Visit Marin's Amazing Lighted Holiday Houses this Weekend!
Other Holiday Happenings: holiday ice skating, visit with Santa Claus, North Bay Christmas Tree Farms and Lots, festive holiday teas, holidays in San Francisco, and visit one of Marin's Amazing Lighted Houses.
Friday, December 8
- Christmas House at West End Nursery
San Rafael
Friday & Saturday, 8 am–5 pm, Sunday 9 am–4 pm
Get in the holiday spirit and visit the amazing Christmas House at San Rafael's West End Nursery. This magical setting includes lights, decorated trees, and more. It's a holiday must-visit in Marin. Free admission; ornaments and decor are for sale. Location: 1938 5th Avenue. Event details. - Holiday Ice Skating in Union Square
San Francisco
Friday–Sunday, 10 am–11:30 pm
Union Square, San Francisco's main shopping district, gets into the ice skating spirit during the holiday season with an outdoor ice rink sponsored by Safeway. 90-minute sessions start on every even hour. Admission: $18 for adults (includes skates), $13 for children 8 and under. For info, call (415) 781-2688 or visit their website. - The Velveteen Rabbit
Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, San Francisco
Friday, 11 am, Saturday, 1 & 4 pm and Sunday, 2 pm
Bring the family for this beloved Bay Area holiday tradition. ODC/Dance enlivens Margery Williams’ classic tale of a well-worn nursery rabbit that becomes real. Told though music, dance and a powerful narrative, The Velveteen Rabbit celebrates the unique relationship between a little boy and his stuffed rabbit, and the enduring power of love. Tickets range from $15 to $65. Event details. - Marin on Ice
Northgate Mall, San Rafael
Friday, 2–10 pm, Saturday, noon–10 pm, Sunday, noon–9 pm
This Saturday, Marin on Ice opens for another season of outdoor ice skating at San Rafael's Northgate Mall, where it runs through January 11. Marin's only holiday ice skating rink features 6,300 square feet of real ice and will be open daily for outdoor skating. Skating is $15 per person, which includes skate rental. Private ice cabanas will also be available for rental and "Skate Buddies" are available for beginners. Event details. - WinterFest
Marinwood Community Center, San Rafael
Friday, 5–7 pm
Come celebrate the holiday season at Marinwood's annual WinterFest! Ticket prices include: photos with Santa, arts and crafts, face painting, bounce house, holiday treats, live music and more. Tickets: $12 in advance or at the door for kids ages 2–12 (adults are free). Location: 775 Miller Creek Road, San Rafael. Event details. - Zoo Lights
Oakland Zoo
Friday–Sunday, 5:30–9 pm,
Soar over the Oakland hills in our festively-lit gondolas and see the entire Bay Area like never before! Check out the cool new laser light shows, candy cane lane-themed Adventure Landing with rides your kids will love, an adventure on the Outback Express train, rocking around the Christmas trees and a music-themed light show. Santa will be here from 6-9 pm this weekend too. ZooLights is a separate event and is not included in regular Zoo Admission. $10 adults, $9 children 2–14 and seniors 65+, free for children under 2 and adults over 80. Event details. - Rombeiro Christmas House
Devonshire Drive, Novato
Friday–Sunday, 6–10 pm
Their home is something that truly has to be seen to be believed, and photos don't really do it justice. There are something like 140,000 lights as well as countless figurines, dioramas, and decorations adorning the front and side yards, walls, and roof of the Rombeiro house. If you think the outside is impressive, then you need to go on inside and get a healthy dose of Christmas spirit. You'll find model trains, more figurines, Christmas trees, and the biggest lighted holiday village you've ever seen. Location: 34 Devonshire Drive, off of Center Road, Novato. For more info, read about our visit here. - Mickey Mouse Christmas House
417 Blackstone Drive, San Rafael
Friday–Sunday, 6–10 pm
Up the road a short distance from the Nisja Bears House is the Mickey Mouse House. As the name implies, this place is a shrine to all things Disney, and features possibly every Disney-themed holiday decoration ever created. The owners of this home, the Mize Family, transform their entire two-car garage into a giant glassed-in display case that houses most of their stuffed animals, toys, animated decorations, lighted ceramic buildings and more. Location: 417 Blackstone Drive (at Las Gallinas Avenue) in San Rafael. For more info, read about our visit here. - The Nisja Bears House
383 Quietwood Drive, San Rafael
Friday–Sunday, 6–10 pm
The Nisja Bears House has been charming Marin families for 36 years. As the displays and decorations that fill the front yard, which include a large, functioning model railroad, and, as the name implies, numerous bears doing all sorts of things. With the trains and bears and animated figures, there's plenty here to get everyone in the Christmas spirit. Check out the display case to the left of the driveway for more bears and Christmas decorations. The bear that blows bubbles is always a hit with the kids, too. Marinwood at 383 Quietwood Drive (between Las Gallinas Avenue and Miller Creek Road). For more info, read about our visit here. - Bay Area Children's Theatre: Elephant and Piggie's "We Are in a Play!"
Children's Creativity Museum, San Francisco
Friday, 6:30 pm, Sunday 10:30 am & 1:30 pm
Expect happy high jinks galore—and a wonderful time, with music and rhyme—as Mo Willems’ two most unlikely pals cavort through the joys and trials of friendship in Elephant & Piggie’s "We Are in a Play!" Tickets: $27 adults, $22 children 2–14, $25 seniors 65+. Location: 221 Fourth Street, San Francisco. Event details. - Berkeley Playhouse: Annie
The Julia Morgan Center for the Arts, Berkeley
Friday, 7 pm, Saturday, 1 & 7 pm, Sunday, 2 pm
Leapin’ lizards! One of the most popular musicals of all time returns to Berkeley Playhouse in an all new production that’s going to “shine like the top of the Chrysler Building!” Perfect for the entire family. Location: 2640 College Avenue, Berkeley. Tickets: $20–$45. Event details.
Saturday, December 9
- Holidays Along Farm Trails
Sonoma County
Saturday & Sunday, various times
'Tis the season to celebrate with our community. Join Sonoma County farmers and producers as they open their gates and barn doors to offer a behind-the-scenes peek at life on the farm. Shop their unique farmstands for your holiday meals, cut your own Christmas tree, make a gift at DIY workshops, greet farm animals, and so much more. Free. Register online for a list of each weekend's participants. Event details. - SMART Holiday Express Toy Drive
Novato San Marin Station
Saturday, 8–10 am
Join SMART in making the holidays special for children in need during their Holiday Express Toy Drive on Saturday. Drop off unwrapped toys and gift cards, and tour the inside of the Holiday Express train while enjoying some eggnog. Santa will also be on board. Donations will be distributed to Toys For Tots and other non-profit organizations in Sonoma and Marin counties serving children impacted by the fires. Location: 7700 Redwood Boulevard, Novato. Event details. - Breakfast with Santa
Ross Valley Fire Station
Saturday, 8 & 10 am
Bring the family to the annual Breakfast with Santa event at Ross Valley Fire Station #19. Breakfast with Santa is a fun family event and a great way to celebrate the holiday season. $6 kids, $8 adult. Event details or call (415) 258-4640. - Pancakes at the North Pole
Corte Madera Parks & Recreation
Saturday, 8–10 am
Santa and his friends are waiting for you! The elves at the Corte Madera Community Center have been hard at work preparing a very special pancake breakfast for you and your family. Santa Claus is very excited to see all his favorite families and take pictures! As many of us know, it can get a little chilly at the North Pole. Frosty the Snowman will be taking donations for the Kids Club Warm Coat and Toasty Toes Drive during the breakfast as well. Cost: $10 per person. Register online here or by calling (415) 927-5072. - Breakfast With Santa
Belvedere Community Center
Saturday, 9–10:30 am
Join Santa for breakfast, music, crafts, and a photo opportunity (bring your own camera). Make reservations by calling (415) 435-4355; space is limited. Cost: $20 per person, free for 2 and under. The Belvedere Community Center is located at 450 San Rafael Avenue in Belvedere. Event details. - Holiday Celebration at the Farmer's Market
Marin County Mart, Larkspur Landing
Saturday, 9 am–2 pm
Enjoy a fun-filled day of festive celebrations, write a letter to Santa, Santa sing-along 9:30 am, The Grinch movie under the big tent, Whoville singers, decorate holiday cookies, a Fairy Workshop in DIESEL with Emily Butterfly, and a visit with Santa! Location: Larkspur Landing, Larkspur. Event details. - Free Snow Day & Hot Cocoa Stroll
East Washington Place-Downtown Petaluma
Saturday, 10 am–1 pm
Come play in real snow at the FREE Snow Day & Hot Cocoa Stroll! Plus Horse & Carriage rides, take a selfie with Santa, Arts & Crafts, Face Painting, Balloon Twisting and More! Petaluma Fire Department will be collecting new, unwrapped toys. Event details. - Holiday Drop 'N Shop Saturdays
Hamilton Community Center, Novato
Saturday, 10 a m–3 pm
Recreation Staff are offering full days of fun, and affordable, child care, giving parents some much needed "me" time to complete pre-holiday tasks, or even a chance to pamper yourself! While you do your holiday shopping, cooking, or visiting with friends, your child(ren) will be enjoying holiday themed activities, games and crafts! For our first Saturday, Children will create and experience some holiday favorites, from gingerbread houses to paper snowflakes and much more winter wonderland fun! For ages 4–8 years. Cost: $44.00(R)/$54.00(NR). Location: 503 Palm Drive, Hamilton area in Novato. Register here. - Reindeer Romp
San Francisco Zoo
Saturday & Sunday, 10 am–4 pm
Santa is sending his favorite reindeer, Belle, Holly, and Peppermint, to spread holiday cheer at San Francisco Zoo & Gardens! Until January 1, majestic reindeer will be romping at SF Zoo's Playfield Lawn, near the spectacular Elinor Friend Playground. Zoo admission applies. Location: Sloat Blvd. at the Great Highway, San Francisco. For more info, visit their website. - Reindeer Visit the BADM
Bay Area Discovery Museum, Sausalito
Saturdays & Sundays, 10 am–5 pm
Come and meet Snowflake and Blizzard, two live reindeer that will be visiting BADM! Watch them roam about in Lookout Cove and learn from their experienced handlers about their diet, migration patterns and unique characteristics that have allowed them to thrive in extreme environments. Free after museum admission. Event details. - Great Dickens Christmas Fair
Cow Palace, San Francisco
Saturday & Sunday, 10 am–7 pm
Experience Victorian London with hundreds of costumed players, shops offering one-of-a-kind gifts and Christmas treasures, dining, and pubs. Meet Charles Dickens, Oliver Twist, Tiny Tim, Jules Verne, David Copperfield, Charles Darwin, and 700 costumed characters. Of course, Father Christmas himself will be on hand to join in the fun. Event details -
Make It, Take It, Wrap It!
Mill Valley Community Center
Saturday, 10 am–2 pm
Bring the family to this free event featuring crafts to make and purchase, live music, photos with Santa, holiday dress-up with local theatre company, cookie decorating and more! There is a wide variety of crafts to make including holiday ornaments, bead jewelry, fused-glass, clay pendants, cookie decoration, painting and holiday cards.Location: 180 Camino Alto, Mill Valley. Event details. - Breakfast with Santa
Tam Valley Community Center
Saturday, 9 am
Bring the family to have breakfast with Santa at the Tam Valley Winter Magic Event. Then make crafts and play in some real snow! RSVP early because this event sells out. Don't forget to bring a camera for this wonderful photo opportunity. 10 am breakfast seating sold out; space available at 11:30 am. Cost: $15 per person, includes breakfast, crafts, jumpee, and snow; $8 without breakfast. Register by calling (415) 388-6393. Event details - Pixie Park Holiday Bake Sale and Photos with Santa
Marin Art and Garden Center, Ross
Saturday, 10 am–2 pm
Pixie Park's annual holiday bake sale offers delicious homemade baked goods-perfect for holiday gift-giving. Come choose from cookies, cakes, candies, baking mixes and gingerbread houses. Come support Pixie Park, have a photo taken with Santa Claus (10:30 am–1:30 pm) and enjoy some children’s holiday cookie decorating (10:30 am–1:30 pm) and entertainment! Location: 30 Sir Francis Drake Boulevard, Ross. Event details. - Indoor Antique Market 32nd Annual Christmas Show
Marin Center Exhibit Hall, San Rafael
Saturday, 10 am–6 pm & Sunday, 10 am–5 pm
Enjoy an old fashioned shopping experience as you are taken back through times gone by. Over seventy booths of antiques and collectibles. Highlights include fine art, Asian and Native American art, watches, clocks, books, photographs, postcards, posters, prints, coins, vintage toys, kitchen collectibles, vintage clothing, and more. Admission: $6. Location: 10 Avenue of the Flags, San Rafael. Event details. - Teddy Bear Tea at the Ritz-Carlton
San Francisco
Saturday & Sunday, 10 am & 1 pm
Children and their favorite stuffed animals gather in the Terrace Room of the Ritz-Carlton to enjoy holiday treats and this popular family show featuring an entertaining elf and his animated sidekick and a giant teddy bear. Each child will receive a teddy bear gift and photo with the giant teddy bear to take home. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Make-A-Wish® Greater Bay Area. Cost: $125 adults, $115 children. Locaation: 600 Stockton at California Street, San Francisco. For more info and reservations, visit their website. - Sausalito Winterfest
Sausalito Yacht Harbor Parking Lot
Saturday, 10 am–2 pm
Photo op with Mr. and Mrs. Claus and their elves. Make sure to bring your camera. Free but please RSVP here. Event details. - Reindeer Romp
San Francisco Zoo
Saturday & Sunday, 10 am–4 pm
Santa is sending his favorite reindeer, Belle, Holly, and Peppermint to spread holiday cheer at San Francisco Zoo & Gardens! Until January 1, majestic reindeer will be romping at SF Zoo's Playfield Lawn, near the spectacular Elinor Friend Playground. Zoo admission applies. Location: Sloat Blvd. at the Great Highway, San Francisco. Event details. - Visit Santa at the Mart!
Marin Country Mart, Larkspur
Saturday, 10:30 am–1:30 pm
Meet Santa Claus at the Mart each Saturday in December before Christmas! Be sure to bring your list to ask Santa for the present you want—and put your best smile on for the complimentary photo. Event details. - Teddy Bear Tea à la Française
Saturday, 10:30 am–noon
Red Hill Church of San Anselmo
Come for tea and hot cocoa, finger sandwiches, holiday cookies, and fun with Le Petit Jardin! You and your little ones will enjoy tea service, traditional live holiday music, a fireside telling of the story of the first Christmas in English and French, and a professional photo seating! Each child should dress in dapper style and bring his or her own teddy bear pal from home to share tea time with! $14 per seat; space limited. Location: 921 Sir Francis Drake Boulevard, San Anselmo. Event details. - Gingerbread House Workshop
Marin Humane, Novato
Saturday, 10:30 am–noon
Calling all kids! Get in the holiday spirit and join in the fun of an age-old holiday tradition - gingerbread house decorating. Gingerbread house masters John and Megan Lorenzen will be here to help you create a gingerbread dog house or a gingerbread kitty condo. Workshop is designed for 8–12-year-old children. Event details. - Fairfax Craft Faire
Pavilion, Fairfax
Saturday, 11 am–5 pm
The annual Fairfax Craft Faire is held at the Pavilion in the heart of Fairfax. A wonderful selection of crafts, music and food will fill the Pavilion for this event. Location: 142 Bolinas Road, Fairfax. Event details. - Mark Foehringer's Nutcracker Sweets
Saturday & Sunday, 11 am & 1 pm
Fort Mason Center, San Francisco
Mark Foehringer's Nutcracker Sweets is a unique 50-minute version of the Nutcracker specifically designed for families with young children. The production features a live 9-piece chamber orchestra, Brian Fisher as Drosselmeyer, musical direction by Michael Morgan, set design by Peter Crompton, costume design by Richard Battle, and production direction by Frederic O. Boulay. Tickets: $20.50–$42.50. Location: Fort Mason Center, Herbst Pavilion at Marina Blvd. (at Buchanan St.), San Francisco. Event details. - Olaf's Frozen Adventure Big Golden Book Storytime
Barnes & Noble, Corte Madera
Saturday, 11 am
Join us as we follow Olaf, Anna, Kristoff, and Elsa through a frozen adventure to find the best holiday traditions. Activities to follow. Free. Location: 313 Corte Madera Town Center. Event details. - A Holiday Magic Toy Box Tea at Falkirk
Falkirk Cultural Center, San Rafael
Saturday & Sunday, noon & 3 pm
The tea is an old-fashioned tour de force in the elegant Queen Anne Victorian Falkirk Mansion. Homemade tea sandwiches and sweets are served, along with tea, hot chocolate, and other beverages. Features include life-sized toys, a raffle, and plenty of photo opportunities. Make sure you bring your teddy bear or other favorite toy! This extremely popular event is by reservation only and always sells our early! Cost: $28 adults, $24 for children, $50 adult-and-child combination ticket. Event details. - Saturdays with Santa
Bon Air Center, Greenbrae
Saturday, noon–4 pm
Santa arrives by firetruck (courtesy of the Larkspur Fire Department) at Santa’s Workshop in front of Mollie Stone’s Market on the first three Saturdays of December. Free photos with Santa for families, friends and pets courtesy of CVS. Enjoy live music, sidewalk specials, Santa’s elves and children’s activities and treats. Event details. - Cirque de Bohème
Cornerstone Sonoma
Saturday & Sunday, 1, 3 & 5 pm
An old style circus based on the French tradition of the 1920’s, Cirque de Bohème will transport you into a magical world filled with enchantment, adventure and wonder. This winter a Le Cirque de Bohème presents a new show: Freedom. Delight in work of world class performers including a unicycle, contortionist, juggler, slack-rope, hand chair balancing, aerial fabrics, and a hooper aerialist. Tickets: $25–$55. Purchase tickets here. Event details. - Marin Ballet Nutcracker
Marin Veterans' Memorial Auditorium
Saturday & Sunday, 1 & 5 pm
Marin Ballet's Nutcracker production is one of the county's cultural jewels! With over 200 dancers, intricate costuming, lavish sets, and artful choreography, it's a holiday event not to miss. Meet Clara, the Nutcracker Prince, the Sugar Plum Fairy and special guest characters for photos and autographs at the Candy Cane Party following the 1 pm performances on both Saturday and Sunday. Tickets: $44 adults, $28 seniors and youth 18 and under; $10 for the Candy Cane Party. Event details.
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