TOP PICKS

Holiday Lights + Santa Sightings

Here are some fun events to kick off the holiday season.

Our Top Picks

Recommendation  #1
Marin Art & Garden Center

Marin Art and Garden Center's Winter Wonderland is a magical holiday experience. Come and enjoy:

-- An outdoor skating rink with snow & music.

-- An enchanting light installation with scavenger hunt for kids

-- Snacks, hot cocoa and cider at the Watering Can.

-- A warming hut on the Livermore deck with a fireplace, twinkle lights, and heaters.

-- Traditional holiday greens sale.

-- Holiday shopping at WERKSTATT in The Shop.

-- The Ross Valley Players production of It’s A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play in the Barn Theater.

-- Children’s concerts.

-- Pixie Park’s famous bake sale.

Admission is FREESkating tickets are $30.

* Plus, don't miss WinterFest this Saturday (3pm - 6pm)! Enjoy train rides, holiday activities, food, drinks, sweets, and more!

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HOURS:
December 1 - 10 (4pm - 8pm). WinterFest: Saturday, December 2nd (3pm - 5pm)
Recommendation #2
Mill Valley Downtown Plaza

Mill Valley's Winterfest is back - and now it's spread out over two Sundays in December. Enjoy the tree lighting in the downtown Plaza on December 3rd + family activities at the Mill Valley Community Center (December 17th).​

Schedule of Events:

Sunday Dec. 3rd at the Depot Plaza

-- Live Music and Tree Lighting

Sunday, Dec. 17th at Mill Valley Community Center

-- Enjoy activities for all ages include a Bouncy House, Giant Rainbow slide, entertainment, crafts and more!

-- Singers Marin, Marin Girls Chorus, Marin Conservatory of Dance, more...

-- Food Trucks  + Kid & Adult beverages 

·- Special appearance by Santa Claus 

​After Winterfest, grab a bite at one of the restaurants in or near the plaza (Piazza D'Angelo, Gravity Tavern, Playa, Croner Bar, La Ginestra, Paseo Bistro, and Bungalow 44).

***

Admission is FREE.

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HOURS:
Sunday, December 3rd: 5pm - 6pm AND Sunday, December 17th: 12pm - 4pm
Recommendation #3
Nick's Cove

Santa Claus is coming to Nick's Cove via his water sleigh this Sunday!

At 3pm, Santa will arrive and set up his Christmas shop at the Nick's Cove Boat Shack where he'll take free photos with grown-ups, kids and pets. There will also be complimentary hot chocolate and cookies as well as seasonal specials served all day in the restaurant.

***

Admission is FREE.

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HOURS:
Sunday, December 3rd: 3pm - 5pm
Recommendation #4

Prepare to be enchanted by The Lights at Northgate Mall, the Bay Area’s Premier Holiday Lights Experience (Nov. 1 – Dec. 30), featuring more than 125,000 dazzling lights spread across 7 curated rooms. Each room boasts unique designs and themes to enjoy the holiday spirit, including an interactive Kid Zone with an LED dance floor and neon chalk art wall.

 

From the moment you enter, you'll be transported to a winter wonderland full of twinkling fairy lights and visual delights.

 

Make sure to buy tickets early for this magical event. 

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HOURS:
Tuesday - Sunday: 12pm - 8pm.
Recommendation #5
Town of San Anselmo

San Anselmo will be celebrating the season with their annual Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony this Saturday. Get ready for an afternoon of family fun and all things merry.

Schedule of Events:

4pm - 7pm: Trackless train, free rides for children

5pm - 6pm: Tree Lighting Ceremony. Santa is coming to town riding on a great Fire Department Engine.

Attendees can enjoy free Hot Cocoa (by Marin Coffee Roasters) 

and Cookies (by United Markets).

**

Admission is FREE

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HOURS:
Saturday, December 2nd: 3:30pm - 7pm
Recommendation #6
The City of Sausalito

Kick off the holiday season in Sausalito with live music, a community sing-a-long, a grand welcome from the Mayor, and a visit from Santa

The annual Christmas Tree Lighting will take place this Saturday from 5:30pm - 6:30pm at Viña del Mar Park.

GET MORE INFO
HOURS:
Saturday, December 2nd: 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Recommendation #7
Visit Novato

Downtown Novato is kicking off the holiday season with its annual tree lighting this Saturday.. 

There will be special musical performancestreats & hot drinkscraft booths and children's activities, plus plenty of holiday shopping booths on Grant Avenue. Rumor has it that Santa & his Elves will be making an appearance.

This is one community event you won't want to miss!

Admission is FREE.

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HOURS:
Saturday, December 2nd: 4pm - 7:30pm
Recommendation #8
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Recommendation #9
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Recommendation #10
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