Back to top

Note: Sadly, 2010 was the final season for the Marinwood Christmas House. It won't be back this year, so enjoy these photos from last Christmas.

Marinwood Christmas HouseLast year, the most exciting holiday news in Marin was that the famous Marinwood Christmas House was back! At the time it was rumored to be a one-time-only event, undertaken in honor of the late Charles "Dooley" Stitham, who put together this impressive display for decades and who passed away in 2009. We're glad to report that it's here again this year and as awesome as ever!

Anyone who grew up in Marin—especially in San Rafael and Novato—in the past 40 years certainly has fond memories of this amazing decorated house. It was the Christmas House; the one all others aspired to be and the most amazing Christmas house ever. Lighted and decorated and full of colorful animated figures, dolls, toys, and holiday scenes, the Marinwood Christmas House is another of Marin's holiday must-sees. It's open daily through New Year's Day 5–10 pm.

Address: 285 Adobestone Court in Marinwood. (Note: if you go, make sure you park your car on Blackstone Drive and walk up Adobestone Court to the house.)

Will it be back again next year? Better make sure you visit at least once this season just in case. We were lucky to be able to see it again last year, and are especially excited to be able to experience it again in 2010!

Get the full story, see photos of the house, and discuss on the Friends of the Marinwood Christmas House group on Facebook.

Below the image gallery is a video of a news report from the '80s posted by MarinNostalgia.org showing some of the Christmas House magic and featuring a brief interview with Mr. Stitham.

While you're in the neighborhood, be sure to swing by the Nisja's Bear House on nearby Quietwood Drive, Linda's Snow Village around the corner on Miller Creek Road, the Mickey Mouse House up the road on Blackstone Drive