You can read the works of great novelists and try to imagine different places and times, but why not step into the pages of a book and explore the sights, sounds, and experiences first-hand at the annual Great Dickens Fair in San Francisco? Over 700 costumed performers wear the clothes, speak the language and eat the foods of another era.

Based on the great English novelist who lived from 1812 to 1870 during the Victorian era, Charles Dickens remains popular for creations of some of English literature’s most iconic novels and characters appearing in a holiday classic, the Christmas Carol, 1843. Step into the life of Ebenezer Scrooge on Christmas Eve in the 1840’s, exactly seven years after the death of Ebenezer Scrooge’s business partner, Jacob Marley.

The greedy businessman who has no place in his life for kindness and compassion is warned by Marley’s ghost to change his ways to avoid a miserable afterlife. Scrooge is visited by three additional ghosts–Ghost of Christmas Past, Ghost of Christmas Present and the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come–who accompany him to various scenes with the hope of achieving his transformation.

A cast of characters step into the roles at The Great Dickens Christmas Fair and Victorian Holiday Party (dickensfair.com). Kids love it as much as adults, and all are invited to wear period costumes or come as you are. Spend the day roaming 3 acres of entertainment in the Cow Palace, where there’s something for all tastes (including great British foods and ales) and all ages with stage shows, activities and a trip back in time that only San Francisco can offer. Read more...>