Explore the Fair
Discover these theatrical venues, stages and environments as you explore the Fair! (See posted schedule at each stage or in the free event program available at the Fair entrance, which also includes a map of the Fair.) Please see online schedule here.
The Streets of London
The bustling, colourful London of Charles Dickens comes to life in the streets he chronicled so well. Watch for Mr Dickens and characters from his novels throughout the streets ~ scenes from “A Christmas Carol” and his other works may emerge at any time!
Characters You May Meet:
Multitudes of characters from the imagination of Mr. Charles Dickens are brought vividly to life in our Victorian London ~ Ebenezer Scrooge, Bob Cratchit & Tiny Tim, the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Yet-to-Come; David Copperfield, Nicholas Nickelby and his Family; Oliver Twist & Nancy, mingling with chimney sweeps, musicians, carolers, music hall performers, saucy sailors and more. Hundreds of costumed players create living history all around you – and you are heartily welcome to join in!
Parades:
11:30 – Father Christmas Parade to Father Christmas Stage (Father Christmas also visits with children here at 4:00pm.)
Towards the end of the day, be sure to be on the lookout for the festive and traditional Boar’s Head Procession!
The Green Man Inn
The beating heart of London, where the locals gather to celebrate the season, raise a glass, plan adventures, and share the news of the day! At any moment a lively round of song might erupt, or merry capers suddenly liven the parlour. You are welcome to sit down with a glass of refreshment and enjoy the bustle!
Port Tastings are held in the Parlour at 11:30, 1:30, 3:30, and 5:00 – inquire with the bartender for reservations first thing, to see what is available. Cost is $20.00 per person. Photo ID Required.
Fezziwig’s Dance Party
Mr. & Mrs. Fezziwig, young Scrooge’s employers, invite you to their holiday party – and you are most welcome to join in the fun! Be entertained by shows, scenes from A Christmas Carol, entr’actes, and special guest acts! Throughout the day, Greenwich Mean Time provides lively ballroom & English country dance music, with reels, jigs, polkas and waltzes for the public to enjoy, each set commencing with a special exhibition of Victorian dance.
Victoria & Albert Bijou Music Hall
A dazzling panoply of the finest entertainment in London, presented by the finest performers in the West End!
Dickens’ Study at Tavistock House
This is where you may find the great novelist at work on his latest novel, visited frequently by his illustrious friends (including Edgar Allan Poe), his family, and a host of his characters.
Mr Dickens will read from A Christmas Carol at 11:30, 1:30, 2:45, and 4:30.
Father Christmas Stage & Punch & Judy Puppet Theatre
Sweet caroling rings out and Father Christmas himself magically appears! Young folks may join him for a holiday photo memento (no family portraits please). Family fare continues as children are chosen to participate in delightful shows and sing-a-longs. Across the way you’ll find the Traveling Piccolo Puppet Players with illuminating antics from Mr. Punch and his mischevious friends.
Paddy West Stage at the London Docks
Welcome to The London Docks, Thameside home to the Paddy West School of Seamanship and other nautical riffraff. In addition to stage shows, entertainment throughout the day includes music and seafaring songs; navigation lessons with model ships; knot tying, games & sailing skills; and a traveling tattoo parlour.
Mermaid Tavern Stage
Chancery Lane
Where Mr Dickens’ characters and stories come to life in vibrant scenes interspersed with exuberant musical interludes! This is the location of Scrooge & Marley’s Counting House, the Cratchits’ humble home, and much more!
The Athenaeum Club
Mad Sal’s Dockside Ale House
“The customs of the world are so many conventional follies.”
~ Edgar Allen Poe, The Spectacles