What the dickens is this thing all about?

For five weekends leading up to the holidays, the producers of theGreat Dickens Christmas Fairdo a remarkable job re-creating the sights, sounds and, somewhat unfortunately, smells of Victorian-era London.

There are winding streets lined with specialty stores, rowdy English pubs and odd carnival games. Revelers can mingle with corseted carolers and a variety of historical figures — from Queen Victoria to the ghost of Jacob Marley — as some 800 volunteer actors roam around under the permanent twilight skies, magically bringing the pages of “A Christmas Carol” to life.

The 37th season of the Great Dickens Fair runs every weekend from Nov. 23 through Dec. 22, plus the Friday after Thanksgiving (Nov. 29).

Where is it?

TheGreat Dickens Fair发生在Cow Palace, a concrete box in Daly City best known for hosting dog shows, gun shows and, occasionally,concertsin its parking lots. (U2 performed there as well as the Beatles, Elvis andKiss. Oh, and there was that one “American Idol” audition.)

The good thing is that once you step inside the exhibition halls, you get transported to a Christmas wonderland. Organizers do such an impeccable job bringing Charles Dickens’ lamplit London literary settings to life that you will feel as if you’re in another time and place.

How do I get there?

If you do not own a time machine, you can take the freeway. From Interstate 280, use the Geneva Avenue exit. From Highway 101, take either the Cow Palace/Third Street exit (going south) or Bayshore Boulevard/Cow Palace exit (going north).

In addition to admission, there is a $12 parking fee charged by the Cow Palace. To park, use the main Cow Palace entrance at 2600 Geneva Ave.

You can also take BART or Muni to the Glen Park BART Station, where the Dickens Fair runs a free courtesy shuttle to and from the Cow Palace station every 20 minutes from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.

What’s the vibe?

Remarkably authentic. We already mentioned the sights, smells and streets that make you feel as if you’ve walked into a different world. But it’s all the characters running around that really set the experience apart from other holiday events throughout the Bay Area. Sit onFather Christmas’ lap if you’d like, or revel among the soot-covered chimney sweeps, shouting sailors and generously bosomed barkeeps. Whatever your delight, this fair almost makes you forget about the real world outside.

There are also stages tucked into every corner of the Cow Palace Exhibition Halls, featuring carolers and magicians. You can take in a performance of Gilbert and Sullivan’s “Trial by Jury” or join in a waltz at Fezziwig’s Warehouse.

Oh, and the exotic animal carousel is not to be missed.

What are the food and drink options?

Outside of the Cow Palace, there aren’t a whole lot of dining options in the neighborhood apart from a cluster of fast-food chains. But if you plan it right, you can make time to drop intoTselogs, which serves Filipino food, the legendaryBeep’s Burgers, or Los Reyes Restaurant, which specializes in Salvadoran cuisine.

Inside the Cow Palace, you can get anything from traditional fish and chips or roast beef to meat pies and high tea.

Before you go …

Family-friendly, period-appropriate costumes are encouraged but not required. While the fair takes place indoors, getting to the entrance from the parking lot can be quite a haul, so come prepared for what the weather may bring. There is a coat check on-site for umbrellas, raincoats and other such items.

Once inside, there is lots of walking to do, so make sure to wear comfortable shoes.

For a comprehensive set of frequently asked questions, visit the official Dickens Fairwebsite.

伟大的狄更斯圣诞足总ir:10 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, Nov. 23-Dec. 22. Also open Friday, Nov. 29. $10-$120; children younger than 5 are free. Cow Palace Exhibition Halls, 2600 Geneva Ave., Daly City.www.dickensfair.com