It took a major pandemic to cancel a decades-old Galveston tradition like Dickens on The Strand last year. This Christmas treat has been enjoyed by Americans from all over the country in past years, and now it’s back better than ever! Many locals (and some out-of-towners too:) enjoy dressing in Charles Dickens period costume (19th century). Some of Texas’ best bands come in their costumes to parade along The Strand and provide much entertainment from a bygone era. My personal favorite is the Houston Highlanders, a Scottish bagpipe ensemble, kilts and all:) Do they really wear nothing under those kilts, as has been rumored?

Lucky for me, my nephew Joey and his girlfriend Kim A gifted me with this event for my 49th? birthday:) Kim lived in a condo on The Strand for seven years and was a great tour guide for the events. I’ve missed so much in the past and never knew it. This time we followed the events from Post Office to 25th Street. All this time I had been missing the Clydesdales and so many horse-drawn carriages, to say nothing of 19th-century British police force. Never again, I’m already planning for Kim and Joey to give me this amazing present (at least until I hit 59:)

The grand finale included a costume contest for those brave enough to parade around in their finest. While most were in Victorian costumes, there was a separate category for the new “Steampunk” category. The Steampunk chihuahua was my hands-down favorite. Some locals had gone to an extreme amount of trouble and expense, and I’m so glad they did. Next year I’m thinking “Steampunk Fairy”? I hope there’s a costume that fits the bill on amazon:)

After five hours of cruising the streets of downtown Galveston, we headed back to the condo a weary but very happy group. It was a special time for us as a family, that I hope to repeat for many years to come. Merry Christmas everyone!