The 34th Annual Great Dickens Fair Returns to the Cow Palace
Scrooge and Bob Cratchit illustrated by John Leech in 1843
Visit the The Cow Palace in Daly City any weekend through December 23rd and be transported to Victorian London! At the 34th Annual Great Dickens Christmas Fair & Holiday Party and you’ll feel as if you’ve leaped into Victorian London and onto the pages of “A Christmas Carol.” As you stroll through the lanes past shops decked out in their holiday finery, the scent of pine boughs and freshly baked scones fill the air. This year marks the 200th birthday of Charles Dickens, and this celebration is part of the world-wide recognition of his life and works.
There are more than120,000 square feet of music halls, pubs, dance parties, and Christmas shops on winding lanes, and the city is filled with lively and colorful characters from literature and history.
Gourmet chefs will offer delicious foods from around the world so bring your appetite and feast on tasty dishes from the British Empire and beyond. Five pubs offer draft ales, fine wines and champagne. Get in the spirit with a Hot Buttered Rum, Irish coffee or Hot Toddy. Of course, English High Tea with scones and little sandwiches is available any time.
Complete your holiday shopping or find that one-of-a-kind treasure you’ve been searching for. Whether it's handcrafted art, ceramics, jewelry, or candles, you're sure to find a unique gift for everyone on your list.
There is a lot of entertainment on six stages and on the streets. You might meet Scrooge and Marley, Bob Cratchit and Tiny Tim or Oliver and Fagin as you stroll down the streets. You might even meet the great Charles Dickens himself. Feel free to dress in Victorian costumes, which are welcome, but not required.
Drop in at Fezziwig’s Warehouse for a pint of Lagunitas, the holiday celebrations, and the Dance Party. Bangers & Mash will play lively English dance music and the Siamsa Scottish & Irish Dancers will be there too.
At the new Christmas Carol environmental theater you can watch scenes from the magical holiday story come to life. The ghosts of Jacob Marley, Christmas Past, Present, and Yet-to-Come, along with Bob Cratchit and his family help the miserly Scrooge learn the true spirit of the season.
Stop in to the grand Victoria & Albert Bijou Music Hall for an original musical version of the class fantasy tale, Pinocchio, adapted by the Stark Ravens Players. Marvel at the magical feats of The West End Illusion Show, and so much more. Click here for a full listing of entertainment events. It all changes at night, so click here for the schedule.
You’ll want to take advantage of everything the Dickens Fair has to offer, so download the Map of London so that you are able to plan your trip in advance.
When: November 23rd – December 23rd
Where: Cow Palace, 2600 Geneva Avenue, Daly City
Admission at the Gate:
General: $25
Student/Senior/Military: $21
Children 5 – 11: $12.00, Children under 5 are Free
Groups of 15+: $17.00
Parking: $10.00
Order your tickets before December 5th and save $4 per Adult ticket. (Note: A $1.00 “convenience fee” will be added to your purchase.) Order your tickets online and you can print then at home.
