Outside, it might be San Francisco 2015, but inside the Cow Palace, it's Victorian London! The Great Dickens Fair returns to the City, bringing a Victorian Christmas to the 21st century. For 5 weekends, from Nov. 21 to Dec. 20, revelers will make merry on the "streets" of London of the 1840s, when Charles Dickens (1812-1870), the author of classics such as Great Expectations, Oliver Twist and A Christmas Carol lived. Although the expo center is outfitted to look like the exterior of London, the Dickens Fair takes place completely indoors, so worry not about inclement weather.
Participants and actors get into costume and character, although you're welcome to be a time-traveler and don your comfy 21st century gear rather than corsets. Good walking shoes are recommended. If you get too warm, there is a "cloak" check. You'll see Ebenezer Scrooge, the ghost of Jacob Marley, chimney sweeps and other characters from Dickens' literature roaming the saw-dusted avenues of the Cow Palace convention center, which is transformed with boutiques, game rooms, tea parlors, pubs and dance halls.
There are plenty of activities for all ages. Children and adults alike will enjoy crafts like painting festive ceramic ornaments and constructing magical fairy houses. Wandering minstrels and jugglers perform on various stages. Tickets are $12 for kids 5-12, and $25 for adults. Parking is available at the Cow Palace for about $12, and there is also a complimentary shuttle to and from the Glen Park BART station. Bring cash and credit cards to purchase food, drinks holiday gifts and souvenirs. ATMs are available. For more information visit the official San Francisco Dickens Fair website.