The holidays come alive in Marin County with family-friendly activities around every corner. From festive holiday markets to charming Santa photo-ops in historic towns, seasonal cheer is never far away.

So go ahead—explore beautifully decorated streets, lace up for ice skating, or hunt for the perfect Christmas tree while the season's magic is in full swing! Here are some must-attend events happening this season!

 

Purchase Gifts at Marin’s Many Holiday Fairs

The holiday season is the best time to find one-of-a-kind gifts and decorations for your loved ones. Marin County offers several wonderful craft fairs for you and your family to explore together!

Holiday Craft Fair at the Mill Valley Community Center

• When: Saturday, December 7, 2024, 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
• Where: Mill Valley Community Center, Mill Valley

Get ready for some holiday shopping! Browse through fine handmade arts and crafts, including woodwork, jewelry, glasswork, ceramics, knitwear, plants, and more, set in the picturesque venue of Mill Valley. Admission is free, and ample parking makes it a convenient shopping experience!

 

Holiday Crafts Faire at Margaret Todd Senior Center

• When: Friday, December 6, 2024, 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Saturday, December 7, 2024, 10:00 am - 4:00 pm

• Where: Margaret Todd Senior Center, Novato

The annual crafts fair in Novato features a wide selection of unique crafts, from jewelry, ceramics, and wreaths to specialty foods, ornaments, and bath and body products. The best part? We've got entertainment and food to add to the festive atmosphere. Don’t miss this great opportunity to support local artisans in Marin County.

Note: Admission is free, but cash is recommended for purchases.

 

Create Your Holiday Masterpiece at McEvoy Ranch

• Date: Sunday, December 8, 2024
• Time: 11:00 am or 2:00 pm

Head to McEvoy Ranch’s wreath-making workshop for a fun holiday activity. Surrounded by nature, you’ll craft your own beautiful wreath using fresh greenery from the ranch’s garden. Enjoy a glass of wine (or a non-alcoholic drink) and a delicious boxed lunch on the Tasting Room Patio after the workshop.

This event sells out year after year, so make sure to reserve your spot early! The ticket includes wreath-making supplies, a glass of wine, and lunch.

 

Classics and Carols: Festive Melodies of the Season

Marin County’s holiday season comes alive with a magical lineup of musical performances. Here's what you need to know about them!

Broadway Holiday at Transcendence Theatre Company

• When: Wednesday, December 18, 2024, at 7:00 pm
• Where: Transcendence Theatre Company

Enjoy an evening of sparkle and shine as Broadway stars from shows like Frozen, Mrs. Doubtfire, and Wicked perform festive tunes and Broadway favorites.

 

Holiday Choral by Candlelight at The Church of Saint Raphael

• When: Saturday, December 7, 2024, at 7:30 pm
• Where: The Church of Saint Raphael

This serene concert, led by conductor Kevin Fox, features traditional and contemporary holiday pieces from the Marin Symphony Chamber Chorus and Girls Chorus, complemented by the soft glow of candlelight. Guests can enjoy carols, harp solos, and an evening of beautiful choral music.

 

Nutcracker 2024 by Marin Ballet

• When: December 7 & 8, 2024, at 1 pm and 5 pm both days
• Where: Center for the Arts, Novato

Take part in Clara’s enchanting Christmas Eve dreams brought to life by 125 dancers in elaborate Victorian costumes. A classic holiday tradition, the Nutcracker is a must-see for families and fans of the arts.

 

Snow, Lights, and Holiday Cheer at Marin’s Winter Celebrations

Feel the warmth and magic of the community with Marin County's winter festivities. From tree lighting to dreamy winter wonderlands, these celebrations offer families a chance to enjoy lively music, delicious treats, and unique holiday activities.

Mill Valley’s Winterfest

• When: Sunday, December 8, 2024
• Where: Downtown Mill Valley

Experience the holiday spirit in downtown Mill Valley at the annual Winterfest. This event features the annual tree-lighting ceremony at Depot Plaza featuring incoming Mayor Stephen Burke. Along with that, there are also live performances and plenty of food options from local restaurants. Kids can enjoy activities like the new kiddie train ride at Lytton Square, plus a chance to meet Santa!

 

Parade of Lights & Winter Wonderland in San Rafael

• When: Saturday, November 30, 2024, 11:00 am - 6:00 pm
• Where: Downtown San Rafael

Kick off the season with a community-wide celebration involving holiday exhibits, kids' rides, inflatables, hands-on art activities, food trucks, and more. Additional attractions include an Elf Hunt, a window decorating contest, and live entertainment, making it a busy day of fun!

Starting at noon, the DJ will fill the plaza with holiday music, leading up to the highly anticipated holiday tree lighting at 5:30 pm.

 

Winter Wonderland in Ross

• When: December 6 - 15, 2024, 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm
• Where: Marin Art & Garden Center

Step into a magical Winter Wonderland with synthetic ice skating under twinkling lights, along with warm drinks and musical events. Kids can decorate cookies, while the whole family can enjoy snow and music at the Livermore Pavilion.

 

Savor the Flavors of Marin County's Culinary Scene

From charming bistros to upscale restaurants, Marin County offers a diverse and rich dining experience. With over 500 restaurants, the region showcases flavors from around the globe. Whether dining in a scenic bayside café, a cozy mountain lodge, or a historic country inn, you can have a memorable culinary adventure with locally sourced wines, fresh seafood, and farm-to-table delights.

Beaujolais Nouveau at Left Bank Brasserie

• Date: Saturday, November 23, 2024
• Time: Special Menu Additions for Lunch and Dinner Until 9:00 pm

Celebrate the arrival of Beaujolais Nouveau, a French tradition marking the release of this red wine made from the Gamay grape, tasting similar to a light-bodied Pinot Noir. Enjoy its fresh, fruity flavors, paired perfectly with autumn dishes at Left Bank Brasserie.

Get into the spirit of this vibrant holiday with a glass of Beaujolais Nouveau and delightful seasonal menu additions.

Note: Reservations are recommended.

 

Brunch With us in Sausalito at Ditas Marin

• Date: Sunday, November 24, 2024
• Time: Brunch served Saturday and Sunday from 11:00 am - 2:00 pm

Ditas Marin, located on the scenic waterfront in Sausalito, is the perfect spot to enjoy a relaxing brunch with stunning views of San Francisco and the bay. With French-inspired windows and a charming outdoor deck, the restaurant offers an approachable yet elegant dining experience.

Indulge in popular brunch dishes like Quiche Lorraine, Fried Chicken & Biscuits, and House-made Breakfast Sausage, crafted by award-winning chefs.

Ditas Marin is also open for dinner from Wednesday to Sunday, from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm.

 

Book Your Santa Visit for That Perfect Holiday Card

This holiday season, make magical memories with Santa at The Village Corte Madera! Santa will be in Macy's Court from November 21 through December 24. While visiting is free, photo packages are available for purchase. Pre-book your spot to skip the line and receive a special personalized call and video from the North Pole.

Check here to learn more about Santa’s schedule and visiting hours.

Ready to explore the best of Marin’s holiday events? Don’t miss out on the festive fun all season long. For the best places to stay in Marin, visit the Marin CVB at visitmarin.org/hotels and see available package deals.