GALVESTON, Texas – Galveston Historical Foundation’s Board of Directors voted to cancel the 2020 Dickens on the Squares event, scheduled for December 4 and 5 in downtown Galveston, due to the coronavirus. The event was previously modified to Dickens on the Squares. The event was to be held at five separate locations throughout Galveston to address coronavirus concerns, but ultimately, organizers canceled the event. MORE: The history of ‘Dickens on the Strand,’ one of Texas’ beloved holiday traditionsThe board cited the increase in local, regional, and state numbers relating to COVID-19. Each December, Dickens celebrates our Victorian heritage on the island and salutes one the great Christmas stories of the English language,” Dwayne Jones, Galveston Historical Foundation’s Executive Director, said via a statement on the Galveston Historical Foundation website.

As the holidays approach, we’re reflecting on the traditions and events beloved by Texans. For several years, Galveston’s Christmas festival Dickens on the Strand has been a big hit during the holiday season, drawing crowds of more than 35,000, according to Galveston Historical Foundation. “This annual holiday tradition is an important community event that gives us the opportunity to welcome the holiday season each year,” Galveston Historical Foundation’s Executive Director Dwayne Jones said. Dickens on the Strand is a 19th-century Victorian-themed festival that brings visitors back to the Charles Dickens era. Dickens on The Squares is set to take place Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 5 - 6.