What is the Dickens Fair?

The bustling streets of London, immortalized for all time by the mighty pen of Charles Dickens, form the living backdrop of your excursion into Christmas Past. You are a living part of a Victorian Christmas card come to life! A Bay Area tradition since 1970, the Great Dickens Christmas Fair returns to the San Francisco Cow Palace Exhibition Halls each season between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Originally conceived and created by Ron & Phyllis Patterson, the fair is now produced by Kevin & Leslie Patterson & Red Barn Productions, who continue the family tradition of theatrical excellence through historical authenticity and participatory environmental theater. Come wander the lanes of Victorian London, as the glow of twilight settles upon the city, with the scent of pine boughs & freshly baked scones floating in the air and the sound of carolers and holiday merrymakers accompanying your stroll.

Do I have to wear a costume?

Costumes are encouraged but not required for our patrons. (See public costume policy)

Are there ATMs?

Need cash? There are two ATMs at the Fair. The first is located just inside the Lobby. The second is located just across from the Odyssey Theatre on Fish Street.

Is there a Baby Center or a place for Lost Children?

The Baby Center and Lost Children facilities are available at the Coat Check next door to Patterson & Sons Stationers, just inside the front entrance.

Where do I go for First Aid?

Locate a "London Guest Services” person in Green Jacket and Hat, or any server at a beverage stand, and they will call our onsite EMT.

Is there an Information Center?

Answers to your questions are inside the Patterson & Sons information booth just opposite the Lobby.

Can I bring my pets to the Fair?

For public health and safety, the Dickens Christmas Fair does not allow animals inside the venue. Please do your pet a favor and leave them at home. It is against the law to leave a pet locked in a car. Licensed Service Dogs will be admitted; please bring documentation.

Is there a Coat or Parcel Check?

Coat and Parcel check is available next to the Patterson & Sons information booth just opposite the Lobby.

Where do I go regarding Lost and Found?

Have you lost any personal items and want to check if they have been found? Have you found an item you would like to drop off? Visit the Patterson & Sons information booth just opposite the Lobby. After hours, please call 1-800-510-1558 x 114.

How much is Parking?

The Cow Palace charges $10.00 per vehicle to park.

Can I leave and come back in?

Visitors to the fair may leave and re-enter on the same day by receiving a hand stamp upon exit.

Is there any Smoking inside the venue?

The Cow Palace is a non-smoking facility.

Are there Wheelchairs for rent?

The fair is handicapped accessible. Wheelchairs are not available for rental.

Can you recommend local 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.

Is there any Public Transportation to the Cow Palace?

Take Bart or Muni to the GLEN PARK Bart Station. The Fair operates a free Courtesy Shuttle to and from the Glen Park Bart station every 20 minutes, from 11:00 AM to 7:15 PM each Fair day.

How do I make reservations for the Tea Parlor?

High Tea is served every day at 4 p.m., with reservations required. Due to public demand, the Tea Shoppe is now offering on-line reservations so patrons of the Fair can make a reservation for tea in advance of their visit. To make a reservation online, visit www.cuthbertsteashoppe.com. Reservations can also be made directly at Cuthbert's at the Fair; when you first arrive at the Fair, please go directly to the Tea Parlour to set your reservation for the day.

How do I get Tickets for the Saucy French Postcards Tableaux Revue?

Tickets for the French Postcards show are free and are available at the Telegraph booth just outside the Victoria & Albert (V&A) theatre. Get your tickets early, as this show often sells out; this is why we provide a separate ticket for the show. There are two shows each Fair day, at 5:30 & 6:15. Please note: This show is for adults over 18 years of age. No children are allowed. No photography is allowed.

Do I need Tickets for any other shows?

No. All shows are inclusive of your ticket price.

Is there food for Vegetarians?

Yes. Please refer to the Food & Drinks page on our website, or ask at the various food establishments.

I heard there are Half Price Tickets available!

Yes. We have a “Twilight Special” that begins at 4:00 pm each day of the event.

What if I leave my printed tickets at home?

Just go to the Will-Call window and we can look you up and print them for you.

Who is Charles Dickens?

Charles Dickens (7 February 1812 – 9 June 1870) was the most popular English novelist of the Victorian era, and he remains hugely popular. He is responsible for some of English literature's most iconic characters and popular stories and novels.

Many of his novels, with their recurrent concern for social reform, first appeared in magazines in serialized form, a popular format at the time. Unlike other authors who completed entire novels before serialization, Dickens often created the episodes as they were being serialized. The practice lent his stories a particular rhythm, punctuated by cliffhangers to keep the public looking forward to the next installment. The continuing popularity of his novels and short stories is such that they have never gone out of print. To read more, see our Brief History of Dickens' London.