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Home | Marin Weekend Family Fun for November 22–24

Marin Weekend Family Fun for November 22–24

Experience Victorian London at The Great Dickens Christmas Fair opening this weekend at the Cow Palace.

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.

Friday, November 22

  • Holidays Along Farm Trails
    Sonoma County
    Friday–Sunday, various times

    'Tis the season to celebrate with our community. Join Sonoma County farmers and producers as they open their gates and barn doors to offer a behind-the-scenes peek at life on the farm. Shop their unique farmstands for your holiday meals, cut your own Christmas tree, make a gift at DIY workshops, greet farm animals, and so much more. Free. Register online for a complete list of participants. Event details.
  • Christmas House at West End Nursery
    San Rafael
    Friday & Saturday, 8 am–5 pm, Sunday 9 am–4 pm

    Get in the holiday spirit and visit the amazing Christmas House at San Rafael's West End Nursery. This magical setting includes lights, decorated trees, and more. It's a holiday must-visit in Marin. Free admission; ornaments and decor are for sale. Location: 1938 5th Avenue, San Rafael. Event details.
  • 'Tis the Season for Science
    California Academy of Sciences, San Francisco
    Friday & Saturday, 9:30 am–5 pm, Sunday, 11 am–5 pm
    Visit the Cal Academy this holiday season for indoor snow flurries, live reindeer, a hands-on polar-themed exhibit, and live festive music. Museum admission applies. Location: 55 Music Concourse Drive, San Francisco. Location:  Event details.
  • Toddler Playdate
    Children's Museum of Sonoma County, Santa Rosa
    Friday, 10–11 am

    Join us every Friday morning for facilitated Toddler programming. Developed specifically for little ones, each week will bring an engaging program like a toddler dance party, sensory explorations, art activities and more! Museum admission applies. Location: 1835 West Steele Lane Santa Rosa. Event details.
  • 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: starting at $13. Location: 333 Post Street, San Francisco. Event details
  • Holiday Ice Rink at Embarcadero Center
    San Francisco
    Friday–Saturday, 10 am–11:30 pm, Sunday, 10 am–9:30 pm

    Get ready to skate under the sun and stars along the beautiful waterfront at the largest outdoor rink in San Francisco. Admission: $12 adults, $7 children (7 and under), skate rental $5. Location: 4 Embarcadero Center, San Francisco. Event details.
  • Sing & Dance with Miss Kitty!
    San Rafael City Hall, Cousel Chambers
    Friday, 10:30–11:15 am

    Miss Kitty will join us for a series of fun family concerts that are just right for kids birth to 8 years old. No registration, no space limitations, all are welcome! Location: 1400 Fifth Ave., San Rafael. Event details.
  • NorCal Ice
    Northgate Mall, San Rafael
    Friday–
    Sunday, 11:30 am–10 pm
    The NorCal Ice (formerly known as Marin on Ice) outdoor skating rink in San Rafael's Northgate Mall returns to offers al fresco skating. The rink will once again be located near the center's Oaktree Plaza and features 6,400 square feet of real ice. Skating costs $15 per person, which includes skate rental and all-day in-and-out privileges. "Skate Buddies" (the blue plastic chair-like supports) are available to rent for beginnners ($5 per hour). Event details.
  • Opening Day! Ice Skating at Winter Park at Civic Center
    San Francisco
    Friday–Sunday, 12–9:15 pm

    The Winter Park at Civic Center is an all-new ice experience steps away from San Francisco’s City Hall. Modeled after the Wiener Eistraum in Vienna, the Winter Park is open daily through January 5, 2020. This festive, winter wonderland includes a 6,000-square-foot ice rink and an expanded track which will weave through a lighted tree forest. Tickets are $18 for adults and $13 for children 8 years old and under, with figure skate or hockey skate rental included. Location: Civic Center, San Francisco. Event details.
  • Macy’s Holiday Windows Unveiling
    Union Square, San Francisco
    Friday, 5 pm

    Join Macy's and special guests as we unveil the Holiday Windows starring adoptable animals from the San Francisco SPCA and San Francisco Animal Care & Control. With host, Kristen Flowers of 96.5 KOIT, we will kick off the celebrations with a special performance by the De Marillac Academy Choir and our guests will open the curtains together! Event details.
  • Berkeley Playhouse: A Christmas Story, The Musical
    The Julia Morgan Center for the Arts, Berkeley
    Friday, 7 pm, Saturday, 1 & 7 pm, Sunday, 2 pm

    This holiday season, journey on a nostalgic romp full of joyful spirit, featuring music from the Oscar-winning team behind the music of La La Land, The Greatest Showman and Dear Evan Hansen. Featuring all your favorite scenes from the classic movie, A Christmas Story. Running time: 2 hours 15 minutes, including intermission. Tickets: $25–$44. Purchase tickets here! Location: 2640 College Avenue, Berkeley. Event details
  • Building Lighting Ceremony and Carnival
    Embarcadero Center, San Francisco
    Friday, 4–7 pm

    Four iconic buildings lit with 17,000 holiday lights, fireworks bursting in the sky and a magical ice skating show. The Building Lighting Ceremony at Embarcadero Center is a San Francisco tradition and the official start of the holiday season in the City. The festivities begin at 4:00PM with a family fun Carnival followed by the Building Lighting Ceremony at 6:00PM. Free! Event details/
  • Night Bloom
    Conservatory of Flowers, San Francisco
    Friday–Sunday, 5–11 pm

    Night Bloom returns shining brighter this holiday season at the Conservatory of Flowers. Light and sound infuse the Conservatory of Flowers’ one-of-a-kind plant collection and its iconic facade in a limited engagement. Tickets: $29–$80; children 8 and under free. Event details
  • Napa Valley Wine Train Santa Train
    Napa
    Friday–Sunday, 5 pm

    The Santa Train returns to the Napa Valley Wine Train for another season of Christmas fun for the whole family. Embark on an all new interactive musical journey to Santa's workshop, accompanied by some of Santa's best friends. Santa Train passengers will enjoy hot chocolate, cookies, and other holiday treats. Have your photo taken with Santa at the station before your train departs, too. Event details

Saturday, November 23

  • Free Ice Skating Lessons
    Union Square Ice Rink, San Francisco
    Saturday, 8:30–9:30 am

    Kaiser Permanente is inviting beginner skaters to the Safeway Holiday Ice Rink in Union Square presented by Alaska Airlines to come learn from professional skate instructors every weekend. Lessons are free (including skate rental) to those who sign up in advance, thanks to Kaiser Permanente. Signups are limited to 50 participants per session. Available for ages 3 to 300, lessons will take place every Saturday and Sunday morning from 8:30 to 9:30 am throughout the season. RSVP here.
  • Mt. Tam Day of Thanks
    Muir Beach
    Saturday, 9 am–12:30 pm

    Join the yearly tradition, “Mt. Tam Day of Thanks,” a large volunteer work day to celebrate and give thanks for our beloved mountain. This year, join us and One Tam at Muir Beach for a morning of creek and wetland revitalization. Don’t forget to wear close-toed shoes and clothes that can get dirty, warm layers, rain jacket if needed, and a water bottle. Suitable for ages 13 and up. Minors 15 and under must have a guardian present. Minors 17 and under who show up without their parent or guardian must bring a completed volunteer agreement form with their parent’s/guardian’s signature. Registration is required for this event.
  • 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, live music for kids and adults, face painting, arts and crafts by SCRAP, and of course the best local and organic produce, flowers, pastured meats, seafood, organic cheeses, yogurt and milk, breads, baked goods, nuts, local wine, jams, honey, hummus, knife sharpening, and brunch and lunch options. Event details
  • The Great Dickens Christmas Fair
    Cow Palace, Daly City
    Saturday & 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. Tickets: Adult $32 (13 and up), child $14 (5–12) and 5 and under are free. Location: Cow Palace, 2600 Geneva Ave, Daly City. Event details
  • Craft-n-Create Family Workshop
    Marin Makerspace, Novato
    Saturday, 10 am–noon

    Fun for the whole family! Become an inventor, scientist, artist and engineer as we explore new concepts each week through art and engineering in our Makerspace. Children under age 8 must be accompanied by an adult. Free. All ages welcome. Location: 931 C Street, Novato. Event details
  • Bay Area Children's Theatre presents: A Year with Frog and Toad
    BACT Berkeley Center, Berkeley
    Saturday & Sunday, 10:30 am, 1:30 and 4 pm

    Families will delight in this heartwarming, jazzy-rhythmed tale of friendship, as cheerful Frog and his more reserved pal Toad swim, sled, bake cookies and otherwise romp through a year of comic adventures, accompanied by their woodland animal friends, like Snail, who, by golly, will deliver the mail. Recommended for ages 3 and up. Tickets: Adults $30, Child (8–14) $26 & Senior $28. Purchase tickets here. Location: 2055 Center Street, Berkeley. Event details.
  • Storytime and Activities Featuring Anna, Elsa and the Secret River and Frozen 2
    Barnes & Noble, Corte Madera
    Saturday, 11 am

    Get ready for Frozen 2, in theaters on November 22, with these two new books featuring the magic and adventure of the new movie. Free. Location: 313 Corte Madera Town Center, Corte Madera. Event details.
  • Tot Shabbat at Kol Shofar
    Tiburon
    Saturday, 11 am

    Tot Shabbat begins at 11:00 a.m. and concludes with Kiddush and joining the rest of the Kol Shofar community at about noon, for the best Shabbat lunch in town! RSVP appreciated but not required to: Jschreiber731@gmail.com.  Location: 215 Blackfield Drive, Tiburon. Event details.
  • Holiday Skating with The Velveteen Rabbit
    Embarcardero Center Holiday Ice Rink
    Saturday, noon–4 pm

    Get into the holiday spirit by joining ODC/Dance for an afternoon of ice skating with select characters from The Velveteen Rabbit at the Holiday Ice Rink at the Embarcadero Center. In addition to the costumed characters, there will be live bunnies to pet and play with from SaveABunny Bay Area, a non-profit that shelters and treats neglected rabbits. Attendees will receive a special discount code for tickets to the show. Event details
  • Nutcracker Sweet with the Puppet Company
    Noe Valley Ministry, San Francisco
    Saturday, 2–2:45 pm

    The Nutcracker Sweet with the Puppet Company from Children’s Fairyland back by popular demand! From Oakland, the beloved puppeteers of Children’s Fairyland team up with the SFCO for a delightful version of Tchaikovsky’s holiday classic. Designed for young audiences, this production features the acrobatic antics of the Puppet Company’s miniature cast accompanied by the SFCO performing highlights from this beloved ballet. Free admission. Location: 1021 Sanchez Street, San Francisco. Event details.
  • Lego Frozen 2 Build Event
    Barnes & Noble, Corte Madera
    Saturday, 2 pm

    Join us to build a castle from Frozen 2 to take home. For ages 8-12. Signup required. Location: 313 Corte Madera Town Center, Corte Madera. Event details.
  • Indoor Power Play
    Cal Star Gymnastics, Novato

    Saturday, 6–9 pm
    Drop the kiddos ( K-8th grade) for some indoor fun. They can run, jump and play in an open gymnastics environment. Bring the kids in on a rainy day or any day to burn some energy. Cost: $30 per child. Location: 70 Digital Drive, Suite #3 in Novato. Event details.
  • Holidays Along Farm Trails (see Friday for details).
  • Holiday Ice Skating in Union Square (see Friday for details).
  • Ice Skating at Winter Park at Civic Center (see Friday for details).

Sunday, November 24

  • Civic Center Farmers' Market
    Marin Civic Center, San Rafael

    Sunday, 8 am–1 pm
    There's lots of organically grown produce, breads, eggs, and fresh cut flowers, as well as live music, bounce houses, and more. This farmers' market is a great one to take the kids to. It’s located in the main Civic Center parking lot. Event details
  • Songtime with Christopher Smith
    Book Passage, Corte Madera
    Sunday, 10:30 am

    Bring the kiddos for songs and stories with children's music teacher, performer, and recording artist, Megan. Free. Location: 51 Tamal Vista Boulevard, Corte Madera. Event details.
  • Nutcracker Sweet with the Puppet Company
    Freight & Salvage, Berkeley
    Sunday, 11–11:45 am

    The Nutcracker Sweet with the Puppet Company from Children’s Fairyland back by popular demand! From Oakland, the beloved puppeteers of Children’s Fairyland team up with the SFCO for a delightful version of Tchaikovsky’s holiday classic. Designed for young audiences, this production features the acrobatic antics of the Puppet Company’s miniature cast accompanied by the SFCO performing highlights from this beloved ballet. Free admission. Location: 2020 Addison Street, Berkeley. Event details
  • Just Dance Academy 2019 Winter Performance
    Marin Veterans’ Memorial Auditorium, San Rafael
    Sunday, 2 pm

    Join the Just Dance Academy for their annual winter dance performance!  Audiences will enjoy an abbreviated version of the classic ballet production “The Nutcracker”complete with all your favorite characters such as the Sugar Plum Fairy, Rose Queen, Clara and the Snow Queen to name a few! Following the ballet production enjoy dance routines from JDA’s contemporary, bollywood, hip hop, tap and jazz junior and senior programs! Competition dance routines for the 2020 competition dance season also included!  A great afternoon of dance for the entire family! Tickets: $27 adults, $22 children. Event details
  • Great Dickens Christmas Fair (see Friday for details).
  • The Velveteen Rabbit (see Friday for details).
  • Holiday Ice Skating in Union Square (see Friday for details).