Step back in time this holiday season at the Great Dickens Christmas Fair 2024, an immersive experience that brings the charm and vibrancy of Victorian London to life. Held at the historic Cow Palace Exhibition Halls in Daly City, this beloved event, now in its 40th season, offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the world of Charles Dickens and the era he so vividly portrayed. From November 23 to December 22, the fair will run for five weekends, inviting guests to experience a world filled with music, theater, shopping, and festive delights.
An Immersive Victorian Experience
The Great Dickens Christmas Fair is more than just a holiday market; it’s a full-fledged journey into the past. As you enter the winding lanes of Victorian London, you’ll be surrounded by the sounds of lively music halls, the aroma of roasted chestnuts, and the sight of hundreds of costumed characters straight out of Dickens’ novels and the pages of history. With over 140,000 square feet of theatrically lit spaces, including pubs, dance floors, and shops, the fair creates a bustling, festive atmosphere reminiscent of a bygone era.
Shop, Play, and Feast in London
One of the highlights of the fair is the opportunity to shop for unique, hand-made holiday treasures. The lamplit shops are filled to the brim with one-of-a-kind crafts, Victorian reproductions, fine art, and glittering jewelry, making it the perfect place to find special gifts for loved ones. As you explore the fair, you’ll also discover five traditional English pubs, each with its own distinct personality and menu. New this year, visitors can indulge in Port & Chocolate Tastings at The Green Man Inn or embark on a mysterious Pub Crawl with Jekyll & Hyde and the Elixir of Madness.
The Magic of Victorian Theatre and Nightlife
The fair isn’t just about shopping and eating—it’s a celebration of Victorian entertainment. Continuous performances on multiple stages bring Dickens’ world to life with boisterous music hall shows, festive dances, and engaging street performances. Whether you’re watching the antics of London’s chimney sweeps, enjoying a holiday game in Fezziwig’s Warehouse, or meeting characters like Ebenezer Scrooge and Tiny Tim, there’s no shortage of lively and colorful interactions to experience.
Family Fun and Activities
The Great Dickens Christmas Fair is a family-friendly event with plenty to keep the little ones entertained. Children will delight in the Punch and Judy puppet shows, interactive theatrical performances, and holiday-themed arts and crafts. The Adventure Carousel and Victorian fairies add an extra layer of magic, ensuring that young visitors are just as enchanted by the fair as the adults.
A Feast for the Senses
No Victorian celebration would be complete without a feast, and the Dickens Christmas Fair delivers with a variety of delicious food and drink options. From traditional English bangers and fish ‘n’ chips to exotic Greek delicacies and French onion soup, there’s something to satisfy every palate. And for those looking to quench their thirst, the fair’s five authentic pubs offer craft ales from local breweries, fine wines, and champagne by the glass.
Essential Information for Visitors
The Great Dickens Christmas Fair will take place at the Cow Palace Exhibition Halls, located at 2600 Geneva Avenue, Daly City. The event is open from 10 am to 6 pm on weekends from November 23 through December 22, including the Friday after Thanksgiving.
Tickets and Parking
Tickets for the 2024 fair will go on sale on Tuesday, October 1, and are available exclusively online through Red Barn Productions, the official producer of the event. Please note that there are no authorized ticket resellers or on-site box offices. Parking is available at the Cow Palace entrance for $20 per vehicle, with both cash and credit cards accepted. The fair is also accessible via public transportation, with detailed options available on the Cow Palace website.
Accessibility and Inclusivity
The Great Dickens Christmas Fair strives to be welcoming and accessible to all visitors. The event is handicapped-accessible with reserved parking, golf cart shuttles, accessible toilets, and designated seating areas. Additionally, select performances will be signed for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing by qualified ASL interpreters on specific dates.
Victorian Costumes and Entertainment
While Victorian costumes are encouraged for visitors, they are by no means required. Whether you choose to don a bonnet or come as you are, the fair offers a variety of entertainment options to enjoy. From continuous stage performances to the lively atmosphere of the streets, there’s always something happening to keep you entertained.
Support and Additional Information
The Great Dickens Christmas Fair is produced by Red Barn Productions, the same team behind the popular Renaissance Pleasure Faire. The fair also partners with several nonprofits dedicated to the arts and living history. For those traveling to the event, lodging recommendations and other helpful resources are available on the fair’s website.
As the fair takes place on the ancestral lands of the Ramaytush Ohlone people, Red Barn Productions acknowledges this history with respect and recognition of the Indigenous communities of the Bay Area.
This holiday season, don’t miss your chance to step back in time and experience the magic of Victorian London at the Great Dickens Christmas Fair 2024. It’s a celebration of tradition, community, and the enduring spirit of the holiday season.