If one was to look for a story that sums up this time of year for many people, they would not have to go much farther than the novella of Mister Charles Dickens, entitled “A Christmas Carol“. Since the initial publication in December of 1843, this tale of redemption at Christmas in Victorian England has been a favorite of many. It has gone beyond the printed page, being shared as a stage dramatic and musical production, radio play, live action or an animated film – both theatrically and on television, as an opera, a ballet and even a mime production by the BBC starring Marcel Marceau. Disney fans, of course, fondly recall 1983’s production of “Mickey’s Christmas Carol“.

Photo by Howard Gold. (c) Red Barn Productions.
Charles Dickens, as seen at the Great Dickens Christmas Fair in San Francisco.
Image by Howard Gold, courtesy of Red Barn Productions

 

Around the world, there are a number of events which seek to capture the spirit of this story and share it with guests. One of the longest running and perhaps best known is San Francisco’s “Great Dickens Christmas Fair and Victorian Holiday Party“. It offers guests the chance to step into Christmas eve in 1843 and experience the tale for themselves.

This year, the streets of London come to life on five weekends – starting November 22 and ending on December 21, from 10 am to 7 pm each day (including the Friday after Thanksgiving). Hundreds of costumed actors fill the roles of citizens found in Mister Dickens story – it is quite possible that you might even spot Ebeneezer Scrooge out and about among them – enjoying the various shops, entertainments, diversions, food and drink one might expect on this festive eve.

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The map of London, at the Great Dickens Christmas Fair, in San Francisco’s Cow Palace.

 

The odd thing about it, besides having been around long enough to celebrate 36 years of holiday cheer, is that people pay good money, many also dress in period costumes (or close enough) and come to share in the all of these festivities.

Yes, I know that these folks really don’t travel back to London of those years. After all, this event takes place in what at times of the year is home to livestock exhibitions. And while that may not provide the smell or feel of what London offered visitors during the winter solstice of those times, you won’t find enthusiasm or spirits dimmed in the least.

Quite the contrary! People come to feast, to drink, to shop to dance and in general, just to have a good time. All while sharing the experience with fellow guests and performers. All playing from the lowest of the low of characters to the most noble. You find every bit of society on these streets and lanes set up inside the exhibition halls. Good Queen Victoria is on the throne with Prince Albert at her side, watching over the British Empire. For it is Christmas Eve in London, and few can resist the charms of the day.

Yes, plenty of “nostalgic’s” among the crowd. The folks in search of a simpler time. But you can also see friends together enjoying a seasonal bit of fun. Families all in costume, taking in the shopping, games and entertainments. Folks of all sorts just sharing the good times with each other. Perhaps even enjoying a moment with Father Christmas?

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Father Christmas knows all!
Image by Howard Gold, courtesy of Red Barn Productions

It is a bit more than the usual holiday get together. You usually don’t find such immersive gatherings around the egg nog. Plenty of parties may include Christmas carols being sung or a kiss under the mistletoe, but dressing the part and speaking in your own version of a London accent probably isn’t on the schedule of events.

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A portrait of happy revelers in London on Christmas Eve.

Call it what you will, but the secret is that deep down, the spirit of play has a large and happy part in this shared experience. That draws people back year after year. Even for only a few hours, the chance to leave the cares of the modern world behind and settle into the holidays as Mister Dickens brought them to his readers, is a powerful tonic.

Yes, sharing such experiences is a pleasure enjoyed by many. Hence the popularity of places such as the late, lamented Adventurers Club or larger than that, the Disney Theme Parks round the world. Friends and family, all taking in the joys of it all – together. Indeed, a “Happy Christmas” for one and all!

If you want to experience the merriment for yourself, visit the website of the Great Dickens Christmas Fair here. The Fair takes place on weekends between November 22 to December 21 from 10 am to 7 pm (as well as the Friday after Thanksgiving). Check here for information on tickets. The event is held at the Cow Palace Exhibition Halls, at 2600 Geneva Avenue in San Francisco. This link offers general information about the Fair. 

And if you find yourself in London, be sure to stop by Cuthbert’s Tea Shoppe. You never know who you might find lurking about…

Roger Colton
Roger Colton has been a fan of trains all his life. With family in the business of railroading it was only natural. He has volunteered at railway museums in California, Nevada and Hawaii. Along the way he has operated steam, diesel and electric trains as well as being involved in a number of restoration projects. As part of a great team, he offers tours on chartered private railroad passenger cars at Private Car Service. He is also a member of the Southern California Railroad Museum and was involved with several railway excursions the Carolwood Society operated. Disney is only one of many interests as well as trains. Others include history of the American West, World War II aircraft, classic film and television, and collecting/trading Disney pins. His online world included managing a member community for AOL, participation in various newsgroups and websites. He also writes his own blog - theblueparrot.info - on a variety of topics.