If you are a die-hard Steampunk enthusiast, love ye olde England and happen to be in San Francisco for the holidays, you are in for a treat as the perfect fair comes into town once again. Just for you. Established in the 1970s, The Great Dickens Christmas Fair runs four weekends in November/December at the Cow Palace Exhibition Halls. Details at http://www.dickensfair.com or http://www.katewestreviews.com.
Imagine an elaborate holiday extravaganza, Victorian style, just like you dreamed Fezziwig’s Dance Hall from A Christmas Carol would look. You might even learn some of those fancy steps here. Just keep in mind there is much more to do and see than a mere couple of hours worth. Chimney sweeps and telegram boys hobnob with intellectuals in top hats and military guards making way for Queen Victoria herself. You might run into Jules Verne or even Charles Dickens (catch him reading aloud in one of the sit-down parlours). If you’ve ever been to an authentic Renaissance Fair and marveled at the intricate costumed details of the passersby, you’ll love watching prim Victorian ladies ignoring the saucy wenches and fortune tellers, and gentlemen tipping their hats at pretty much everyone. You will probably see a unicycle or two and, for the aforementioned Steampunk junkies (fun little mechanical sightings are all over the place), don’t forget to stop by Legion Fantastique for the giant squid feedings. While you’re there, you can chat up some of the proud members of the Adventurer’s Club and listen to a lecture or two. Fair warning: Watch for pirates. And Fagin and his pickpockets (be sure to brush up on your Dickens before heading out, by the way).
If you’re more in the mood for music, aside from all the dancing and singing in the streets (and there’s a lot of that), you can take in “The Mikado” for some Gilbert and Sullivan fun. The bolder can see a Can-Can show or a naughty French Postcards show (just make sure you are over 18). If you have kids with you (and this is great educational entertainment) bring them to one of the magicians, a Punch and Judy matinee, the carousel, or even better, to visit St. Nicholas in full 1800s splendour. Or ask a sailor to teach you how to tie a good looking knot, learn to fence or throw darts so you can play one of the many carnival games. There’s even a show that lets you throw vegetables at the performers.
And of course, peddlers have many a ware to sell: family portraits, glass figurines and ornaments, dipped candles, jewelry, handmade scarves, vintage books and apparel, magic wands, masks, flasks, harps(!) and much, much more. And the food! To mention but a few of the marvels: you’ve got your standard shepherd’s pie, gallons of cider, ale and wine, roasted almonds, popcorn, bangers and mash, fish and chips, milk and cookies (!), chocolates and of course, tea. So much tea. There are a few sit down places too, including a spot for some fancy high tea (make reservations) but mostly you can partake from various vendors while strolling down the main thoroughfare, or sitting at one of many convenient benches.
There is something for everyone here. And whether or not you are an aficionado of the era, there is plenty of food and drink and fun for all ages. So take a step back into the past and let San Francisco remind you of the complexities and contradictions of Victorian England. There is nowhere else like it. Not in this day and age anyway.
