specific and must be purchased in advance,online only. Please see dickensfair.com for details on General Admission, Group Sales and other special discounts. Tickets are limited so you’ll want to be sure to get your tickets early.
Special Discounts:
Active Military: Active Military personnel plus three family members all receive FREE Admission on First and Second Weekends! (November 23, 24, 29, 30 and December 1 only). Online reservations not required, show active military I.D at on-site will call booth.
Twilight Special (entry after 3:00 pm)
A great excuse to visit for a second time for a date night, dinner, or a show!
Twilight Adult Admission (13+): $30.00
Twilight Youth Admission (13+): $18.00
Group Tickets: For groups of 20 or more, contact Kathy Alvarez Kingman at groupsales@dickensfair.com.
Season Passes available: Join the Pickwick Club and count yourself among the merriest of Christmas Keepers. With the purchase of a season pass you can become a member of this illustrious club. The 2024 Season Pass price is $160.00 (a $495 value!).
On-Site Parking: $20/car, $40/RV or bus (cash or credit, charged by the Cow Palace)
Howdy! My name is Katy Atchison and I'm an Associate Editor for Broke-Ass Stuart.
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