Raw States
Dickens on The Strand
Galveston, TX · Holiday
- When
- December 4–6, 2026
- Where
- The Strand Historic District · Galveston · TX
- Cost
- Not confirmed
- Status
- Confirmed from the organizer's published schedule
Galveston's Strand Historic District turns into a Victorian London street fair for one December weekend, with costumed carolers, a lamplighter procession and vendors in period dress. The Galveston Historical Foundation has staged it every year since 1974, and it now draws more than 30,000 visitors. Expect bagpipers, a Queen's procession and chimney sweeps working the crowd.
The history within reach
- Dickens on The Strandsame spot
Galveston's Strand Historic District turns into a Victorian London street fair for one December weekend, with costumed carolers, a lamplighter procession and vendors in period dress.
- Galveston Island Shrimp Festivalsame spot
A two day celebration of Galveston's wild caught Gulf shrimp industry in the historic Strand District, with a gumbo cook-off, a 5K, a boat show and a kids parade.
- Juneteenth Celebration0.2 mi
The birthplace of Juneteenth, marking the 1865 announcement in Galveston that enslaved people in Texas were free, with an annual parade down Avenue H and a picnic the weekend nearest June 19.
Galveston revives its 1920s Bathing Beauties beauty pageant every June, when contestants in vintage swimwear compete at Saengerfest Park for the title once called the Pageant of Pulchritude.
Before 1900 Galveston was the richest city in Texas and its main port, with the state's first telephone, electric light and medical school.