SF’s 42nd Annual Great Dickens Christmas Fair (Nov. 21-Dec. 20)

The Great Dickens Christmas Fair via Rich Yee

The Great Dickens Christmas Fair is a one-of-a-kind trip to Victorian London, where Christmas Eve never ends. More than 140,000 square feet of the Cow Palace transforms into a maze of lamplit streets, music halls, pubs, dance floors, and shops filled with handmade gifts. Hundreds of costumed performers bring characters from Charles Dickens’ novels and Victorian life to the streets, so you might bump into Ebenezer Scrooge, watch a scene from A Christmas Carol, or find yourself swept into a spontaneous sing-along.

The Fair is a longtime Bay Area holiday tradition, with plenty to explore beyond the theatrical performances. Browse artisan shops, grab a bite or a hot drink, catch live music, learn a few Victorian dance steps, or settle into a pub for a pint. There are also family-friendly shows, activities, and a miniature live steam train in the Victoria Station lobby. Costumes are encouraged but not required, so feel free to dress the part or simply wander through 19th-century London in your regular clothes.

The Great Dickens Christmas Fair 2026

The Cow Palace, 2600 Geneva Avenue, Daly City, CA
Saturdays and Sundays, November 21 to December 20, 2026, plus Friday, November 27, the day after Thanksgiving, from 10 am to 6 pm
Tickets
2026 Admission:

• Early-bird adult tickets (ages 13+): $40 for the first two weekends, available through October 31.
• Early-bird youth tickets (ages 5 to 12): $25 for the first two weekends, available through October 31.
• General admission, starting November 1: $50 for adults and $30 for youth.
• Twilight admission (entry after 3 p.m.): $35 for adults and $20 for youth, starting November 1.
• Pickwick Club Season Pass: $200, covering all 11 days of the Fair.

2026 Active Military Discount: FREE Admission

Active-duty military personnel and up to three family members receive FREE admission on the first two weekends of the Fair, including Friday, November 27, the day after Thanksgiving.

Eligible dates: November 21, 22, 27, 28 and 29, 2026.

How to claim: No advance reservation or ticket is required. Bring your active military photo ID to the on-site Will Call window for assistance. Children under 5 are always admitted free and do not count toward the four free admissions.

Ticket prices above may exclude ticketing and credit card fees. Children under 5, special discounts, and additional ticket details should be confirmed on the official ticket page before visiting. Tickets must be purchased online in advance. There is no on-site box office, and tickets are date-specific. The Cow Palace charges $20 per vehicle for parking.

What to See at the Fair

The Fair is more than a traditional holiday market. It’s an immersive theatrical experience, with performers, live music, dancing, and activities spread throughout its recreated streets and venues.

• The Streets of London: Wander through bustling lanes filled with chimney sweeps, carolers, street vendors, sailors, and familiar faces from Dickens’ novels. You might encounter Scrooge and the ghosts from A Christmas Carol, follow Oliver Twist and the Artful Dodger, or exchange greetings with Mr. Charles Dickens himself.
• Fezziwig’s Dance Party: Join Mr. and Mrs. Fezziwig for Victorian ballroom and English country dancing, with live music, demonstrations, and dances taught throughout the day. No dance partner or previous experience is necessary.
• The Green Man Inn and London Pubs: Take a break from exploring in one of the Fair’s pubs, where musicians, singers, and colorful characters keep the festivities going. Specialty experiences include port and chocolate tastings, champagne tastings, and a Jekyll and Hyde pub crawl. These experiences require separate tickets.
• Victoria & Albert Bijou Music Hall: Catch live entertainment in a setting inspired by London’s Victorian theater scene.
• Dickens’ Study at Tavistock House: Look for Mr. Dickens at work on his latest story, with readings from A Christmas Carol and appearances by literary characters and historical figures.
• Father Christmas Stage and Punch & Judy Puppet Theatre: Families can enjoy seasonal sing-alongs, children’s entertainment, and appearances by Father Christmas.
• The London Docks: Head to the Paddy West School of Seamanship for nautical songs, maritime activities, games, and entertainment among the colorful characters of the docks.
• Chancery Lane: Step into scenes inspired by A Christmas Carol and other Dickens stories, including Scrooge and Marley’s counting house and the Cratchit family’s home.

Other venues and diversions include the Mermaid Tavern, the Athenaeum Club, Mad Sal’s Dockside Ale House, artisan shops, and interactive activities throughout the Fair.

Performance times and special programming vary. Check the official stage schedules closer to your visit.

A Few Things to Know Before You Go

• Plan to spend a few hours: There are multiple stages, shops, pubs, and interactive experiences to explore.
• Dress up if you like: Victorian costumes are welcome but not required.
• Buy tickets ahead of time: Daily attendance is limited, and tickets are not sold at the door.
• Check extra experience costs: Tastings, specialty experiences, and some activities may require separate admission.
• Bring the kids: Family-friendly theater, puppet shows, Father Christmas, and interactive activities make this more than a shopping trip.

For the latest details, visit the official Great Dickens Christmas Fair website.