Frequently Asked Questions
How do I purchase Tickets?
Tickets are available for purchase ONLINE ONLY, IN ADVANCE. Please note that tickets are date-specific, and daily attendance is limited. There are no on-site ticket sales at the Cow Palace. See the Tickets page for details. Any issues, please email [email protected].
Can I transfer my tickets to a different date?
Yes your tickets can be switched online and a new confirmation email will be generated. If you would like to transfer your tickets to someone as a gift you may either print them and give the physical tickets away or email the tickets to them.
The best way to switch your tickets is by claiming your account through this link. We recommend that you set up your account to edit your tickets.
If you try to transfer your tickets after 7pm on the date they were meant to be used, your tickets have expired and you will not be able to move the tickets yourself. Please follow the steps below so customer service can change the date of your tickets for you. If you allow your tickets to expire you will be charged $10 per adult ticket and $5 per youth ticket. All ticket transfers will be made based on availability.
NOTE! If you purchased 'Early Bird' tickets good for the first two weekends and choose to go on a later non-discounted weekend you will be charged for the difference between your two orders, on the card you provided. There is no transfer fee associated with Early Bird tickets.
Please email [email protected] and put your confirmation number in the subject line, then answer the following in the text of your email:
- What is the first and last name of the person who purchased the tickets?
- What is your zip code?
- What date would you like to transfer to?
- If there is an additional charge, do you give Red Barn Productions permission to charge the card on file?
Is there a Will-Call booth?
The Upper Lobby, called Victoria Station, is a free-admission area where you will receive your printed program, and may purchase a hot beverage if you wish before redeeming your ticket and proceeding down the ramp into the city of London.
Accessible (ADA) Parking
Q: I have a blue (or red) Disabled Parking placard and can transfer in and out of my mobility device (walker, cane, mobility scooter) without assistance.
A: Please enter the Cow Palace through the Main Gate (the designated entry point for all cars) and have your placard visible. After paying the Cow Palace parking fee ($20) you will be directed to HC parking. NOTE: IF dropping off, please inform parking attendants and you will be directed to the drop off point in front of the Fair Entrance (located at the South Hall and designated by a white tent). Once inside Victoria Station you will go through security and ticket scanning. After this, there is a walk down a steep ramp to the Fair. You may take the courtesy shuttle down the ramp to the lower exhibition halls or request assistance proceeding down the ramp on your mobility scooter.
Q: I have a blue (or red) Disabled Parking placard and am unable to transfer in and out of my wheelchair or mobility device.
A: Please enter the Cow Palace through the Main Gate (the designated entry point for all cars) and have your placard visible. After paying the Cow Palace parking fee ($20) you will be directed to the Fair Entrance (now located in the South Hall in the upper lot and designated by a white tent.) Please inform London Guest Services (identified by their dark green jackets) that you need to park or be dropped off outside of the lower level. Your vehicle will be escorted down to the lower exhibition halls where you can then disembark.
Please note lower level Disabled Parking is available on a first come, first served basis. If it is full upon your arrival you may off load outside the lower exhibition halls and your car will be redirected to park in the additional Disabled Parking spaces located near the upper level entrance.
How much is Parking? Where do I park?
The Cow Palace charges per vehicle to park on site: $20/car, $35/RV or bus (cash or credit, charged by the Cow Palace). Please use the Main Entrance to the Cow Palace at 2600 Geneva Ave., Daly City and park as directed by the Cow Palace staff. If you have a Disabled Person (DP) placard, the parking staff will direct you to the designated Accessible Parking area.
Where is Ride Share Pick-Up & Drop-Off?
NOTE: If you have mobility issues, you may ask your Uber, Lyft, or other rideshare driver to drop you off at the white tent inside the Cow Palace Main Parking Entrance. You will NOT need to pay a parking fee for Drop off. This service is not available for rideshare pick-up (GPS directs all ride share companies to pick up outside the Cow Palace parking entrance as specified above).
Is there any Public Transportation to the Cow Palace?
Yes, please visit the Cow Palace website for details.
Please note, there is no shuttle from BART. From the Balboa Park station take the #8 MUNI bus to the Cow Palace. Please confirm the bus details with Muni before leaving. Ride sharing services such as UBER and Lyft may also be available from the Balboa Park BART station.
Are there ATMs at the Dickens Fair?
Yes. ATMs are located near the Will-Call booth in Victoria Station (Upper Lobby), by the Coat & Parcel Check in the Lower Lobby, and on Fish Street inside the “Bank of London.”
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.
Customer Conduct
Code of conduct: One of the wonderful and unique parts of the Dickens Christmas Fair experience is the opportunity for immersive interaction between you as a guest and the hundreds of costumed performers and merchants who guide you back in time. You are encouraged to mingle and engage with the wide variety of people and characters you will meet. In the course of these interactions please be respectful, kind, and considerate at all times. Thank you.
Red Barn Productions reserves the right to refuse admittance to any customer not only based on its discretion, but also for health safety or other reasons such the customer being unruly, disrupting the business or its operations, causing injury, stress, or upset to employees, contractors or other customers.
What is the best way to dress for a day at the Fair?
We suggest dressing comfortably, wearing good walking shoes, and checking the local weather report to determine if coats and umbrellas will be needed for your walk from the parking lot. The entire Fair is indoors and a Coat & Parcel Check is provided inside the Lower Lobby.
An important part of our theatrical time travel and holiday experience is maintaining an environment that is inclusive and welcoming to all. Attire that is racist, sexist, or culturally insensitive is not permitted and may result in refusal of admittance. This includes but is not limited to:
- Clothing with objectionable statements, symbols, obscene language, or graphics that are politically provocative or may cause emotional harm or trauma to others, including but not limited to: swastikas, confederate flags, alt-right images, etc.
- Clothing or costumes that, by exposing excessive portions of the skin, may be viewed as inappropriate or make others uncomfortable.
Fair Management reserves the right to deny admission to or remove any person wearing attire that is considered inappropriate or attire that could cause harm to, or detract from the experience of other Guests.
Do I have to wear a costume? Are there any costumes that are not permissible?
Costumes are admired but not required for our patrons.
Costumes that are culturally or historically insensitive are not permissible. This includes portraying specific groups of people in demeaning and biased ways, such as criminals, hyper-sexualized, or grotesque caricatures. Costumes that mock or show insensitivities by poking fun at the traumatic experiences of historical harm, bigotry, or displacement are not permitted.
We also ask that you not attend the event in costumes that can be viewed as representative of a central Dickensian character from the Fair. This includes Ebenezer Scrooge; the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future; Charles Dickens; Queen Victoria; and Father Christmas (or the American Santa Claus).
Guests may not wear full head masks (such as “Furries”) of any kind or a full face mask unless it is transparent and used for a medical condition. However, small Masquerade style masks are permitted, especially if part of a Victorian Ball costume or evening attire.
Guests may not attend in costumes that are highly distracting from our Victorian theme. This is at Management’s discretion and includes but is not limited to the following examples: Storm Troopers (Star Wars costumes in general), Superheros (such as Marvel Comics characters), Fantasy characters (including Sorcerers, Krampus, and Monsters). The Great Dickens Christmas Fair is a theatrical venue where our actors maintain a storyline relating to the works of Charles Dickens and mid 1800s London.
If you wish to create a full or partial costume to enhance your Fair experience, please consult our very informative Victorian Costuming Guidelines. Again, costumes are admired, but not required!
What are the Rules of Engagement as a guest in an immersive theatrical environment?
One of the wonderful and unique parts of the Fair experience is the immersive aspect created by hundreds of costumed performers and merchants who guide you back in time. You are encouraged to mingle and engage with the wide range of people and characters you will meet - London was the busiest port in the world at this time, and considered by many to be the “center of the world.” People flocked from every country on the planet for trade, commerce, and cultural exchange. The performers and merchants who populate our London appreciate the chance to interact with you, but visitors are reminded to be kind and use good manners in all social exchanges. In the course of mingling with those sharing London with you, please be respectful and considerate!
What is the procedure for Lost Children (or Lost Parents)?
First, report your lost child to the nearest “London Guest Services” member (identified by their dark green jackets and hats) or to the manager of any beverage location. Lost children, when found, will be taken to the Merchandise & Information booth just inside the Lower Lobby (across from the Coat & Parcel Check).
Will there be a bag screening check?
To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all our guests, all persons, bags, parcels, and other items may be subject to screening/security checks at the Upper Lobby Fair entrance and also within the venue. We reserve the right to refuse any bag, parcel, or other item from the Fair.
What types of personal items are NOT permitted inside the Fair?
Items NOT permitted in the Fair:
- Wagons
- Skateboards
- Scooters (except for electric wheelchair type)
- Drones
- Remote control toys
- Inline skates
- Shoes with built-in wheels
- Strollers larger than 36" x 52" (92 x 132 cm)
- Suitcases, coolers, or backpacks with or without wheels larger than 24" (61 cm) long x 15" (38 cm) wide x 18" (46 cm) high. Coolers required for medication may be stored at Coat & Parcel Check free of charge
- Any trailer-like object that is pushed or towed by a wheelchair or stroller
- Outside alcoholic beverages
- Weapons of any kind or objects that appear to be weapons (such as toy guns, toy blasters, squirt guns, etc.)
- Folding chairs
- Glass containers (excluding baby food jars)
- Pets (unless they are “Service Animals” as defined by the ADA)
- Balloons
- Tripod stands or monopod stands that cannot fit inside a standard backpack
- Wrapped gifts (all gifts must be able to be unwrapped for inspection)
- Selfie sticks (hand-held extension poles for cameras and mobile devices)
Non-permitted items are assessed on a case-by-case basis; please use your best judgment and do not bring anything that may be potentially harmful or disruptive.
Does the Dickens Fair have a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Policy?
Yes. For more information on our Diversity, Equity, Inclusion policy, visit our company website community page.
Where do I go for First Aid?
If you need First Aid, please locate a “London Guest Services” member (identified by their dark green jackets and hats) or any beverage stand server, and they will call our onsite Emergency Medical Technician (EMT).
Is there any smoking inside the venue?
The Cow Palace is a 100% non-smoking indoor facility. A smoking area is provided outside the Lower Lobby entrance. One may not indulge elsewhere.
Customer Conduct
Code of conduct: One of the wonderful and unique parts of the Dickens Christmas Fair experience is the opportunity for immersive interaction between you as a guest and the hundreds of costumed performers and merchants who guide you back in time. You are encouraged to mingle and engage with the wide variety of people and characters you will meet. In the course of these interactions please be respectful, kind, and considerate at all times. Thank you.
Red Barn Productions reserves the right to refuse admittance to any customer not only based on its discretion, but also for health safety or other reasons such the customer being unruly, disrupting the business or its operations, causing injury, stress, or upset to employees, contractors or other customers.
For our full Customer and Participant code of conduct, please view or download here.
COVID-19 Info
The Dickens Christmas Fair complies with the health and safety guidelines of San Mateo County and the State of California.
Are there wheelchairs for rent?
Are there designated baby changing and breast feeding areas?
Are animals permitted?
Pets are not allowed. Please do not bring your pet or leave it in your car. Service animals (as defined by the ADA) are always welcome. Once inside the event, please use the front entrance/exit ONLY to access dirt areas on the edge of the parking lot to relieve your pet. Please do not use the emergency exits.
ASL Interpretation
On 3 special days, Saturdays, November 30, December 7 and December 14, select shows will be signed for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing by our team of qualified ASL Interpreters. Please look for this symbol 
on the show boards posted outside each of our individual stages on those dates or click here to see the specific show schedule to plan your day. Questions may be sent to [email protected]
Is food available for purchase?
Yes. Please visit our Food & Drink page. Food prices range from $4.00 for items like desserts/coffee/tea to $22.00 for full plated meals. All vendors and caterers accept credit cards and cash; there are ATMs in the event.
How do I make reservations for the Tea Parlour?
High Tea is served daily at various times, with reservations required. Due to public demand, the Tea Parlour offers online reservations in advance at cuthbertsteashoppe.com Reservations can also be made directly at the Cuthbert's Tea Shoppe inside the Fair on a first come, first serve basis. To reserve in person, please go directly to the Tea Parlour upon your arrival for best availability.
Is there food for vegetarians/those with special diets?
Yes. Many of the food booths serve vegetarian options. Inquire at each food booth for more information.
I have allergies; can I bring my own food to the Fair?
Yes!
However, no coolers, ice chests, picnic baskets, birthday cakes, outside alcohol, or other outside beverages, except water.
Please be advised that our vendor’s menu items may contain gluten and the Big 8 allergens (Milk, Eggs, Fish, Shellfish, Wheat, Soy, Peanuts, and Tree nuts) or have come in contact with items containing gluten or the Big 8 allergens. In addition, food vendors may change their formulation or manner of preparation without our knowledge.
Can I fill my water bottle inside the Fair?
In addition and for your convenience we also carry reasonably priced Dickens themed water bottles for you to refill while you are at the event. You may pick one up at the Patterson and Sons Mercantile just inside the lower lobby of the fair.
Is there a Coat and Parcel Check?
Yes. Coat and Parcel check is available across from the Patterson & Sons Information booth, in the Grand Concourse area. Prices are $3.00 for Coats, Sweaters, Small Parcels, and Backpacks; and $5.00 for Large Parcels, Suitcases, Strollers, and Coolers.
Is there an Information Center?
Yes. Answers await you inside the Patterson & Sons Information booth, opposite the Lower Lobby in the Grand Concourse area.
Where are the Restrooms?
There are three locations for flushable toilets: Inside Victoria Station (Upper Lobby) adjacent to the main parking lot, inside the Lower Lobby Grand Concourse area; and in Ale House Alley near Mad Sal’s Dockside Ale House.
Where do I go regarding Lost and Found?
If you have lost (or found) personal items, please visit the Lower Lobby Coat and Parcel Check across from the Patterson & Sons Information booth in the Grand Concourse area. After hours, please email [email protected].
Do I need tickets for any of the shows?
No. All shows within the event are included in your Fair admission.
Please see Experiences Page for information about ticketed experiences such as Port & Chocolate Tastings and Pub Crawls.
Cameras, Video, Audio, & Digital Equipment Usage.
- Small personal cameras are permitted but are subject to inspection. Photos may be taken for your personal use only, except where posted and announced.
- Video cameras and tripods are not permitted except for pre-approved media workers who have provided credentials. Media requests will be reviewed and honored in advance only.
- We ask that you use common sense and courtesy when photographing or videotaping at the Fair. No intense flash photography (fill only), and remain at a respectful distance from other guests, performers, and stages, etc.
Note: All film, digital, and recording rights are reserved. Commercial film and sound recording rights with respect to Red Barn Productions DBA The Great Dickens Christmas Fair, entertainment, and performers and staff are reserved.
Commercial use of any photographs, digital images, audio, tape, or video recordings of The Great Dickens Christmas Fair, without the express written consent of Red Barn Productions DBA The Great Dickens Christmas Fair is strictly prohibited. All materials contained on our website are protected by United States Copyright law and cannot be reproduced, sold, distributed, transmitted, manipulated, displayed, published, or broadcast without prior written permission.
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 for accommodations in the San Francisco area, or our own Preferred Hotels & Accommodations page.
Additional Questions?
Please contact us at [email protected].
“Indulge your imagination in every possible flight.”
~ Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice