Events and Outings

 Visit the Amazing Rombeiro Christmas House in Novato this Weekend!

There's also holiday ice skating at numerous locations throughout the Bay Area, opportunities to visit with Santa Claus at local shopping centers, and amazing decorated holiday houses.

Friday, December 23

• Holiday Ice Skating in Union Square
  San Francisco
  Friday–Sunday, 10 am–11:30 pm
  Union Square, San Francisco's main shopping district, gets into the ice skating spirit during the holiday season with an outdoor ice rink sponsored by Safeway. 90-minute sessions start on every even hour. Admission: $11 for adults, 7 children 8 and under. Skate rental $6. Information: (415) 781-2688 or visit their website.
• A Charlie Brown Christmas
  Davies Symphony Hall, San Francisco
  Friday, 11 am, 2 pm and Saturday, 2 pm
  Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Linus, Lucy, and the entire Peanuts gang bring this television classic to life. With live actors, an animated backdrop, and Vince Guaraldi’s timeless music performed by the San Francisco Symphony, it’s A Charlie Brown Christmas experience you won’t want to miss. This family-friendly concert begins with Tony Award-winner Ruthie Ann Miles (The King and I) singing holiday favorites with the SF Symphony and SF Symphony Chorus. Purchase tickets here. Location: 201 Van Ness, San Francisco. For more info, visit their website.
• Nike Missile Site Open House
  Marin Headlands, Sausalito
  Friday, 12:30–3:30 pm
  Unique in the National Park Service, this restored Cold War anti-aircraft missile site has intriguing stories to tell. Take a ranger-guided tour of this restored facility, and learn about its history from volunteers, many of whom served at sites like. Free. Read about our visit here. For more info, visit their website.
• Polar Express Train Ride
  Santa Cruz
  Saturday, 1, 3 & 7:30 pm
  The Polar Express Train Ride departs from Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, complete with dancing chefs, singing elves, and a special gift from Santa Claus himself—a silver sleigh bell. Don't forget to wear your pajamas while you enjoy cookies, hot chocolate, and a reading of The Polar Express while on board. First-class tickets still available for rides this weekend. For more info and tickets, call (877) 726-7245 or visit their website.
• LEGO Play Day
  Mill Valley Library
  Friday, 2:30 pm
  Get in touch with your inner engineer and build with colorful LEGO! We bring out our collection of more than 10,000 bricks, and kids can build whatever they imagine. Free. No sign up needed. Location: 375 Throckmorton Ave. Mill Valley. For more info, visit their website
• Le Petit Cirque de Noël
  Marin Country Mart, Larkspur
  Friday, 5:15 pm & 7:30 pm
  Full of enchantment, thrill and wonder, Le Cirque de Bohème has delighted kids and adults for years. Founded by Frenchman Michel Michelis, his circus company, Le Cirque de Bohème, was created 12 years ago in Paris and moved to California seven years ago. All tickets are  $25. However, because space is limited in the tent, all attendees must have a ticket, available here at Brown Paper Tickets here.
• San Francisco Ballet Nutcracker
  War Memorial Opera House
  Friday, 2 & 7 pm, Saturday, 11 am & 4 pm
  San Francisco Ballet’s awe-inspiring production is like no other, with colorful, larger-than-life scenery, over 200 dazzling costumed characters, and of course Tchaikovsky’s beautiful score performed live by the world-class San Francisco Ballet Orchestra. Ticket prices start at $65. For more info, call (415) 865-2000 or visit their website.
• Marin on Ice
  Northgate Mall, San Rafael
  Friday, 2–10 pm, Saturday, noon–10 pm, Sunday, noon–9 pm
  This Saturday, Marin on Ice opens for another season of outdoor ice skating at San Rafael's Northgate Mall, where it runs through January 11. Marin's only holiday ice skating rink features 6,300 square feet of real ice and will be open daily for outdoor skating. Skating is $15 per person, which includes skate rental. Private ice cabanas will also be available for rental and "Skate Buddies" are available for beginners. For more info, visit their website.
• African-American Shakespeare Company: Cinderella
  Herbst Theatre, Fort Mason, San Francisco
  Friday, 3 & 8 pm, Saturday, 11 am & 3 pm
  Back by popular demand, the holiday season once again sees the return of this heartwarming holiday show where Cinderella, toiling away as a lowly scullery maid to please her evil stepmother (and oddly masculine stepsisters) comes in contact with a Fairy Godmother who means business with a capital B. Aided by the help of a little bit of magic, Cinderella finds her Prince Charming and learns that anything—even miracles—are possible when you believe in yourself. After the show audience members will have a magical moment to meet the entire cast for a holiday “meet and greet” picture opportunity. Tickets: $20–$40. For more info, visit their website.
• ZooLights 2016
  San Francisco Zoo
  Friday, 5–8 pm
  Experience the wonder of the holiday season and enjoy your 100-acre park, conservation center, and zoo under beautiful and bright lights. ZooLights 2016 takes you on a magical trip to a destination like no other—with Santa Claus, reindeer and a holiday marketplace with food and seasonal delights. Lovely music from carolers will fill the air and bright lights will shine the way as you leave the city behind and retreat to a holiday hideaway. Admission: $8 adults, $6 youth 4–14, free for kids 3 and under; parking $10. Location: Sloat Boulevard at the Great Highway, San Francisco. For more info, visit their website.
• Zoo Lights
  Oakland Zoo
  Friday, 5:30–9 pm,
  Hundreds of thousands of LED lights brighten Oakland's night sky. Highlights include a candy cane lane themed rides area, a night time adventure on the Outback Express train, rocking around the Christmas trees and a light show that's sure to blow out any bah-hum-bugs. ZooLights is a separate event and is not included in regular Zoo Admission. $8 adults, $7 children 2–14 and seniors 65+, free for children under 2 and adults over 80. For more info, visit their website.
• Rombeiro Christmas House
  Devonshire Drive, Novato
  Friday–Sunday, 6–10 pm
  Their home is something that truly has to be seen to be believed, and photos don't really do it justice. There are something like 140,000 lights as well as countless figurines, dioramas, and decorations adorning the front and side yards, walls, and roof of the Rombeiro house. If you think the outside is impressive, then you need to go on inside and get a healthy dose of Christmas spirit. You'll find model trains, more figurines, Christmas trees, and the biggest lighted holiday village you've ever seen. Location: 34 Devonshire Drive, off of Center Road, Novato. For more info, read about our visit here.
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One of our must-do family tradions during the holidays is to visit Snoopy's Home Ice, as well as the Charles M. Schulz Museum right next door. The arena was a gift to the North Bay community from the late Santa Rosa resident and Peanuts cartoonist Charles M. Schulz, and has been going strong since 1969.

I always consider an outing here a holiday tradition, especially since I grew up watching A Charlie Brown Christmas every year, and attended a few holiday ice shows here over the years, too. It was always a treat to see Charles Schulz himself sitting in the audience, enjoying the show and chatting with visitors. 

Visit the Mickey Mouse House in Marinwood this weekend. It's open nightly from 6–10 pm.

There's also holiday ice skating at numerous locations throughout the Bay Area, opportunities to visit with Santa Claus at local shopping centers, and amazing decorated holiday houses. Also, check out our North Bay Christmas Tree Farms and Lots article.

Friday, December 16

• Great Dickens Christmas Fair
  Cow Palace, San Francisco
  Friday–Sunday, 10 am–7 pm
  Experience Victorian London with hundreds of costumed players, shops offering one-of-a-kind gifts and Christmas treasures, dining, and pubs. Meet Charles Dickens, Oliver Twist, Tiny Tim, Jules Verne, David Copperfield, Charles Darwin, and 700 costumed characters. Of course, Father Christmas himself will be on hand to join in the fun. Purchase tickets here. For more info, visit their website.
• Top of the Mark Children’s Magical Holiday Tea
  999 California Street at Mason, San Francisco
  Friday & Saturday, noon–4 pm
  Magical Holiday Tea is open to kids and adults of all ages. Guests will enjoy a cookie decorating station, Santa's sleigh in the lobby, Raul the Master Baloonatic, and face painting by Fire Pixie, Bri the Magical Holiday Character, plus a tea-time buffet. Santa will visit on Saturdays, too! $70 per person; $66 with toy donation to the San Francisco Firefighters Toy Drive. Advance reservations required: (415) 616-6941. Location: 999 California Street. For more info, visit their website.
• San Francisco Ballet Nutcracker
  War Memorial Opera House
  Friday, Saturday and Sunday, 2 & 7 pm
  San Francisco Ballet’s awe-inspiring production is like no other, with colorful, larger-than-life scenery, over 200 dazzling costumed characters, and of course Tchaikovsky’s beautiful score performed live by the world-class San Francisco Ballet Orchestra. Ticket prices start at $65. For more info, call (415) 865-2000 or visit their website.
• Marin on Ice
  Northgate Mall, San Rafael
  Friday, 2–10 pm, Saturday, noon–10 pm, Sunday, noon–9 pm
  This Saturday, Marin on Ice opens for another season of outdoor ice skating at San Rafael's Northgate Mall, where it runs through January 11. Marin's only holiday ice skating rink features 6,300 square feet of real ice and will be open daily for outdoor skating. Skating is $15 per person, which includes skate rental. Private ice cabanas will also be available for rental and "Skate Buddies" are available for beginners. For more info, visit their website.
• The Snowman: A Holiday Film with the San Francisco Symphony
  San Francisco Symphony, Davies Hall
  Friday, 4 pm, Saturday, 2 pm & Sunday, 11 am & 2 pm
  On a cold December night, a young boy builds a snowman that magically comes to life. The two go on an enchanted adventure, soaring through the sky, making new friends, and meeting Santa Claus himself. It all happens in the Academy Award-nominated short film, The Snowman. Take part in this extraordinary tale of friendship as the movie is projected on the big screen and the SF Symphony performs the score live. Also on the program, jazzy Christmas hits with vocalist Ruthie Ann Miles, the Pacific Boychoir, and the Symphony. Tickets $15 and up; 17 and under half-price. For more info, visit their website.
• Napa Valley Wine Train Santa Trains
  Napa
  Friday, Saturday & Sunday, 5 & 8 pm
  Napa Valley Wine Trains' Santa Express Trains are a magical experience for the whole family. Santa and some special friends will be on board, of course. Tickets do sell out very early, so check for availablity at (800) 427-4124. Tickets start at $55 per person. Refreshments available for purchase on board. More information
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Visit the Amazing Rombeiro Christmas House in Novato this Weekend!

Other Holiday Happenings: holiday ice skating, visit with Santa Claus, North Bay Christmas Tree Farms and Lots, festive holiday teas, holidays in San Francisco, and visit one of Marin's Amazing Lighted Houses.

Friday, December 9

• Victorian Holiday Tea
  Haas-Lilienthal House, San Francisco
  Friday, 3 pm & Saturday & Sunday, noon & 3 pm
  Celebrate the holidays by stepping back in time and enjoying perfectly-blended pots of tea, savory finger sandwiches, delicate scones, and holiday sweets in the formal dining room of the 1886 Haas-Lilienthal House. Cost: $48 adults, $24 children. RSVP here. Location: 2007 Franklin Street, San Francisco. For more info, visit their website.
• Great Dickens Christmas Fair
  Cow Palace, San Francisco
  Friday–Sunday, 10 am–7 pm
  The Dickens Fair runs on weekends through December 20. Experience Victorian London with hundreds of costumed players, shops offering one-of-a-kind gifts and Christmas treasures, dining, and pubs. Meet Charles Dickens, Oliver Twist, Tiny Tim, Jules Verne, David Copperfield, Charles Darwin, and 700 costumed characters. Of course, Father Christmas himself will be on hand to join in the fun. Purchase tickets here. For more info, visit their website.
• Holiday Ice Skating in Union Square
  San Francisco
  Friday–Sunday, 10 am–11:30 pm
  Union Square, San Francisco's main shopping district, gets into the ice skating spirit during the holiday season with an outdoor ice rink sponsored by Safeway. 90-minute sessions start on every even hour. Admission: $11 for adults, 7 children 8 and under. Skate rental $6. Information: (415) 781-2688 or visit their website.
• The Velveteen Rabbit
  Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, San Francisco
  Friday, 11 am, Saturday, 1 & 4 pm and Sunday, 2 pm
  Bring the family for this beloved Bay Area holiday tradition. ODC/Dance enlivens Margery Williams’ classic tale of a well-worn nursery rabbit that becomes real. Told though music, dance and a powerful narrative, The Velveteen Rabbit celebrates the unique relationship between a little boy and his stuffed rabbit, and the enduring power of love. Tickets range from $15 to $75. For more info, visit their website.
• Marin on Ice
  Northgate Mall, San Rafael
  Friday, 2–10 pm, Saturday, noon–10 pm, Sunday, noon–9 pm
  This Saturday, Marin on Ice opens for another season of outdoor ice skating at San Rafael's Northgate Mall, where it runs through January 11. Marin's only holiday ice skating rink features 6,300 square feet of real ice and will be open daily for outdoor skating. Skating is $15 per person, which includes skate rental. Private ice cabanas will also be available for rental and "Skate Buddies" are available for beginners. For more info, visit their website.
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Come and celebrate the holiday season with four of Marin's best loved kids entertainers: Tim Cain, Miss Kitty, Christopher Smith, and Cindy Cohen, accompanied by Peter Penhallow and the Dream Circle Band, for this year's Dream Circle Holiday Concert at the Bay Area Discovery Museum. The concert takes place this Saturday, December 10, 2016 with two performances at 10:30 and 11:45 am.

Bring the entire family ages 1 and up to sing and dance at this delightful and uplifting seasonal celebration featuring songs for a wide range of winter holidays, including Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and Chinese New Year. Dream Circle is indeed a dream lineup of the superstars of local children’s entertainertainment!

Check out our guide to North Bay Christmas tree farms and lots here.

There's also holiday ice skating at numerous locations throughout the Bay Area, as well as opportunities to visit with Santa Claus at local shopping centers and to visit Marin's amazing lighted holiday houses! 

Friday, December 2

• Great Dickens Christmas Fair
  Cow Palace, San Francisco
  Friday–Sunday, 10 am–7 pm
  The Dickens Fair runs on weekends through December 20. Experience Victorian London with hundreds of costumed players, shops offering one-of-a-kind gifts and Christmas treasures, dining, and pubs. Meet Charles Dickens, Oliver Twist, Tiny Tim, Jules Verne, David Copperfield, Charles Darwin, and 700 costumed characters. Of course, Father Christmas himself will be on hand to join in the fun. Purchase tickets here. For more info, visit their website.
• Holiday Ice Skating in Union Square
  San Francisco
  Friday–Sunday, 10 am–11:30 pm
  Union Square, San Francisco's main shopping district, gets into the ice skating spirit during the holiday season with an outdoor ice rink sponsored by Safeway. 90-minute sessions start on every even hour. Admission: $11 for adults, 7 children 8 and under. Skate rental $6. Information: (415) 781-2688 or visit their website.
• Marin Center Holiday Craft and Boutique Sale
  Marin Center, San Rafael
  Friday–Sunday, 11 am–8 pm
  Join us for some holiday cheer and shop artfully at the Marin Center’s Holiday Craft and Art Fair. With original artworks, crafts, jewelry, woodworks, silk scarves and more by some 35 hand-selected local artists there’s something for everyone on your holiday list. With over 700 items priced from $5 to $250, you can take home something special for the art lovers in your family while supporting the true creative culture of Marin! Shop till you drop and support your local artists! Free admission. Location: Marin Center Exhibit Hall, 10 Avenue of the Flags, San Rafael. For more info, visit their website.
• The Velveteen Rabbit
  Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, San Francisco
  Friday, 11 am, Saturday, 1 & 4 pm and Sunday, 2 pm
  Bring the family for this beloved Bay Area holiday tradition. ODC/Dance enlivens Margery Williams’ classic tale of a well-worn nursery rabbit that becomes real. Told though music, dance and a powerful narrative, The Velveteen Rabbit celebrates the unique relationship between a little boy and his stuffed rabbit, and the enduring power of love. Tickets range from $15 to $75. For more info, visit their website.
• Marin on Ice
  Northgate Mall, San Rafael
  Friday, 2–10 pm, Saturday, noon–10 pm, Sunday, noon–9 pm
  This Saturday, Marin on Ice opens for another season of outdoor ice skating at San Rafael's Northgate Mall, where it runs through January 11. Marin's only holiday ice skating rink features 6,300 square feet of real ice and will be open daily for outdoor skating. Skating is $15 per person, which includes skate rental. Private ice cabanas will also be available for rental and "Skate Buddies" are available for beginners. For more info, visit their website.
• Presidio Community Tree Lighting
  San Francisco Presidio Main Post
  Friday, 5:30–7 pm
  Light the tree and sing holiday classics along with the Golden Gate Carolers. Light refreshments and kids activities will follow in the Presidio Community YMCA gymnasium (63 Funston Avenue). After the tree lighting, don’t miss the lantern-lit evening forest walk, which will start at 6:15 pm. Meet in the Presidio Community YMCA gym. For more info, visit their website.
• Holiday Crafts Faire
  Margaret Todd Senior Center, Novato
  Friday. 6–9 pm and Saturday, 10 am–4 pm
  Shop for handmade holiday crafts at Novato's Margaret Todd Senior Center. Free admission. Location: 1560 Hill Road, Novato. For more info, visit their website.
• Dickens Family Victorian Holiday Party
  Falkirk Cultural Center, San Rafael
  Friday, 6:30 pm
  Partake in a holiday treat as you go back in time to Victorian England and meet Charles Dickens, listen to him read from his famous works, watch his characters come alive (look out for Scrooge), meet and greet the true Father Christmas, play Victorian parlor games, dance and sing with our Victorian family and make traditional holiday crafts. Light food and drink will be served. A true family event. Tickets: $12 adults, $9 children. Order tickets at (800) 838-3006 or online here. Location: 1408 Mission Avenue, San Rafael. For more info, visit their website.
• The Berkeley Playhouse: Disney's Beauty and the Beast
  The Julia Morgan Center for the Arts, Berkeley
  Friday, 7 pm, Saturday, 1 & 7 pm, Sunday, 2 pm
  The Disney (and Broadway!) favorite gets the Berkeley Playhouse makeover as founding Associate Artistic Director Kimberly Dooley helms this all new production featuring a diverse and multigenerational cast of dozens. Featuring some of Disney’s most popular songs and characters, you won’t want to miss this magical musical adventure guaranteed to delight audiences of all ages. Location: 2640 College Avenue, Berkeley. Tickets: $25–40. For more info, visit their website.

Saturday, December 3

• Polar Express Train Ride
  Santa Cruz
  Saturday & Sunday, various times
  The Polar Express Train Ride departs from Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, complete with dancing chefs, singing elves, and a special gift from Santa Claus himself—a silver sleigh bell. Don't forget to wear your pajamas while you enjoy cookies, hot chocolate, and a reading of The Polar Express while on board. First-class tickets still available for rides this weekend. For more info and tickets, call (877) 726-7245 or visit their website.
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Visit downtown San Rafael this Friday and Saturday for free snow sledding and more!

There's also holiday ice skating at numerous locations throughout the Bay Area, as well as opportunities to visit with Santa Claus at local shopping centers. Also, check out our guide to North Bay Christmas tree farms and Lots.

Friday, November 25

• Great Dickens Christmas Fair
  Cow Palace, San Francisco
  Friday–Sunday, 10 am–7 pm
  The Dickens Fair runs on weekends through December 20. Experience Victorian London with hundreds of costumed players, shops offering one-of-a-kind gifts and Christmas treasures, dining, and pubs. Meet Charles Dickens, Oliver Twist, Tiny Tim, Jules Verne, David Copperfield, Charles Darwin, and 700 costumed characters. Of course, Father Christmas himself will be on hand to join in the fun. Purchase tickets here. For more info, visit their website.
• Holiday Ice Skating in Union Square
  San Francisco
  Friday–Sunday, 10 am–11:30 pm
  Union Square, San Francisco's main shopping district, gets into the ice skating spirit during the holiday season with an outdoor ice rink sponsored by Safeway. 90-minute sessions start on every even hour. Admission: $11 for adults, 7 children 8 and under. Skate rental $6. Information: (415) 781-2688 or visit their website.
• The 37th Annual Parade of Lights and Winter Wonderland
  Downtown San Rafael
  Friday, noon–8 pm & Saturday, 9 am–noon
  Downtown San Rafael will once again commence the holiday season with its Winter Wonderland, Parade of Lights, and Holiday Marketplace with arts and crafts that starts the Friday after Thanksgiving. On Friday: free snow sledding, kids activities (noon–4:30 pm & 6–8 pm), Holiday Marketplace (noon–8 pm) and the Parade of Lights (5:30 pm) with Santa and Mrs. Claus's arrival and a tree-lighting immediately after. On Saturday, kids activities and snow sledding continues (9 am–noon). Location: Fourth Street from B Street to Lootens Place in downtown San Rafael. For more info, visit their website.
• Marin on Ice
  Northgate Mall, San Rafael
  Friday, 2–10 pm, Saturday, noon–10 pm, Sunday, noon–9 pm
  This Saturday, Marin on Ice opens for another season of outdoor ice skating at San Rafael's Northgate Mall, where it runs through January 11. Marin's only holiday ice skating rink features 6,300 square feet of real ice and will be open daily for outdoor skating. Skating is $15 per person, which includes skate rental. Private ice cabanas will also be available for rental and "Skate Buddies" are available for beginners. For more info, visit their website.
• The Velveteen Rabbit
  Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, San Francisco
  Friday & Saturday, 4 pm & Sunday, 2 pm
  Bring the family for this beloved Bay Area holiday tradition. ODC/Dance enlivens Margery Williams’ classic tale of a well-worn nursery rabbit that becomes real. Told though music, dance and a powerful narrative, The Velveteen Rabbit celebrates the unique relationship between a little boy and his stuffed rabbit, and the enduring power of love. Tickets range from $15 to $75. For more info, visit their website.
• Peter and the Starcatcher
  Spreckels Center for the Performing Arts, Rohnert Park
  Friday & Saturday, 8 pm
  Tony-winning Peter and the Starcatcher up ends the century-old story of how a miserable orphan comes to be the Boy Who Would Not Grow Up (a.k.a. Peter Pan). From marauding pirates and jungle tyrants to unwilling comrades and unlikely heroes, Peter and the Starcatcher playfully explores the depths of greed and despair and the bonds of friendship, duty, and love. Tickets: $26 general admission. Location: 5409 Snyder Lane, Rohnert Park. For more info, visit their website.
• A Winter Circus for the Holidays
  Cornerstone Sonoma
  Friday–Sunday, 3 & 5 pm
  An old style circus based on the French tradition of the 1920’s, Le Cirque de Bohème will transport you into a magical world filled with enchantment, adventure and wonder. This winter a Le Cirque de Bohème presents a new show: Stolen Moonlight. Delight in work of world class performers including a unicycle, contortionist, juggler, slack-rope, hand chair balancing, aerial fabrics, and a hooper aerialist. Tickets: $30 general, $1 kids under 15. More information
• Ghirardelli Square Annual Tree Lighting
  San Francisco
  Friday, 4–8 pm
  This Black Friday, Ghirardelli Square will be hosting its annual tree lighting ceremony with free kids activities, tenant promotions, live music, snow, Santa, and more Location: Ghirardelli Square, 900 North Point Street (at Beach and Larkin), San Francisco. For more info, visit their website.
• Winter Lights
  Old Courthouse Square, Santa Rosa
  Friday, 4:30–8 pm
  Winter Lights is an annual event that brings together community to celebrate the holidays and remember our loved ones. This all-ages event is family-oriented and multi-cultural, and features a tree lighting celebration, remembrance candle lighting ceremony, Santa Claus arriving on a fire truck, Taste of Santa Rosa, live entertainment, children's activities, photos with Santa, ornament painting, and ugly sweater contest, and more. Location: 25 Old Courthouse Square, Santa Rosa. For more info, visit their Facebook page.
• Macy's 27th Annual Union Square Tree Lighting
  Union Square Park, San Francisco
  Friday, 6 pm
  Macy's gift to the city and San Francisco's most recognized Christmas tree will be officially lit in Union Square at 6:40 pm. Macy's 27th Annual Tree Lighting will take place in Union Square Park between Sutter and Post and Geary and Stockton Streets, right across from the front of Macy's. For more info, visit their website.
• The Berkeley Playhouse: Disney's Beauty and the Beast
  The Julia Morgan Center for the Arts, Berkeley
  Friday, 7 pm, Saturday, 1 & 7 pm, Sunday, 2 pm
  The Disney (and Broadway!) favorite gets the Berkeley Playhouse makeover as founding Associate Artistic Director Kimberly Dooley helms this all new production featuring a diverse and multigenerational cast of dozens. Featuring some of Disney’s most popular songs and characters, you won’t want to miss this magical musical adventure guaranteed to delight audiences of all ages. Location: 2640 College Avenue, Berkeley. Tickets: $25–40. For more info, visit their website.
• Cinnabar Theater Young Repertory: The Music Man
  Cinnabar Theater, Petaluma
  Friday and Saturday, 7:30 pm
  There’s trouble in River City when fast-talking salesman Harold Hill gets his heart stolen by Marian, the town librarian. A delight for all ages and performed by two casts of talented young people, this lively show runs for three weekends only. Purchase tickets here. For more info, visit their website.

Saturday, November 26

• Polar Express Train Ride
  Santa Cruz
  Saturday & Sunday, various times
  The Polar Express Train Ride departs from Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, complete with dancing chefs, singing elves, and a special gift from Santa Claus himself—a silver sleigh bell. Don't forget to wear your pajamas while you enjoy cookies, hot chocolate, and a reading of The Polar Express while on board. First-class tickets still available for rides this weekend. For more info and tickets, call (877) 726-7245 or visit their website.
• The 37th Annual Parade of Lights and Winter Wonderland
  Downtown San Rafael
  Saturday, 9 am–noon
  On Saturday, kids activities and snow sledding continues in downtown San Rafael. Location: Fourth Street from B Street to Lootens Place in downtown San Rafael. For more info, visit their website.
• Marin Country Mart Farmers Market
  Marin Country Mart, Larkspur Landing
  Saturday, 9 am–2 pm
  Enjoy pony rides and a petting zoo for the kids from 10 am–2 pm adjacent to the farmer's market and live music. Bring the kids and get cozy under the tent to see a special performance by the one and only Emily Butterfly at 9:30 am! For more info, visit their website.
• Iceless Skating Rink
  Bay Area Discovery Museum, Sausalito
  Saturday & Sunday, 9 am–5 pm
  Hit the “ice” this winter with family and friends at the Bay Area Discovery Museum's Iceless Skating Rink, which will be open from November 19, 2016 to January 8, 2016. Children can strap on skates and glide around on a synthetic ice rink in the museum's Discovery Hall. The synthetic ice rink provides all the fun of a real ice rink but without the cold and icy falls. Get in the holiday spirit with this classic winter activity. Best of all, it's free with museum admission or membership. Location: 557 McReynolds Road, Sausalito. For more info, visit their website.
• Reindeer Romp
  San Francisco Zoo
  Saturday & Sunday, 10 am–4 pm
  Santa is sending his favorite reindeer, Belle, Holly, and Peppermint to spread holiday cheer at San Francisco Zoo & Gardens! Until January 1, majestic reindeer will be romping at SF Zoo's Playfield Lawn, near the spectacular Elinor Friend Playground. Zoo admission applies. Location: Sloat Blvd. at the Great Highway, San Francisco. For more info, visit their website.
• Fancy Nancy Splendiferous Christmas
  Osher Studio, Berkeley
  Saturday & Sunday, 10:30 am, 1:30 pm & 4:30 pm
  What could be fancier than Christmas? Presents with elegant wrapping paper, festive decorations, Christmas cookies with sprinkles - and who could forget the tree? This year, Nancy bought a brand-new sparkly tree topper with her own money and can't wait to decorate the Christmas tree. But when things don't turn out the way Nancy planned, will Christmas still be splendiferous?Tickets: $25 for adults, $20 for children (14 and under) and $23 for senior. Location:2055 Center Street, Berkeley.
  For more info, visit their website.
• Annual Gingerbread House Open House
  Fairmont Hotel, San Francisco
  Saturday, 11 am–3 pm
  Lovingly built with a completely edible exterior, this delectable abode will be unveiled during a ribbon cutting ceremony at the annual Gingerbread Open House. The event is open to the public and offers guests the opportunity to take pleasure in complimentary holiday refreshments and heartwarming music while Santa Claus, a Balloon Elf, and a Christmas Fairy pose for photos and kids can write letters to Saint Nick in the lobby’s “North Pole Nook." Location: 950 Mason Street, San Francisco. For more info, visit their website.
• SF Etsy Holiday Emporium
  Pier 70, San Francisco
  Saturday & Sunday, 11 am–5 pm
  Start your holiday shopping at this weekend's Etsy event. The SFEtsy Indie Holiday Emporium is an annual market showcasing the SFEtsy team members and other artisan crafters and makers. See a list of sellers here. Location: Pier 70, 420 22nd Street, San Francisco. For more info, visit their website.
• West Portal Snow Festival
  West Portal, San Francisco
  Saturday, 11 am–4 pm
  Build a snowman with real snow, visit with Ana and Elsa (noon to 2 pm), get your photo taken with Santa, and more! Face painting, refreshments, music, and swag bags, too. Location: 82 West Portal Avenue, San Francisco. For more info, visit their website.
• Santa's Riverboat Arrival
  Petaluma River Turning Basin
  Saturday, 11:30 am
  Santa and Mrs. Claus sail into the Petaluma River Turning Basin aboard a tugboat at noon and disembark in the Golden Eagle Shopping Center on East Washington Street to greet children and distribute candy. Performers will be on hand at the shopping center starting at 11:30 am. For more info, visit their website.
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Photo Courtesy Town Center Corte Madera

It goes without saying that every Holiday season Santa Claus is an extremely popular guy. He and his small army of little helpers will be making the rounds for photos, breakfasts, and other holiday fun at various shopping centers and other locations in Marin County and beyond. (And of course you'll need to tell him what you want for Christmas, too!)

Here's our 2016 guide to photo ops with Santa and more. We make every effort to assure that all listings and hours are as accurate as possible, but occasionally Santa has to take a break to feed the reindeer or tidy up his beard, so make sure to stay on his "nice" list and call or check the venue's website before visiting. Santa's elves are still finalizing his holiday schedule, so check back here for updates throughout the season.

Photos with Santa

• Santa Photos
  Town Center Corte Madera
  November 25–December 24
  Shopping during the holidays at Town Center Corte Madera is always a festive occasion for the entire family, with a chance to have a free photo for the kids with Santa Claus, have your gifts wrapped for free by volunteers from Hospice by the Bay, and enjoy some live music to provide the holiday spirit. Schedule: Friday, Saturday, Sunday November 25–November 27, 11 am–4 pm; Saturday and Sunday, December 3–4, 11 am–4 pm, and daily December 10–11, 11 am–4 pm and December 17–24, 11 am–4 pm. More info: www.shoptowncenter.com
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PIER 39 Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony takes place on Saturday and Sunday. Photo: PIER 39

Here are our picks for great events and activities for children and families this weekend. Find more events for the whole week in Marin and beyond in our Family Events Calendar.

There's also holiday ice skating at numerous locations throughout the Bay Area, as well as opportunities to visit with Santa Claus at local shopping centers.

Friday, November 18

• Bel Marin Keys Holiday Warehouse Sale
  Bel Marin Keys, Novato
  Friday & Saturday, 10 am–5 pm
  On Friday and Saturday, many of the warehouses in the Bel Marin Keys will open their doors for direct-to-seller deals waiting for you. This semi-annual sale is one of the hidden shopping gems in Marin County and has been in existence for over 20 years! Shop for a wide variety of goods from food and wine to decor and fine art. For more info, visit their website.
• Holiday Ice Skating in Union Square
  San Francisco
  Friday–Sunday, 10 am–11:30 pm
  Union Square, San Francisco's main shopping district, gets into the ice skating spirit during the holiday season with an outdoor ice rink sponsored by Safeway. 90-minute sessions start on every even hour. Admission: $11 for adults, 7 children 8 and under. Skate rental $6. Information: (415) 781-2688 or visit their website.
• Embarcadero Center Holiday Ice Rink
  Justin Herman Plaza, San Francisco
  Friday & Saturday, 10 am–11:30 pm and Sunday, 10 am–9:30 pm
  The Bay Area's largest outdoor ice rink offers 90-minute skating sessions Sunday through Thursday from 10 am to 9:30 pm, and Fridays and Saturdays from 10 am to 11:30 pm. Admission is $11 for adults and $7 for children ages 7 and under; skate rental is $5. They also offer group rates, as well as birthday parties and private rentals. For more info, call 415) 837-1931 or visit their website.
• Santa Photos
  Northgate Mall in San Rafael
  Friday & Saturday, 10 am–9 pm and Sunday, 11 am–7 pm
  Northgate in San Rafael invites children to visit Santa and have their picture taken with Santa Claus at his winter wonderland house in the Macy's wing. Breaks on Friday and Saturday (breaks 1-1:45pm & 3:45-4:30pm), and Sunday (break 2-3pm). For more info, visit their website.
• French Storytime (L'Heure du Conte)
  San Anselmo Library
  Friday, 11–11:30 am
  For children of all ages and their parent or caregiver. Talk, sing, read, and play together. Share books, stories, rhymes, music in French. No registration required. Parents/caregivers are expected to stay with children during all storytime sessions. Free. Location: 110 Tunstead Avenue, Council Chambers, San Anselmo. For more info, visit their website.
• Marin on Ice
  Northgate Mall, San Rafael
  Friday, 2–10 pm, Saturday, noon–10 pm, Sunday, noon–9 pm
  This Saturday, Marin on Ice opens for another season of outdoor ice skating at San Rafael's Northgate Mall, where it runs through January 11. Marin's only holiday ice skating rink features 6,300 square feet of real ice and will be open daily for outdoor skating. Skating is $15 per person, which includes skate rental. Private ice cabanas will also be available for rental and "Skate Buddies" are available for beginners. For more info, visit their website.
• Friday Fun Days
  South Novato Library
  Friday, 3–4 pm
  Enjoy an afternoon of fun with the family at the South Novato Library. Whether it’s story, art, music or science, this drop-in program promises to be packed with fun! Location: 931 C St., Novato. For more info, visit their website.
• Building Lighting Ceremony & Carnival
  Embarcadero Center, San Francisco
  Friday, 4–7 pm
  Four iconic buildings lit with 15,000 holiday lights, fireworks bursting in the sky and a magical show presented by Disney on Ice. The Building Lighting Ceremony begins at 5:30 pm and live performances from Disney On Ice presents Frozen! The Building Lighting Ceremony at Embarcadero Center is a San Francisco tradition and the official start of the holiday season in the City. For more info, visit their website.
• Friday Nights at the de Young
  de Young Museum, San Francisco
  Friday, 5–8:45 pm
  Friday Nights at the de Young are after-hours art happenings that include a mix of live music, dance and theater performances, film screenings, panel discussions, lectures, artist demonstrations, hands-on art activities, and exhibition tours. The café offers a delicious prix-fixe menu and specialty cocktails, and the Hamon Tower observation level is open until 8 pm. For more info, visit their website.
• Tam Valley Craft Fair
  Tam Valley Community Center, Mill Valley
  Friday, 5–9 pm & Saturday, 10 am–3 pm
  Shop for unique holiday gifts at this year's Tam Valley Craft Fair. Location: 203 Marin Avenue, Mill Valley. For more info, visit their website.
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