Entertainments, Delights, & Diversions

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 Program/Map handout)

Note: 2022 schedules are shown below. 2023 show schedules will be available in mid-2023.

The Streets of London

Watch for Mr. Dickens & characters from his novels throughout London – scenes from “A Christmas Carol” and other Dickens works may emerge at any time!

Characters You May Meet:
A multitude of characters from the imagination of Mr. Charles Dickens come to life in our Victorian London ~ Ebenezer Scrooge, Bob Cratchit & Tiny Tim, the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Yet-to-Come; David Copperfield and Betsy Trotwood; 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!

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. This is also where, throughout the day, the Jolly Wassailers commence their spreading of seasonal cheer.

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 Meantime provides lively ballroom & English country dance music, with reels, jigs, polkas and waltzes for the public to enjoy.

Victoria & Albert Bijou Music Hall

Join the Chairman in welcoming the finest talents & timeless traditions of the London stage!

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.

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 mischievous 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. Entertainment throughout the day: Yet more music and seafaring songs; navigation lessons with model ships; knot tying, games & sailing skills; traveling tattoo parlour.

Mermaid Tavern Stage

The sounds of spirited music and lively dance ring out all through the day. Grab a pint and enjoy the fun!

Chancery Lane

Where Mr Dickens’ characters and stories come to life in lively scenes interspersed with rollicking musical interludes! This is the location of Scrooge & Marley’s Counting House, the Cratchits’ humble home, and much more!

The Athenaeum Club

Where the leading lights of the literary, artistic, scientific, and business worlds assemble to discuss their projects and to share them with the public in a variety of presentations and activities.

Mad Sal’s Dockside Ale House

Raucous merriment draws the venturesome soul to “The Docks,” wherein Mad Sal herself presides over a host of talented singers, dancers, and more than a few shifty sorts. Watch your pockets – and your propriety!

“The customs of the world are so many conventional follies.”

_~ Edgar Allen Poe, The Spectacles