The Great Dickens Christmas Fair turns the halls of the Cow Palace, just south of San Francisco, into a lamp-lit corner of Victorian London every holiday season. Hundreds of costumed performers play Londoners from Charles Dickens’ novels, and you wander gas-lit streets with pubs, music halls, dance parties, shops and Father Christmas. It has been a Bay Area tradition since 1970.
In this guide
This guide is part of our San Francisco events calendar. For the rest of the season, see Christmas lights in San Francisco and events in December.
Dates for 2026
The fair runs on weekends starting November 21, 2026, through mid-December, and usually includes the Friday after Thanksgiving. Hours are typically late morning to early evening. Check the official site for the full list of dates and any holiday additions.
What you will find inside
- Characters from A Christmas Carol and other Dickens stories, wandering and performing.
- Music halls and stages with comedy, carols, magic and melodrama.
- Victorian dance halls where you can join in the dancing.
- Pubs and tea rooms serving ale, cider, mulled wine and meat pies.
- Shops and artisans selling handmade gifts, ornaments and costumes.
- Father Christmas for photos with children.
Tickets
Tickets are sold online and at the door, with discounts for children, seniors and people who arrive in Victorian costume. Buying ahead is usually cheaper and saves time on busy weekends. Prices change each season, so check the official website.
Getting there
The Cow Palace is on Geneva Avenue on the border of San Francisco and Daly City, about 20 minutes’ drive from downtown. There is paid parking on site. By transit, take BART to Balboa Park and transfer to a Muni bus toward the Cow Palace, or take Muni light rail and bus connections. A rideshare is the simplest option.
Tips
Wear comfortable shoes, since the halls are large. Dressing up is part of the fun but entirely optional. Arrive early on the last two weekends before Christmas, which are the busiest. Pair it with an evening at Lightscape or the Union Square tree for a full holiday day.
Official resources: Great Dickens Christmas Fair, Cow Palace.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the Dickens Fair?
At the Cow Palace on Geneva Avenue, on the San Francisco and Daly City border.
When is the Dickens Fair in 2026?
On weekends from November 21 through mid-December. Check the official site for exact dates.
Do you have to dress up for the Dickens Fair?
No, but many visitors do, and costumed guests can get a ticket discount.
Is the Dickens Fair good for kids?
Yes. There are performers, games, Father Christmas and plenty to explore.
Photo credits
Featured image: Näystin from Sunnyvale, USA / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0; Getting there: Dante Alighieri / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0.