Is it worth going to the San Francisco Great Dickens Christmas Fair?

The Great Dickens Christmas Fair in is a beloved San Francisco holiday tradition, beginning in 1970! This year marks it’s 40th year anniversary and it only runs for 1 more weekend, so check it out soon if you might be interested. Surprisingly, I didn’t know about this event until last year. Whether it’s worth it might depends on what you’re looking for in a festive experience, but I think a very unique event and it’s certainly worth checking out at least once.

What is the Great Dickens Christmas Fair?

The Great Dickens Christmas Fair originated from a 1968 Victorian-themed Christmas party thrown by Ron and Phyllis Patterson, a couple known for creating the Renaissance Pleasure Faire. The party’s success inspired them to expand the concept, and in 1970, the first Great Dickens Christmas Fair opened in San Francisco, transforming a warehouse into a vibrant recreation of Victorian London. This immersive experience, complete with costumed characters and festive entertainment, quickly became a beloved Bay Area tradition, capturing the magic of a Victorian Christmas.

Common Questions

Where is the Great Dickens Christmas Fair?

The Great Dickens Christmas Fair has changed locations many times over the years. Apparently it used to be on the Embarcadero and was at Fort Mason for a time as well. It was also located in Cow Palace…where it is today! Cow Palace is the San Francisco/Daly City border. You can take public transport or an rideshare or you can park for $20 dollars. Did you know that during COVID, they actually held it as a drive-through?! To be honest though, I’m not entirely sure if that worked well…

How much does it cost to attend the Great Dickens Christmas Fair?

Here’s the ticket price breakdown for the Great Dickens Christmas Fair in 2024:

General Admission:
- Adults (ages 13 and up): $45
- Youth (ages 5-12): $25
- Children under 5: Free
Twilight Tickets (admission after 3 pm):
- Adults (ages 13 and up): $30
- Youth (ages 5-12): $18
Season Pass: $160 (This allows you to visit the Fair as many times as you like throughout the season)
Special Discounts:
- Active Military: Active military personnel plus three family members get free admission on the first two weekends of the Fair (November 23, 24, 29, 30, and December 1).

Should I go to the Great Dickens Christmas Fair?

Pros

Immersive Victorian Atmosphere: The Fair truly transports you back in time to Victorian London. The sets, costumes, and characters are incredibly detailed, creating a truly immersive experience. You’ll encounter Charles Dickens himself, Queen Victoria, chimney sweeps, and a host of other colorful characters.
Unique Entertainment: Enjoy traditional Victorian entertainment, including music hall shows, plays, and dancing.
Shopping: The Fair features a wide array of vendors selling unique gifts, crafts, and Victorian-inspired wares. It’s a great place to find one-of-a-kind presents for the holidays. I saw a vendor that sold lumps of coal! They’re actually bars of soap 😉
Festive Food and Drink: They have an entire food court area. You can also indulge in traditional British treats like roasted chestnuts, spiced warm almonds, meat pies, and scotch egg, along with festive drinks like hot cider and mulled wine. There’s also a shop where you can have high tea.
Family-Friendly: The Fair offers activities and entertainment for all ages, including a mini steam train, Father Christmas, and an entire section dedicated towards kids. I feel like I would have had a blast as a kid coming to this event.

Cons

Cost: Tickets are a little pricey — now $45 for an adult, and $30 for twilight entry (limited to 3 hours). In addition, some of the vendor’s wares can be rather expensive.
Crowds: The Fair can get quite crowded, especially on weekends and close to closing.
Sensory Overload: The combination of sights, sounds, and crowds can be overwhelming for some people, especially those with sensory sensitivities.

Tips for Making the Most of It:

Dress up: Many attendees wear Victorian-inspired costumes, which adds to the festive atmosphere. What is Victorian wear? Good question! It’s similar to the garb for a Renaissance fair but here are some ideas to get you started:
- For Ladies:
  - The Basics: A long skirt (preferably with a hoop skirt underneath) and blouse are a great foundation. Some add a corset.
  - Layer Up: Add a shawl, a velvet jacket, or a knitted cardigan for warmth and style.
  - Accessorize: A bonnet or hat is a great add. You can also add a touch of elegance with gloves, a lace collar, or a brooch.
  - Footwear: Comfortable boots or shoes are essential, as you’ll be doing a lot of walking. The Cow Palace is rather large.
- For Gentlemen:
  - Start with a Vest: A vest or waistcoat is a key element of a Victorian gentleman’s outfit. Pair the vest with trousers and a collared shirt.
  - Add a Jacket: A long frock coat or a tweed jacket completes the look.
  - Top it Off: A top hat or a bowler hat adds a touch of sophistication.
  - Accessorize: Consider adding a pocket watch, a cravat (a type of necktie), or a pair of suspenders.
Plan your time: There’s a lot to see and do, so check the schedule of events in advance and prioritize what you want to experience.
Bring cash: While some vendors accept cards, some only take cash.

Summary

If you’re looking for a unique and immersive experience, I think the Great Dickens Christmas Fair is definitely worth considering during the holiday season. It’s a chance to step back in time and enjoy the charm of a Victorian Christmas. However, if you’re on a tight budget or prefer less crowded events, it might not be the best fit. I think it’s a fun event and enjoy the excuse to dress up and see old-timey London in San Francisco.