San Rafael Christmas Events & Things to Do 2025

Experience a magical Winter Wonderland at the Marin Art and Garden Center. This enchanting holiday event transforms the gardens into a festive spectacle, featuring an outdoor ice skating rink, cozy fire pits, and delightful activities for all ages. Enjoy seasonal treats and immerse yourself in the holiday spirit.

Step into a winter wonderland at The Lights at Northgate Mall, Marin's captivating indoor holiday light walk-through. This enchanting experience transforms the mall into a festive spectacle, perfect for creating cherished holiday memories.

Step into a magical holiday wonderland at the Solano Christmas Village. This festive event features a spectacular Christmas Lantern Parade, bringing a dazzling display of light and color to the community. The opening and lighting ceremony officially kicks off the season, transforming the village into a breathtaking spectacle of holiday...

Experience the magic of the holiday season at Fourth Street's Dazzling Holiday Lights event. Stroll through three blocks of sparkling lights, enjoy complimentary hot beverages and cookies, and be entertained by live music and captivating magic shows. Encounter whimsical costumed characters and participate in a fun art project, marking the...

Experience the magic of the holiday season at The Safeway Holiday Ice Rink in Union Square, San Francisco's premier outdoor skating destination. Glide under the stars surrounded by festive lights and iconic city views. This beloved tradition offers hour-long sessions daily, with special events like Drag on Ice and Silent...

Experience a magical winter evening at the California Academy of Sciences' Welcome Winter Night. This family-friendly event features live reindeer, festive cookie decorating, enchanting magic shows, and late-night access to the museum's captivating exhibits. It's the perfect opportunity to create cherished holiday memories.

Step into a world of enchantment at Lightscape, an immersive light and music experience transforming the San Francisco Botanical Garden. Wander a mile-long trail illuminated by over a million twinkling lights, showcasing dramatic colors, otherworldly sculptures, and captivating water features. It's a magical winter landscape perfect for creating lasting memories...

Let's Glow SF returns to downtown San Francisco as the nation's largest holiday projection event. This free festival transforms 8 locations with large-scale animated light installations by 16 international artists. Experience nightly shows from 5:30 PM to 10:00 PM, including a special 'Glow on Front' Neon Block Party. The event...

Get ready for the enchanting Winter Wonderland Lighting Ceremony, a beloved event that officially kicks off the holiday season. This magical occasion transforms the area into a festive spectacle, perfect for families and individuals looking to embrace the spirit of the holidays. Prepare for a dazzling display that will fill...

Step into a world of enchantment at Oakland Zoo's Glowfari, a spectacular lantern festival. This family-friendly event features hundreds of new, larger-than-life animal lanterns that illuminate the zoo with stories of wildlife and conservation. Explore themed zones, including a captivating reptile train ride, vibrant underwater reefs, and majestic African savanna...

Embark on a magical holiday adventure with Santa Claus aboard the Napa Valley Wine Train's Santa Train Jolly Journeys. This festive excursion through Napa Valley offers a delightful experience for all ages, complete with caroling, hot cider, and a special visit from Santa himself. Choose from four unique journeys, each...

Experience the enchantment of Downtown San Leandro's 28th Annual 'It's a Wonderful Night' holiday celebration. This beloved family-friendly event features a magical tree lighting ceremony, delightful holiday performances, opportunities to meet Santa Claus, and charming holiday train rides. Explore a festive market filled with unique gifts and seasonal treats, all...

Join the 4th Annual Great Downtown San Rafael Elf Hunt! Search for mischievous elves hiding in businesses along 4th Street. Download a map, find the elves, record their names, and turn in your map at Mike Bike's for a chance to win gift baskets worth up to $200. It's a...

Step into a magical holiday wonderland at The Christmas House, a cherished tradition at West End Nursery since 1985. Marvel at over 60 uniquely themed trees adorned with thousands of ornaments, and discover one-of-a-kind decorations. Meet Santa and his First Responder friends for free photos, and enjoy cookies with Mrs....

Discover unique holiday treasures at the Novato Holiday Crafts Faire. This festive event features over 50 artisans showcasing handmade crafts like jewelry, ceramics, specialty foods, and ornaments. Enjoy live entertainment and delicious food while finding the perfect gifts for everyone on your list. Admission is free, making it an accessible...

Experience a cherished San Francisco holiday tradition at The Guardsmen Tree Lot. Since 1947, this all-volunteer organization has offered a wide selection of fresh-cut Noble Fir Christmas trees, wreaths, and garlands, with all proceeds benefiting at-risk youth in the Bay Area. It's a festive way to kick off the holiday...

Discover unique holiday treasures and festive cheer at the Mission Bay Christmas Market. This event offers a delightful opportunity to find handcrafted gifts, seasonal decorations, and artisanal goods from local vendors. Immerse yourself in the holiday spirit with a charming market atmosphere.

Experience the magic of the season at the Downtown Alameda Winter Market. This festive event brings together local vendors, offering unique crafts and seasonal delights. Visitors can enjoy live entertainment, festive sips, and delicious bites, creating a joyful atmosphere for all.

Discover unique handmade treasures and festive holiday spirit at the Christmas Craft Fair hosted by Faith Lutheran Church of Sonoma Valley. Browse a delightful array of crafts from local artisans, perfect for finding that special gift. Enjoy seasonal treats and soak in the community atmosphere.

Discover unique, handcrafted treasures at the Holiday Gift & Craft Fair. This vibrant event showcases around 70 local artists and makers, offering a diverse selection of one-of-a-kind gifts. Browse beautiful jewelry, cozy knitted goods, festive holiday decorations, and custom creations. It's the perfect opportunity to get a head start on...

Discover a cherished holiday tradition at the Shadelands Ranch Holiday Faire. For over two weeks, the historic ranch house is transformed into a festive marketplace, brimming with unique handcrafted items and gifts from dozens of talented vendors. It's the perfect place to find special treasures and soak in the holiday...

Marin Ballet presents their enchanting Nutcracker, a timeless holiday tradition. Follow Clara's magical Christmas Eve journey brought to life by 125 talented dancers. The performance features stunning Victorian costumes, elaborate sets, and a touch of airborne magic, promising a delightful experience for all ages.

Step into a world of enchantment with San Francisco Ballet's historic Nutcracker. Transport yourself to 1915 San Francisco and witness a timeless story unfold through breathtaking dance. Experience the magic of snowflakes, flowers, and dreams coming to life in this iconic holiday tradition.

Immerse yourself in the holiday spirit with the San Francisco Symphony's festive concert series. They offer a magical blend of live orchestral performances, beloved holiday films accompanied by a symphony, and special guest artists. From 'A Merry-Achi Christmas' to 'Disney's Frozen in Concert,' there's a performance to delight every member...

Celebrate six decades of dance with Graham Lustig's enchanting production of The Nutcracker. This beloved holiday classic features stunning choreography, magnificent sets, and imaginative costumes, all brought to life by the Oakland Symphony and the Piedmont East Bay Children's Choir performing Tchaikovsky's iconic score. Follow Marie's adventure as she rescues...

Experience the magic of the holiday season with 'A Chanticleer Christmas,' a beloved tradition. This acclaimed vocal ensemble, known as an 'Orchestra of Voices,' will fill the air with centuries of music, from hushed reverence to joyous celebration. Performed by candlelight, their harmonies illuminate the spirit of Christmas, offering a...

Experience the magic of The Nutcracker, celebrating its 37th year! Join Clara on a whimsical journey through a land of giant mice and toy soldiers, culminating in the delightful Candy Kingdom. This festive production features colorful costumes, enchanting sets, and the talents of young dancers, offering an elegant and captivating...

Experience the magic of the holiday season with Transcendence Theatre Company's Broadway Holiday. This cherished tradition returns with dazzling performances by Broadway stars, featuring festive favorites and heartwarming moments. Attend at Sonoma Country Day School in Santa Rosa or the historic Sebastiani Theatre in Sonoma for an unforgettable theatrical celebration.

Celebrate Chanukah with the Novato community at a vibrant party filled with warmth and joy. This free event features a delicious dinner of Chinese food and Kosher fortune cookies, alongside engaging dreidel games and festive singing. Experience a traditional Menorah lighting and enjoy sweet treats like donuts and latkes. It's...

Ring in the New Year with an unforgettable culinary journey aboard the Napa Valley Wine Train's 'Midnight In Paris: A Legacy NYE Celebration.' This six-hour excursion pays homage to Napa's history with a special wine selection and a three-course gourmet meal served on vintage 1915 Pullman cars. The celebration culminates...

Join the community in Downtown San Rafael for a joyous celebration of Chanukah. This event features the lighting of a giant menorah, live music, dancing, and a fun chocolate gelt drop. Attendees who bring a non-perishable food item for the Marin/SF Food Bank will receive a complimentary hot chocolate and...

Experience the magic of the holiday season in Downtown San Rafael with a festive array of events. They host a traditional Tree Lighting ceremony and a meaningful Menorah Lighting with a Gelt Drop. Engage in the fun of the annual Elf Hunt, admire creative holiday window displays, and find unique...

Families can gather to build and decorate their own unique mosaic Menorah and a wooden dreidel. This engaging workshop offers a fun way to learn about Chanukah traditions while enjoying festive treats like latkes and gelt. It's a perfect, free activity for all ages to celebrate the holiday.

Sausalito Winterfest transforms the waterfront into a holiday wonderland with two days of festive events. Kick off the celebration with the dazzling Lighted Boat Parade and a spectacular fireworks show on Saturday evening. Sunday brings the energetic Jingle Bell 5K Run and a Kids Fun Run, followed by a delightful...

Witness the Petaluma River come alive with holiday spirit during the annual Lighted Boat Parade. Organized by the Petaluma Yacht Club, this enchanting event features a dazzling procession of decorated boats of all types, from power and sail to human-powered vessels. Thousands of spectators line the shores to enjoy this...

Thousands of spectators line the shores to witness the Petaluma Lighted Boat Parade, a cherished tradition that marks the start of the holiday season. Vessels of all types, from large yachts to smaller craft, are invited to join the illuminated flotilla. Participants are encouraged to decorate their boats with festive...

Walnut Creek on Ice returns for its 20th anniversary, transforming Civic Park into a festive winter wonderland. This beloved community tradition offers a massive outdoor ice rink, a thrilling ice slide, and cozy fire pit rentals. It's the perfect destination for holiday fun, drawing visitors for skating, celebrations, and more.

Experience the magic of the holiday season at the City of Concord's Annual Tree Lighting & Mayor's Sing-Along. This cherished event brings the community together to celebrate the start of the festive period with carols and the ceremonial lighting of the city's Christmas tree. Join the Mayor for a heartwarming...