Marinwood

Still Time to Take in Holiday Cheer at Christmas Houses

December 27, 2009

The Bear House in MarinwoodIt's the weekend after Christmas, and the holiday specials are off the TV, the all-Christmas-music radio stations have gone back to playing whatever they normally play, and those gifts that were under the tree are now scattered all over the house. Despite the big run-up of Christmas cheer, it's disappointing when the whole holiday train comes to a seemingly full and complete stop after December 25. While I feel a certain amount of relief that the holiday chaos is pretty much over, I'm also wishing that I had more time to slow down and savor the pleasures of the Christmas season.

Fortunately, I have good news for those of you out there who haven't yet had your fill of holiday cheer—the Christmas houses are still open! If you're still looking for that holiday spirit, head on down to one of our local decorated houses and take in the magic one last time (or two or three, even).

read more »

Return of the Marinwood Christmas House

December 23, 2009

Marinwood Christmas HouseUpdate: The Marinwood Christmas House is up and running and amazing! It's definitely a must-see in Marin this holiday season. I've updated this post with a few details and a slideshow of the house.

The most exciting news so far this holiday season is that the famous Marinwood Christmas House is coming back this year! 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.

read more »

Bear House Update, Christmas 2009

December 20, 2009

The Nisja's Bear House in MarinwoodThere are many people who really get into the holiday spirit in Marin, and of all places in the county I think that Marinwood, the small community sandwiched between Novato and San Rafael, has the most decorated holiday houses per capita!

It's only natural then that one of our favorite Christmas houses happens to be located in Marinwood: the Nisja's Bear house, which has been delighting Marin and Bay Area families for 30 years.

read more »

Marinwood's Mickey Mouse Christmas House

December 20, 2009

Mickey Mouse House garageOur children's favorite decorated and lighted Christmas house is the Mize family's Mickey Mouse House (AKA "Mickey's Christmas House") in Marinwood. Visit it, and you'll see why it's so popular! The Mickey Mouse House, located at 417 Blackstone Drive (at Las Gallinas), looks to be just a regular lighted Christmas house at first glance. But get out of your car and walk up the short driveway and you'll see why it's worth a visit for kids of all ages. Every evening from 6 pm to 10 pm, the two-car garage is opened to reveal two galleries of what has to be every Disney toy, decoration, and gimgrack ever produced, all artfully arranged in two spectacular holiday displays.

read more »

New Parent-Child Program at Marin Waldorf School

December 2, 2009

Marin Waldorf School in San Rafael is offering a new Parent-Child program starting December 3. If you want to learn more about the Waldorf approach to parenting principles, this is a good way to try it out and get acquainted. These are warm and inviting gatherings, filled with a spirit of play, community, and love for the parenting journey.

Each meeting also includes open discussion about parenting and how Waldorf ideas can support parents and provide skills to nurture their relationship with their child.

  • Special Season Session for Young Toddlers
    December 3, 10 and 17
    Thursdays 9 to 10:30 am
    Session fees: $75
  • Pre-crawlers to Crawlers
    Thursdays, January 7–April 1 and April 22–June 10, 11:30 am to 1 pm
  • Babies and Pregnancy, for Pregnancy and Infants
    Fridays, January 8–April 2 and April 23–June 11
    11 am to 12:30 pm
    Session fees: winter $275, spring $185
  • Young Toddlers, walking up to 2 years of age.
    Fridays, January 8–April 2 and April 23–June 11, 9 am–10:30 am
    Session fees: winter $275 • spring $185
  • Older Toddlers, 20 months to 3 ½ years.
    Thursdays, January 7–April 1 and April 22–June 10
    9 to 11 am or Saturdays, 9:30 to 11:30 am
    Session fees: winter $300, spring $200

For more info, call Barbra Rosen (415) 479.8190 ext. 147 or go to www.marinwaldorf.org.

Free Sophie and the Enchanted Toy Shop Preview in Marinwood

November 25, 2009

Sophie and the Enchanted Toyshop posterOn Wednesday, December 9, Marin Dance Theatre and Marinwood Recreation Department present a sneak preview of the popular holiday ballet Sophie and the Enchanted Toyshop. From 1:15 to 2:15 pm, meet some of the characters from this beautiful ballet and watch them perform their dances. This event takes place at the Marinwood Community Center at 775 Miller Creek Road in San Rafael. The performance is free, but reservations are required. RSVP to hschulte@marinwood.org.

If you want to see the full-length version of Marin Dance Theatre's Sophie and the Enchanted Toyshop, it will play at the Marin Civic Center on December 19 at 1 and 5 pm. It's a two-act children's ballet that features over 120 dancers plus professional guest artists. Adults $33, students and seniors $23. For more information, go to www.mdt.org or the Marin Center Box Office to purchase tickets.

Syndicate content