What do Charles Dickens and the Texas coast have in common? Not a darn thing, except for North America’s largest Victorian Christmas celebration. Every year tens of thousands of revelers don period clothes and hoist a cup of cheer to jolly old 19th century England, right in the beachside city of Galveston. (Arrive in period costume and you’ll be admitted for half price!)
What started as a potluck dinner to promote the city’s historic venues has now become one of Texas’s top winter events. Along with a day spent in search of the ghost of Christmas past, there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy Christmas present and future.
It’s fitting that this historic region hosts the city’s most historic party. The spirit of Oliver Twist, David Copperfield and even Queen Victoria come to this seaside party where it’s encouraged, not only to take part in the period fun, but to dress the part as well. The fun is packed into just a few days during which the festivities generally wrap up by 9pm, but frolicking continues at the many local bars until 2am.
Away from the Dickens festivities, you can take your pick of weekend fun, from quiet seaside walks down the island to top museums and attractions as well as bustling nightlife nearby in the fourth largest city in the US.
Suggested Itinerary
Check into the European-style Tremont House, located right in the heart of the festival action and within walking distance of most activities.
9am Drive over for morning tea at 1859 Ashton Villa, an Italianate house and museum. Start the day with typically British fare: fresh baked scones with marmalade, grilled tomatoes and egg and cheese tarts enjoyed to the sounds of Christmas carols.
10am Stroll through the gates of Dickens on the Strand for a look at 19th century entertainment. Hear handbell choirs at “Trafalgar Square,” listen to carolers at “Windsor Castle,” and watch jugglers and magicians at “Piccadilly Circus.”
12pm Grab some lunch including the ever-popular turkey legs at the festival booths and a beer at one of the pubs set up by the Galveston Historical Foundation.
1:30pm Get in position for the Queen’s Parade, led by a bagpipe band and the Queen’s Guard of Beefeaters. The elegant procession of carriages and coaches filled with women and men in Victorian finery–and viewed by many in costume as well (thanks to free admission for those in period garb). The best viewing is from the second floor balconies, but you’ll need to quickly join the Galveston Historical Foundation to snag one of these aeries.
4pm Stroll The Strand, once called “The Wall Street of the Southwest” to view the ironfront buildings that now house restaurants, pubs, and shops.
6pm When the last rays of the day fade, gas lanterns light up the Strand, marking the route of Pickwick’s Lanternlight Parade. Costumed lantern-bearers escort parade wagons through streets in another salute to Christmas past.
7:30pm With a jolt, return to the real spirit of Christmas present at Yaga’s Cafe and Bar. Order up a spicy dish like chicken caribe or a Southwestern burrito while you enjoy live reggae music.
10:00pm Choose from 27 draft beers at Nina’s Bourbon Street and finish off the day with the sound of the blues from a local band.