San Francisco Christmas Guide › San Francisco Christmas Markets 2026
When Nov 21 – Dec 20, 2026 (select dates)
Where The Historic Cow Palace Exhibition Halls, 2600 Geneva Avenue, Daly City, California
The Great Dickens Christmas Fair recreates Victorian London indoors at the Historic Cow Palace Exhibition Halls in Daly City, with over 140,000 square feet of lamplit lanes, bustling playhouses, and traditional pubs. Hundreds of costumed Dickensian characters fill the streets, and you're welcome to mingle.
Catch continuous performances on stages and in the streets, learn a dance at Fezziwig's Warehouse, sing along at Mad Sal's Dockside Alehouse, and find the live steam train in the Victoria Station lobby. Kids get Punch and Judy puppet shows, Father Christmas, the Adventure Carousel, and Victorian arts and crafts. Five pubs pour craft ales, and the food runs from bangers and fish 'n' chips to French onion soup.
General admission is $50 for adults and $30 for youth plus fees, children under 5 are free, and twilight entry after 3 pm is $35 for adults. Costumes are encouraged but not required (even a hat or bonnet helps). Parking is $20 per vehicle, and a hand stamp gets you back in.
Questions
Do you have to come in costume?
No. Victorian costume is encouraged but not required, and even a hat or bonnet helps. Just don't dress as Father Christmas, Ebenezer Scrooge, or another principal Dickens character.
Is it a good outing for kids?
Yes. Kids can enjoy Punch and Judy puppet shows, Victorian fairies, Father Christmas, interactive theatre, games, the Adventure Carousel, and Victorian arts and crafts.
Where do you park?
Use the main Cow Palace entrance at 2600 Geneva Ave. and park as directed. Parking is $20 per vehicle, and the lot takes cash or card.
Can you leave and come back?
Yes. Get a hand stamp on your way out and you can re-enter.