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Home | Marin Weekend Family Fun for November 15–17

Marin Weekend Family Fun for November 15–17

Get in the holiday spirit with a visit to the Christmas House at San Rafael’s West End Nursery.

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 15

  • 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. 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: $11 for adults, 7 children 8 and under. Skate rental $6. 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, $7 children 7 and under, skate rental $5. Event details.
  • NorCal Ice
    Northgate Mall, San Rafael
    Friday, 2
    –9 pm, Saturday & Sunday, 11 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.
  • Parents' Night Out
    Habitot Children's Museum, Berkeley
    Friday, 5:30–9 pm

    Drop off the kiddos (ages 2-7) for play and fun at Habitot while you enjoy an evening out! Cheese pizza for dinner included. Cost: $44 child/ $34 siblings. Register here. Location: 2065 Kittredge Street, Berkeley.
  • 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
  • 23 Elephants Theatre Company: Newsies: The Musical
    The Playhouse, San Anselmo
    Friday, 7:30 pm, Saturday, 2 & 7:30 pm, Sunday, 2 pm

    Set in turn-of-the century New York City, Newsies is the rousing tale of Jack Kelly, a charismatic newsboy and leader of a band of teenaged "newsies." When titans of publishing raise distribution prices at the newsboys’ expense, Jack rallies newsies from across the city to strike against the unfair conditions and fight for what's right! Newsies is packed with non-stop thrills and a timeless message. Tickets: $15 general, $28 reserved. Purchase tickets here! Location: 27 Kensington Road, San Anselmo. Event details

Saturday, November 16

  • Free Ice Skating Lessons
    Union Square Ice Rink, San Francisco
    Saturday, 8:30–9:30 am (check-in at 8:15 am)

    Don’t know how to skate? 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.
  • Marin Country Mart Farmers Market
    Larkspur Landing
    Saturday, 9 am–2 pm

    Enjoy pony rides and a petting zoo for the kids from 10 am–2 pm, crafts by from 9 am–2 pm, children's music or storytelling from 9:30–10:30 am, and more live music from 11 am–12:30 pm, as well as fresh produce, prepared foods, and great local restaurants. Event details.
  • Family Program: The Great Leaf Hunt and Crafting
    UC Botanical Garden, Berkeley
    Saturday, 10–11:30 am

    Celebrate fall in our collection of leaves from all around the world! During our mini-tour we’ll talk about why some leaves change color and why some leaves are smelly. After our walk, we'll return to our classroom and make leaf decorations for our homes, including beautiful leaf weavings from nature.   $18 Adult,  $16 Child,  $12 UCBG Member Adult,  $10 UCBG Member Child. Children must be accompanied by a paid registered adult. Register online here. Location: 200 Centennial Drive, Berkeley. Event details.
  • Mark Day School Open House
    San Rafael
    Saturday, 10 am–noon

    We invite you to learn more about Mark Day School at our first Open House of the 2019-20 admission season. Explore our campus, participate in classroom lessons and activities, and discover why students and families love our K-8 community. We are looking forward to getting to know your family! RSVP here or call (415) 472-8007. Location: 39 Trellis Drive, San Rafael. More info.
  • Learn How to Pier Fish
    Paradise Beach Park, Tiburon
    Saturday, 10 am–noon

    Join rangers, and a few of our experienced local anglers, to learn the secrets and tricks of the trade when fishing from a pier. A limited amount of poles will be available on a first come, first-served basis. A valid California fishing license is required when fishing from the shore, not from the pier. All skill levels are welcome, and no experience is necessary. Location: Paradise Beach Park in Tiburon (3450 Paradise Dr)., Mill Valley. Event details.
  • Give Thanks for Food Family Farm Day
    Slide Ranch, Muir Beach
    Saturday, 10 am–noon

    Celebrate the glory and gift of food with a special day connecting with where our food comes from at Slide Ranch. Together we will prepare and enjoy a farm-to-table lunch including Slide Ranch turkey, cranberry-rhubarb sauce, cornbread made with cornmeal we grind ourselves, garden greens, and winter squash pie. We will also explore the food traditions of Native California in honor of the indigenous Coast Miwok people. In addition to harvesting, cooking and feasting, we will milk our goats, visit the chickens, ducks and turkeys and hike spectacular coastal trails. Cost: $50 per person; children 24 months and under are free. Purchase tickets here!
  • Habitat Restoration & Holiday Wreath Making Workshop
    Mount Tamalpais
    Saturday, 10 am–2 pm

    Join us for a morning of habitat restoration followed by an afternoon of crafting with the beautiful and pleasant smelling evergreen branches. Go home with holiday wreaths and decorations for your home. This event is FREE but registration is required. For more information and directions to the meeting location please RSVP. All tools and supplies are provided. The whole family is welcome! Family friendly. As with all events please bring a water bottle, closed toe shoes and clothes for variable weather. We will provide tools, snacks and water! RSVP here for directions. Event details.
  • Tam Valley Craft Fair
    Tam Valley Community Center, Mill Valley
    Saturday, 10 am–3 pm
    Browse through a wonderful selection of gifts, holiday decorations, and handcrafted specialty items created by local Bay Area artists. Wood art, glass art, dolls, pottery, jewelry, hand-knit items, and more!  Free admission. Location: 203 Marin Avenue, Mill Valley. Event details.
  • Holiday Bazaar
    Nativity of Christ Greek Orthodox Church, Novato
    Saturday, 10 am–5 pm

    Begin your holiday shopping with the Nativity of Christ at their Annual Holiday Bazaar. Vendors from all over the North Bay sell a variety of items to help you finish your Christmas shopping early.  Many attend not only to shop but also to enjoy our famous gyros and Greek food. Event details
  • Open Cockpit Weekend: Trainer Weekend
    Pacific Coast Air Museum, Santa Rosa
    Saturday & Sunday, 10 am–4 pm

    Open Cockpit weekends at the Pacific Coast Air Museum are your chance to get up close to selected aircraft and look inside. We raise the canopies and open the doors to give you an unobstructed view so you can see what a genuine fighter plane, attack plane, transport, helicopter, or other type is like from the inside! This weekend, climb aboard training aircraft. Admission: $10 adults, $7 seniors 65+, $5 youth 6–17, free for children under 6 and active or retired military with ID. Location: One Air Museum Way, Santa Rosa. Event details.
  • 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.
  • The Music of Queen for Kids
    Sweetwater Music Hall, Mill Valley
    Saturday, 11 am (show starts at 11:30 am)

    The Rock and Roll Playhouse allows kids to “move, play and sing while listening to works from the classic-rock canon” (NY Times). Performing songs created by the most iconic musicians in rock history, The Rock and Roll Playhouse band offers its core audience of families with children age ten and under games, movement, stories and an opportunity to rock out in an effort to educate children and explore their creativity. Tickets: $15–$17. Purchase tickets here. Location: 19 Corte Madera Avenue, Downtown Mill Valley. Event details.
  • Pini Hardware Kids Club: Thanksgiving Necklaces
    Novato
    Saturday, 11 am–2 pm

    Join us for our monthly Pini Kid's Club during our Thanksgrilling Party this Saturday. Kids can create a Thanksgiving necklace and headbands. All supplies included, no registration required. Location: 1535 S Novato Blvd., Novato. Event details.
  • Renegade Winter Craft Fair Market
    Fort Mason, San Francisco
    Saturday & Sunday, 11 am–5 pm

    Renegade Craft Fair returns to San Francisco for a festive weekend of shopping  that features the country’s 200+ foremost Makers and Designers. Renegade Craft brings together incredible Makers and Designers, interactive features, food and drinks, and more. Fort Mason Center Festival Pavilion offers a bright and airy marketplace for attendees to discover new artists, shop innovative design, and enjoy immersive features. Location: Fort Mason Festival Pavillion, 2 Marina Blvd., San Francisco. Event details.
  • Paint Your Pets for Kids
    Marin Humane, Novato
    Saturday, 1–4 pm

    Paint a portrait of your pet under the guidance of an experienced artist! No previous experience is needed. We'll begin at 1 pm with a tour of the shelter and an animal meet-and-greet. From 2-4 pm we'll paint and have fun! A snack will be included; please list any dietary restrictions on the waiver. After you've registered for the program, please email a high-quality photo of your pet to education@marinhumane.org (just one pet per canvas - head shots work best). We'll transfer the outline of your pet onto a 11" x 14" canvas before the program. The canvas, easel, and all other paint supplies will be provided! At the end of the program, you'll get to bring your painting home with you. Recommended for children 10-14. Cost: $60. Location: 171 Bel Marin Keys Blvd., Novato. Event details.
  • Thanksgiving Feast with Snoopy
    Charles M. Shulz Museum, Santa Rosa
    Saturday, 1–4 pm

    Help prepare and enjoy Snoopy’s Thanksgiving meal of toast, popcorn, and jellybeans from the classic television holiday special, along with hands-on crafts and other fun family activities! Cost: $5–$12 (included in price of admission). Location: 2301 Hardies Lane Santa Rosa. Event details
  • Family Nature Walks
    Spring Lake Regional Park, Santa Rosa
    Saturday, 1–4 pm

    Get the kids outside and let them explore Spring Lake Regional Park with a naturalist from the park’s Environmental Discovery Center. One-hour hikes start at 1 and 3 p.m. at the Discovery Center. Families can return to the Center after each hike for nature-themed crafts and to explore the touchable tide pool and other exhibits. The Discovery Center is at the park’s Violetti Road entrance. Parking is $7 or free for Regional Parks members. Dress for the weather and wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes and bing a bottle of water. Heavy rain cancels. Location: 393 Violetti Road, Santa Rosa. Event details.
  • Campfire Program
    Sonoma State Historic Park, Sonoma
    Saturday, 5–6 pm

    Fall is here and our campfire fun continues. Join us for this fall warmup at our pre-Thanksgiving campfire in the historic Sonoma Barracks Courtyard next to the mission. Join in the fun with a short talk, songs and a marshmallow roast! All ages, free of charge, steady rain cancels. Location: 98 E Spain St, Sonoma. Event details
  • Lighting of the Historic Sonoma Plaza
    Downtown Sonoma
    Saturday, 5–8 pm

    The kick-off to the popular Holidays in Sonoma, join thousands of residents and visitors as we fill the historic Sonoma Plaza with the bright glow of a quarter-million lights. The evening will include music, performances, food trucks and the chance to visit the holiday displays around the 8-acre Sonoma Plaza. Event details.
  • Group Campfire
    McNear's Beach Park, San Rafael
    Saturday, 6–8 pm

    Join rangers for an evening of fun with local lore, legends, and campfire tales. This event is ideal for all ages. We’ll provide hot chocolate and s'more fixings.Rain will cancel. No need to RSVP, just show up. No pets (except service animals) are allowed at this park. Location: 201 Cantera Way, San Rafael. 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
  • Christmas House at West End Nursery (see Friday for details).
  • NorCal Ice (see Friday for details).
  • Holiday Ice Skating in Union Square (see Friday for details).
  • Holidays Along Farm Trails

Sunday, November 17

  • 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.
  • Family Farm Chores
    Tolay Lake Regional Park Santa Rosa
    Sunday, 8:30–10 am

    Do you have children who love animals? Come help feed our goats, chickens, and resident superstar, Pete, the mini horse. Collect eggs, clean pens, and participate in the daily routine to care for our farm animals. Bring gloves, water bottles, and farm-appropriate shoes. All ages welcome. Registration is required. Free. Parking $7 or free for Regional Parks members. For more information, call (707) 789-9699 or visit their website.
  • Alternative Christmas Fair

    Westminster Presbyterian Church, Tiburon
    Sunday, 9:15 am–12:15 pm

    Westminster Presbyterian Church's Alternative Christmas Fair gives you the opportunity to give gifts benefitting charities and nonprofits locally and internationally. Location: 240 Tiburon Boulevard, Tiburon. Event details

  • Nature for Kids at Las Gallinas
    Las Gallinas Valley Sanitary District, San Rafael
    Sunday, 10 am–1 pm

    Stroll around Las Gallinas Ponds to observe waterfowl that inhabit the area and look for signs of river otters often seen swimming in the ponds. No registration is required. Rain may cancel. Event details.
  • Family Music in the Park
    Miwok Park, Novato
    Sunday, 10:30–11 am

    Miss Melissa, her drum and her guitar return to the forest for Family Music in the Park! Songs & Movement for Babies, Kids & Families! Come a few minutes early to make an egg shaker that you can take home! This event does not require any advance registration. Location: 2200 Novato Blvd., Novato. 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 Blvd., Corte Madera. Event details.
  • Victorian Christmas Crafts Workshop
    General Vallejo's Home, Sonoma
    Sunday, 11 am

    Construct your own historical gifts or stocking stuffers with Sonoma Petaluma Parks, Inc. (SPParks) at General Vallejo’s Home. Choose from more than a dozen crafts between $0.25 and $1.00 each. Keep an eye out for a special holiday guest! Free admission for ages 12 and under (accompanied by an adult), $2 for ages 13-17, and $3 for adults. Rain or shine. Credit/Debit cards accepted. Location: Spain Street, Sonoma. Event details.
  • Goodie's Kid's Club Holiday Ornament Workshop
    Goodman Building Supply, Mill Valley
    Sunday, 12:30–2:30 pm

    The workshop will start promptly at 12:30pm and is free to attend for any child(ren) 12 years or younger. All supplies are provided; but space is limited so pre-registration is required. To register your child(ren), please email Carol at carol@goodmanbuildingsupply.net or register at our store. Location: 775 Redwood Highway, Mill Valley. Event details.
  • Christmas House at West End Nursery (see Friday for details).
  • NorCal Ice (see Friday for details).
  • Holiday Ice Skating in Union Square (see Friday for details).
  • Holidays Along Farm Trails