By Whitney Butler

 

Marin County is no stranger to the arts. Well known for its live music scene, local visual artists and weekly arts events, Marin is a wonderful place to get inspired, especially during the holiday season.

 

Marin Symphony

There may not be snow on the ground this December, but the Marin Symphony will have you dreaming of a white Christmas during its holiday concert series.

For more than 60 years, the Marin Symphony Association has represented the highest level of musical stewardship in the Bay Area, presenting the community with seasonal ensembles at the Marin Veterans’ Memorial Auditorium each year from October to May.

To kick things off in December, the Holiday Choral Concert by Candlelight debuts Saturday, December 2nd at 7:30, with an additional performance the following day, Sunday, December 3rd at 4 p.m.

Guests of this live musical event will enjoy performances by the Marin Symphony Chamber Chorus and surprise guests. Arrive early and light a candle inside the Church of Saint Raphael in San Rafael—seating is open and tickets are available online, or at the door.

On December 9, 2023,  the College of Marin Symphony, will perform Mendelssohn & Schubert, with Jim Stopher as conductor at the James Dunn Theatre located on the Kentfield Collage Campus. One of music history's greatest child prodigies, Felix Mendelssohn composed his tuneful and evocative Overture to A Midsummer Night's Dream at the tender age of 17. Hear the College of Marin Symphony Orchestra perform this youthful masterwork, along with two pieces from Mendelssohn's incidental music for the play: the beautiful Nocturne and the famous, festive Wedding March. Franz Schubert's stirringly beautiful Symphony No. 8, "Unfinished" rounds off this evening of Romantic-era favorites.

 

Marin Ballet

Coming to the stage at the Marin School of the Arts in Novato this December is the annual production of Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker. Join Clara, Fitz and the Nutcracker in this captivating two-act ballet featuring choreography by the critically acclaimed Julia Adam.

Performances by the Marin Ballet run from Saturday, December 9 through Sunday, December 10, 2024 at various times. Tickets are available online starting at $30  

 

Marin Dance Theatre

The Marin Dance Theater is a local treasure showcasing local and international talent trained at its center in San Rafael.

If you’ve already seen The Nutcracker, children of all ages will delight in a performance of Sophie and the Enchanted Toyshop performed by the Marin Dance Company on January 6, 2024 and January 7, 2024.

Follow Sophie on her magical journey through the Snow Kingdom filled with snow princesses, fairies and other surprises! Enjoy more than 125 dances on stage in this beautifully choreographed ensemble by Bay Area choreographer Lynn Cox. This year's performance is at Novato High School Performing Arts Center. 625 Arthur St. 

Attending one of these events this holiday season is a great way to bring family and friends together while supporting the arts in Marin.

 

For all you need to plan your Marin County vacation, visit the Marin Convention and Visitors Bureau’s website or Facebook page.