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Event details…

The Athenæum Club, our premier event, is conducted in a venue/interactive stage (which we build and decorate) within The Great Dickens Christmas Fair (an annual event in the San Francisco area). In 2025 it will be running 5 weekends, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Nov. 22nd – Dec. 21st, plus the Friday after Thanksgiving (Nov. 28th). The Dickens Fair is held at the Cow Palace Arena & Event Center.

Introducing the Athenæum Club

When in London (at The Great Dickens Christmas Fair), be sure to add to your holiday schedule a visit to the annual Christmas Eve Open House, at the Athenæum Club (and remember, at the Dickens Fair, EVERY day is Christmas Eve)! Set in a richly textured 19th century décor, the Athenæum Club is the favorite social gathering spot of London’s most notable authors, scientists, artists, and members of the performing arts, including some of the most celebrated people of the Victorian age. The Athenæum Club environment is similar to what one might normally associate with a Gentlemen’s Club, but we are unique in the realm of London Clubs: We have always included, as members, gentlemen AND ladies!

For our Open House, the members of the Athenæum Club invite you into the parlour to enjoy a specially prepared schedule, to include: illuminating lectures, thrilling discussions of naval science, the latest in scientific breakthroughs, and a host of other intriguing entertainments.

Learn the British way to serve tea, set a table or take part in a formal dinner. Bring the children to learn to make their letters with pen and ink. Join artists from the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood to sketch from live models from romanticized medieval themes. Be uplifted by expertly performed Christmas Carols, and marvel at the wit and extravagance of a formal Officers’ Mess Toasting ceremony (in which you are invited to take part!).

At the Athenæum Club, (and what does that mean anyway) we want to draw you into our world, and share with you our passion for recreating the lavish (and intellectually stimulating) environment of our exclusive London Club.

We look forward to your visit!