The Great Dickens Christmas Fair November 26, 2010

What: The Great Dickens Christmas Fair: A holiday adventure into Victorian London, partying with hundreds of costumed players in over 120,000 square feet of theatrically-lit music halls, pubs, dance parties and Christmas shops on winding lanes. It's a twilight evening in Charles Dickens' London Town - a city filled with lively and colorful characters from both literature and history. Enticing aromas of roasted chestnuts and hearty foods fill the air. Cries of street vendors hawking their wares ring out above the bustling crowd. Dozens of lamplit shops are filled to overflowing with Christmas presents.

Where: Cow Palace Exhibition Halls, 2600 Geneva Avenue, San Francisco

When: Four Weekends including the Friday after Thanksgiving, November 26, 27, 28, Dec. 4, 5, 11, 12, 18, 19, 2010; 11:00am - 7:00 pm

Who: Brought to you by Red Barn Productions and the Patterson Family, who created and directed the popular Renaissance Pleasure Faire at Black Point in Marin for 25 years, the Dickens Christmas Fair is a treasured Bay Area tradition since 1970.

Ticket Prices at the Gate:

General Admission: $25.00
Student/Senior/Military: $21.00
Children 5-11: $12.00
Children Under 5 are Free
Groups of 15 or more: $17.00
Pickwick Club (Fair season pass): $60 (available from our office or at the fair)

Parking: $10.00 (charged by the Cow Palace)

Public Transport: Ride BART to London! Take BART or Muni to the GLEN PARK Bart Station, then board the APS shuttle to Dickens' London. The Fair operates a FREE Courtesy Shuttle to and from the Glen Park BART station every 20 minutes, from 11:15 AM to 7:15 PM each Fair day. BART riders may bring their tickets to the Fair gate for $4 off one Adult admission (regularly $25; may not be combined with other offers).

Entertainment: Continuous performances on six stages and in the streets feature lively and colorful characters from Dickens' London. Included will be energetic song and dance in Fezziwig's Warehouse, boisterous music hall performers in Mad Sal's Dockside Alehouse, chimney sweeps, Ebeneezer Scrooge, Bob Cratchit, Tiny Tim, and that evil genius Fagin.

Especially For Children: Punch and Judy puppet shows, Victorian fairies, Father Christmas, and interactive theatrical performances; games and holiday activities; Victorian arts and crafts.

Food & Drink: Gourmet chefs will offer delicious foods from around the world, including fish and chips, English bangers, Greek delicacies, French onion soup, and enticing desserts. Five authentic pubs offer Craft Ales from local breweries to satisfy the heartiest thirst. A wide selection of fine wines and champagne will be available by the glass.

Shopping: Visit the shops of London to find one-of-a-kind treasures, Victorian reproductions, fine art, romantic clothing, glittering pewter, and dazzling jewelry. Complete your holiday shopping or discover the perfect dress for that New Year's Eve party. Shopkeepers will welcome you, share a story or two, and send you on your way (hopefully laden with packages) with a hearty "Happy Christmas."

Re-entry: Visitors to the fair may leave and re-enter by receiving a hand stamp upon exit.

Pets: Pets are not allowed.

Smoking: The Cow Palace is a non-smoking facility.

Wheelchairs: The fair is handicapped accessible, but wheelchairs are not available for rental.

Lodging: For those of you traveling to the fair, check the Lodgings Search page of the San Francisco Convention and Visitors Bureau's website for accommodations in the San Francisco area, or our own accommodations page.

Official Website: http://www.dickensfair.com/