Family Holiday Activities and Events in Marin and the San Francisco Bay Area
Get the whole family into the holiday spirit with one of these fun activities, celebrations, performances, and events in Marin and the San Francisco Bay Area! Keep in mind that many of these holiday events and performances may require advance reservations and often sell out. We'll update our list with new Marin and Bay Area Christmas, Hanukkah, and New Year's events as we learn about them and plans are finalized, so check back often.
November 2–January 16
The Safeway Holiday Ice Rink in Union Square will usher in the holiday season 2022.
Saturday, November 5–December 24
Get in the holiday spirit and visit the amazing Christmas House at San Rafael's West End Nursery.
Thursday, November 9–Monday, January 1
Enjoy Macy's gift to the city of San Francisco, the Great Tree, which will shine brightly in Union Square Park, right across the street from Macy's flagship location.
November 10–January 28, 5–10 pm
An unforgettable experience for all ages, with hundreds of larger-than-life animal lanterns throughout the zoo. Santa will be on hand for visits through December 1–23!
November 17–December 24
The magic of the holiday season comes alive with a visit to Santa’s winter wonderland in the Village's Macy's Court.
November 18–December 17, 2023
Enter the winding lanes of Victorian London and immerse yourself in a world of music halls, theaters, pubs, dance parties, and charming shops overflowing with hand-made holiday treasures.
Saturday, November 18, 5–8 pm
The Lighting of the Plaza is the first official holiday event in wine country and a beloved Sonoma tradition!
Daily November 21–January 7, 5–10 pm
Enjoy the holidays all season long with Pier 39's nightly tree lighting musical moments on its 60’ Christmas tree.
November 24–December 24
Here’s your chance to visit the busiest man of the season inside the Macy's Union Square store. Advance reservatons required.
Friday & Saturday, November 24 & 25, 10 am–4 pm
This free, two day event is a great way support your local art and crafts vendors while staying warm and shopping for your loved ones.
November 25–December 31, 1–3:30 pm
The holiday season is not complete without a celebration of tradition and magic with Fairmont’s Holiday Tea.
Friday, November 24, 4–7 pm
Santa Rosa's annual event to ring in the holiday season will take place on Courthouse Square.
Friday, November 24, 4:30–8 pm
Santa comes to officially illuminate Ghirardelli Square with Christmas lights.
Saturday & Sunday, November 26–December 23, 10 am & 1 pm
Gather for a holiday Teddy Bear Tea in the festively decorated Terrace Room at the Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco.
Saturday & Sunday, November 25 & 26, 10 am–5 pm
Celebrate all things handmade and shop from more than 200 local artists and craftspeople at this longstanding community event.
Saturday & Sunday, November 25 & 26, 10 am–3 pm
A Windrush Farm tradition for 20 years. Strolling around the pasture, you will find hand made gifts from your local artisans.
Saturday, November 25, 11:30 am–1:30 pm
Santa and Mrs Claus are coming to Petaluma by boat the Saturday after Thankgiving!
Saturday, November 25, noon–6 pm; tree lighting at 5:30 pm
This event will be a smaller version of the Annual event traditionally held the day after Thanksgiving. But it will be sure to fulfill your festive winter holiday activity needs with local treats and laughter!
Open daily November 25–January 1
Step into the ultimate winter wonderland at the Fairmont Hotel on Nob Hill!
Monday, November 27, 5:30–7:30 pm
Kick off the holiday season as the Nob Hill Association hosts its annual Tree Lighting Ceremony at Huntington Park.
Thursday, November 30, 3–7:30 pm
Join us to kick-off the Giving Tree and the holiday season with our annual Tree Lighting ceremony.
December 1–4; Friday: 4–9 pm, Saturday, 10 am–5 pm, Sunday, 10 am–4 pm
Join us for lots of community merriment, discover beautiful treasures, munch on local food, and so much more!
December 1–10, Marin Art & Garden Center
arin Art and Garden Center presents Winter Wonderland, a magical holiday experience in the beautiful Gardens.
December 1–10, Friday, 7:30 pm; Saturday, 2 & 7:30 pm, Sunday, 2 & 6 pm
Experience an all-new holiday show in 2023 from Transcendence Theatre Company live on stage at Hanna Center in Sonoma.
Saturday, December 2, 8:30 & 10 am
Santa's coming! He's making a special trip to the Sausalito Yacht Club to eat breakfast with you and your family.
Saturday, December 2–23, 9–11 am
Come meet Santa Claus during the Breakfast with Santa Program at Costeaux French Bakery, a Healdsburg fixture since 1923.
Saturday, December 2, 9:30 am–12:45 pm
Ride SMART for free with a new, unwrapped toy donation and meet Santa for a photo!
Saturday, December 2, 10 am–4 pm
Enjoy some unique holiday shopping at this festive event featuring many new and returning artists selling their fine handmade arts and crafts.
Saturdays, December 2–16, 10 am–1 pm
Santa is coming to Marin Country Mart every Saturday in December.
Friday, December 2, 6–9 pm & Saturday, December 3, 10 am–4 pm
40 vendors selling handmade crafts including jewelry, ceramics, specialty foods, wreaths, and more. Free admission.
Saturday, December 2, 10 am–noon
Take pictures with Santa at the Margaret Todd Center in Novato during the Holiday Crafts Faire.
Saturday, December 2, 10 am–5 pm & Sunday, December 3, 10 am–4 pm
The Muir Beach Holiday Arts Fair has been a tradition at the Beach for over 40 years.
Saturday & Sunday, December 2 & 3, 10 am–4 pm
Celebrate the season with gifts for yourself or loved ones in this festive shopping experience featuring over 90 local artists.
Saturday, December 2, 10 am–3 pm
Shop for handmade crafts, enjoy authentic German food, take your photo with Santa, and more.
Saturday, December 2, 10:30–11 am
This music-based marionette puppet show features graceful ice skater Crystal Chandelier, the high-kicking antics of the Russian Trepak Dancers, and a trio of dazzling acrobatic penguins.
Saturdays & Sunday, December 4–18
Mark Foehringer Dance Project|SF announces the 14th season of its annual holiday show, Mark Foehringer's Nutcracker Sweets.
Saturday & Sunday, December 2 & 3, 11 am–5 pm
Come eat, drink, shop, play, connect and be local at the 8th annual Sunset Holiday Mercantile.
Saturday, December 2, 9 & 16, noon–3 pm
Santa Claus will arrive by fire truck at Bon Air the first three Saturdays of December. Free photos with Santa for children, families and furry friends, printed while you wait.
Saturdays & Sundays, December 2–23, 11 am–2 pm
Join the Mark Hopkins for a magical afternoon at their Children's Magical Tea.
Saturdays & Sundays, December 2– 30
This holiday tradition in the Claremont's iconic Lobby Bar features all of the classic high tea accompaniments including delightful desserts and sandwiches.
December 2–23, seatings from 2–4 pm
Santa is stopping by from the North Pole! Join the Palace Hotel for their Santa Signature Tea Service.
Saturday, December 2, 2–5 pm
Inclusive Santa Sighting is a special event for children with disabilties and their families.
Saturday & Sunday, December 2–10, 2 pm, Friday, December 8, 11 am
ODC/Dance returns to the stage for this beloved Bay Area holiday tradition.
Saturday, December 2, 3–6 pm
Winterfest 2023 is sure to be a magical event!
Saturday, December 2, 4–7 pm
The Lighting of the Snowmen has returned to Cornerstone Sonoma.
Saturday, December 2, 4–7:30 pm
Enjoy holiday crafts, artisan vendors, holiday treats, Santa Claus and live performances.
Saturday, December 2, 4–7 pm
Come to downtown San Anselmo for an afternoon of fun and celebration.
Saturday, December 2, 5:30–7 pm
Celebrate the holidays with Santa, entertainment, and family fun in downtown Petaluma.
Saturday, December 2, 5:45–8 pm
Join Jack London Square and KTVU Fox 2 for a holiday tree lighting in Oakland.
Sunday, December 3, 3–5 pm
Santa will be arriving by boat on Tomales Bay for photos and holiday fun!
Sunday, December 3, 5–6 pm
Mill Valley's annual Winterfest returns... visit with Santa, live music, games and more.
Wednesday, December 6, 4–7 pm
The Civic Center Plaza Holiday Tree Lighting — a free, family-friendly event — returns for 2023!
Thursday, December 7, 4–8 pm
Kick off the holiday season with the annual tree lighting celebration in Golden Gate Park, featuring free activities for all
Thursday, December 7, 4–6 pm
Join Chabad of Larkspur-Corte Madera for a community Chanukah celebration, with a grand popcorn menorah, latkes, and more.
Thursday, December 7, 4–7 pm
Celebrate the Festival of Lights at Thrive City's Winter Wonderland Hanukkah Celebration!
Thursday, December 7, 4–5 pm
Join us for a presentation of this classic tale by the Puppet Company.
Friday–Sunday, December 8–10
Shop for arts and crafts by local artisans at the Bolinas Community Center. Enjoy hearty food, delicious nog, music, caroling, and good cheer.
Friday–Sunday, December 8–10
Join us in the beautiful courtyard at the famous Snoopy's Home Ice rink for a spectacular Holiday variety show.
Friday, December 8, 6:15–7:30 pm
Welcome in the light of Chanukah with our entire Rodef Sholom Community. There will be Shabbat blessings, festive music, a community candle lighting, holiday treats, and more!
Saturday, December 9, 8 am
Breakfast with Santa takes place on the second Saturday in December at the Ross Valley Fire Station.
Saturday & Sunday, December 9 & 10, 9–11:30 am
Bring the family for breakfast and a special visit with Santa overlooking the city skyline of San Francisco.
Saturday, December 9, 9 am–noon
Join Tam Valley CSD for this beloved community tradition! Meet Santa, have a hearty breakfast, play games and more.
Saturday, December 9, 10:30 am–noon
Le Petit Jardin is pleased to announce its 14th Annual event in honor of this special time of year, our “Teddy Bear Tea à la Française”
Saturday, December 10, 11 am–5 pm
Kick off the holiday season with the Fairfax Craft Faire — a favorite community event!
December 9, 10, 16, 17, 23 & 24, 11 am–6 pm
Holiday shoppers will be treated to good cheer, great music, fine food, with handcrafts by some of Northern California's finest artists.
Saturday & Sunday, December 9 & 10, 1pm & 5pm
See the holidays through the eyes of your children! Marin Ballet’s Nutcracker will transport your family into the lavish rooms of a Victorian-era party, where Clara’s dreams come to life.
Friday, December 9, 4–8 pm
Join us for a night in Winter Wonderland where there will be hot cocoa, ginger bread man decorating, photos with Santa and more.
Saturday, December 9, 6–7:15 pm
Set up a chair anywhere along the Sausalito waterfront to view the brightly decorated boats in the 36th annual Lighted Boat Parade.
December 9, 6:30 pm
Brightly lit and decorated boats will bring holiday cheer at the Petaluma Lighted Boat Parade.
Sunday, December 10 & 17, 8:30 am
Join Neiman Marcus San Francisco for Breakfast with Santa and get your picture taken in a photo booth!
Sunday, December 4, 11 am–4:30 pm
You are invited to Godmothers' Teddy Bear Tea this holiday season!
Saturday, December 10, 11 am–5 pm
The Hornet Museum is bringing back their Officer's Holiday Tea services in time for the holiday season and perfect teatime weather!
Sunday, December 10, 11 am–noon
Join us for a sing along with Megan Schoenbohm to kick off the holiday season!
Sunday, December 10, 2–6 pm
The annual lighting of the Union Square menorah kicks off on Sunday, December 18 with "Bill Graham Menorah Day".
Sunday, December 10, 2–5 pm
The first annual Holiday Magic on Magnolia features a tree lighting and fun for everyone!
December 10, 16, 17 & 22, 3 pm; December 22, 7:30 pm
The Choir of Men and Boys accompanied by full orchestra and organ will transport you with their exquisite performances of favorite carols and holiday masterpieces.
Sunday, December 10, 3–6 pm
The JCCSF’s Glowing Hanukkah Pop-Up returns to Ghirardelli Square for the 6th year!
Sunday, December 10, 4–7 pm
Join Marin Country Mart for a menorah lighting, latkes from Loveski, sufganiyot from Johnny Doughnuts, and themed crafts for the kids.
Sunday, December 10, 5 pm
Join together as we light up the night with a Chanukah Celebration!
December 10, 5–7 pm
Join Chabad of Marin and the City of San Rafael as we celebrate the first Sunday night of Chanukah.
Thursday, December 12, 5–6 pm
Join Chabad of Larkspur-Corte Madera for a community Chanukah celebration and menorah lighting.
Tuesday, December 14, 6 pm
Bring the whole family to celebrate the last night of Chanukah as a community.
Friday & Saturday, December 15 & 16, seatings from noon–2 pm
Join Mrs. Claus in Sip’s festively decorated tea room to enjoy a delicious feast, hot chocolate, fresh baked gingerbread men, and loads of fun.
Friday, December 15, 4–5 pm
Celebrate Walt Disney’s love for the holiday season with Storytime for Kids: Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town
Saturday, December 16, 2 sessions: 9:30–10:30 am & 11 am–noon
Help Novato Parks & Recreation build the City of Novato out of Gingerbread!
December 16, 21, 22 & 23
Sing along with your favorite holiday carols as the toys of St. Nicholas’s workshop lead you on an extraordinary journey.
Saturday & Sunday, December 16 & 17, noon–2 pm
Introducing the first annual holiday tradition at The Westin St. Francis in San Francisco: Dollie & Me Tea.
From the moment you arrive, let us transport you to a delightful world of magic and splendor…
Performed in the round in a 350-seat Circus Tent, the beauty of “Kaleidoscope” is the intimacy and immediacy of the one-ring circus. A diverse cast of 12 perform thrilling feats of balance and strength, demonstrations of grace and poise, outrageous humor, and slapstick antics. Original music is performed live by our beloved 6-piece Circus Bella All-Star Band. Let yourself be dazzled and join in the celebration.
Saturday, December 16 & Sunday, December 17, 1 & 5 pm
The vibrant Stapleton Ballet Nutcracker provides a magical start to the holiday season!
Sunday, December 16, 6 pm
This lighted boat parade is one of the biggest in the country and has been a Marin tradition since 1966!!
Sunday, December 17, noon–4 pm
Mill Valley's annual Winterfest returns... visit with Santa, live music, games and more.
November 25–December 23, 8:30–11 am
Enjoy unlimited rides, a buffet breakfast, and a visit with Santa at the Tilden Park Merry Go Round.
Sunday, December 31, 10 am–2 pm
Ring in the new year without keeping your family up past bedtime at the BADM.
Sunday, December 31, 9:30 am
Celebrate the culture of Kwanzaa and ring in 2024 with Noon Year’s Eve at Chase Center.
Sunday, December 31, 10 am–4 pm
Ring in the new year without staying up late! When it’s noon in Oakland, it will be 2022 somewhere on the planet.
Sunday, December 31, 10 am
Celebrate the New Year with the Peanuts Gang!
Sunday, December 31, 10 am–5 pm
Looking to celebrate the New Year with your kids but don’t want to stay up past their bedtime? The Lawrence's family-friendly New Year’s Eve celebration is back!
Sunday, December 31, 10 am–1 pm
Kids and parents, come celebrate the New Year with music, activities, face painting and a countdown to THREE GIANT balloon drops at noon!
Sunday, December 31, 12 pm
Kids of all ages are invited to Downtown Novato to see what happens when 23,000 small bouncy balls are dropped onto the street from a ladder truck 40 feet in the air!
Sunday, December 31, 12:30 pm
Usher in the New Year with the purifying rings of a Japanese Buddhist temple bell.
Sunday, December 31, 5–10 pm
Bring the family down to Poppy Bank Epicenter and celebrate the New Year!
