Great Dickens Christmas Fair 2024 in San Francisco

From quite a few Christmas markets in the San Francisco area, one really stands out. The Great Dickens Christmas Fair is an adventurous excursion into London during the Victorian epoch. Amazing decorations and hundreds of people in costumes completely transform the 120,000 square feet of Cow Palace Exhibition Hall. Visitors enjoy professionally-lit music and dance floors, wooden Christmas shops, and, of course, pubs.

Christmas Fair immerses attendees in the atmosphere of Charles Dickens' prose. Mingle with about 800 of his wonderful characters, musicians, carolers, music hall performers, saucy sailors, and craftsmen! Smell the aromas of cinnamon and roasted chestnuts in the air and listen to street vendors praising their goods. Shop for Christmas gifts on those lamp-lit streets and in charming little shops offering unique handmade things!

Entertainment

The Streets of London is the main stage for action. Guests can immerse in a bustling and colorful atmosphere and see scenes from “A Christmas Carol” and other literary works. Bump into Mr. Scrooge, the mysterious ghosts of Jacob Marley, Nicholas Nickleby, Artful Dodger, and Oliver Twist. Finally, the public can meet Mr. Charles Dickens himself! Dickens reads from A Christmas Carol at 11:30 am, 1:30 pm, 2:45 pm, and 4:30 pm.

One of the main highlights of the fair is the Father Christmas Parade, heading to Father Christmas Stage. The little ones can also meet Father Christmas there at 4 pm. In the afternoon, the traditional Boar’s Head Procession is another spectacle to enjoy. The Green Man Inn is a place where the locals gather to celebrate the season and raise a glass, so it's worth checking out. Port Tastings are held in the Parlour at 11:30 am, 1:30 pm, 3:30 pm, and 5:00 pm (cost is $20.00 per person)

Fezziwig’s Dance Party is another attraction, and everyone is welcome to join in the fun! Enjoy English country dance music with reels, jigs, polkas, and waltzes, and don't miss a special exhibition of Victorian dance. Victoria & Albert Bijou Music Hall provides the finest entertainment in London, presented by the best performers in the West End! Paddy West Stage at the London Docks features shows, music and seafaring songs, navigation lessons with model ships, knot tying, games & sailing skills, and a traveling tattoo parlor. A Mermaid Tavern Stage offers spirited music and lively dance throughout the day. Mad Sal’s Dockside Ale House provides raucous merriment for venturesome souls.

Special Experiences

Great Dickens Christmas Fair offers a few exclusive, dramatic, and daring excursions for full immersion in Victorian London. Jekyll & Hyde and the Elixir of Madness is a self-guided pub crawl, starting at the laboratory of Dr. Jekyll, located on Grenadier’s Gate. Tickets are $65 and include 3 alcoholic and 2 non-alcoholic beverages. The Sherlock Holmes Experience is engaging guests in helping with his latest case to assist Scotland Yard. Participants will get a map with clues, which they have to follow through the streets of London, solve mysteries, and report back to Sherlock at 221B Baker Street,

Fair History

The Dickens Christmas Fair has been held in the Bay Area since 1970, and it has proven to be a beautiful holiday tradition not just for the fans of historical reenactments but for all ages.

Hours and Admission

The fair takes place during five weekends, from 10 am to 6 pm, including the Friday after Thanksgiving. Adult early bird tickets (on sale October 1 – 31) are $35. Early bird youth tickets (ages 5-12) are $18. Adult general admission regular price is $45, youth – $25. Children under 5 get in for free. Season passes and various upgrades are available. Tickets are non-refundable and can only be purchased online.