This 140,000-Square-Foot Christmas Fair Drops You Into The World Of Charles Dickens — Opening This Month Less Than 30 Minutes From SF

The Great Dickens Christmas Fair returns to Daly City’s Cow Palace for its 55th rendition! On five weekends between Nov. 22 and Dec. 21, 2025 , guests can explore this beloved 140,000-square-foot Christmas market modeled after Victorian London, featuring a charming roster of English pubs, lively performances, and spectacular artisanal vendors. This beloved event began in the 1970s as a celebration of the writer Charles Dickens , who wrote classics like *A Christmas Carol*, *Oliver Twist*, and *Great Expectations.* Now’s the time to grab tickets to experience one of the Bay Area’s most unique holiday attractions, brought to life by hundreds of costumed players and characters from Dickens’ stories. Shops, shows, and things to do ------------------------------ The legendary fair transforms the Cow Palace event venue into Victorian London, complete with winding lanes and alleys filled with references to the world of Charles Dickens. From lamplit shops to bustling street vendors, it’s the ultimate immersive Christmas fair. Stumble across numerous live performance stages , presenting everything from theatrical scenes from *A Christmas Carol* to spirited music and dance parties. The fair hosts a range of entertainment for everyone, including kid-friendly puppet shows, rowdy taverns, and parades. For an extra cost, you can embark on additional experiences such as a Jekyll & Hyde-themed pub crawl, a port and chocolate tasting at the Green Man Inn, and a luxury corset-fitting experience at Dark Garden. Attending the Great Dickens Christmas Fair ------------------------------------------ Guests often dress in period attire for the Dickens Fair, which is encouraged and always adds to the experience. However, organizers request that visitors avoid insensitive costumes, full face masks, costumes representing major Dickens characters, and costumes that distract from the Victorian theme. You can learn more in the FAQ on their website. 🎟️ Tickets : Tickets are only available online with advance purchase. Daily attendance is limited, so make sure you buy your ticket ahead of time. This year, general admission (ages 13+) costs $45, but you can save by purchasing a “Twilight Ticket” for entry after 3pm. 📍 Location : Cow Palace Arena & Event Center, 2600 Geneva Ave, Daly City, CA 94014 🗓️ Dates : Weekends from Nov. 22 through Dec. 21, 2025, plus Friday, Nov. 28. 🕜 Hours : 10am to 6pm 🌐 Website : The Great Dickens Christmas Fair Source: https://secretsanfrancisco.com/great-dickens-christmas-fair-daly-city/