Marin Weekend Family Fun for November 29–December 1

Cut down your Christmas tree at one of the many farms opening for the season this Friday!

The weekend after Thanksgiving offers plenty of fun for all ages, from tree lighting ceremonies and parades to holiday performances and special events. Find even more fun in our annual guide to holiday events in Marin and the San Francisco Bay Area. Also, most Christmas tree farms open for the season on Friday. Check out our guide here.

Friday, November 29

• 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
• Iceless Skating Rink
  Bay Area Discovery Museum, Sausalito
  Friday, 9 am–4 pm, Saturday & Sunday, 9 am–5 pm
  Strap on skates and take a spin around the “ice” this December at the Bay Area Discovery Museum! We’re transforming our Discovery Studio space into an Iceless Skating Rink. On our synthetic ice rink, children of all ages can slide and glide into the holiday season. Tickets: $13.95–$15.95. Location: 557 McReynolds Road, Sausalito. Event details.
• Frosty Mountain Tree Farm
  Sebastopol
  Friday–Sunday, 9 am–5 pm
  Frosty Mountain Tree Farm grows Douglas firs, Monterey pines, and Sequioa redwoods to choose and cut. You can also go on a tractor-drawn hay ride and visit Santa's Workshop, a large Christmas boutique in an old apple-packing barn. Mrs. Klaus' Kitchen is there, too, serving up hot cider, popcorn, apple fritters, and cookies. Event details.
• Larsen's Christmas Tree Farm
  Petaluma
  Friday–Sunday, 9 am–5 pm
  Larsen's is close to downtown Petaluma, and offers Monterey pines, redwoods, cypress, and Douglas firs to cut down, along with pre-cut Noble and Douglas firs. Free coffee, candy canes, and hot cider; baked goods for sale. Located on Marshall Avenue between Skillman Land and Magnolia Avenue. Event details.
• Garlock Tree Farm
  Sebastopol
  Friday–Sunday, 9 am–5 pm
  Garlock Tree Farm has been growing trees in Sebastopol since 1966. They can be found in the southern part of Sebastopol. Garlock's grows Douglas and White firs, Monterey and Scotch pines, and redwoods, and has pre-cut Noble firs for sale, too. They also offer free horse-drawn carriage rides through their 10-acre farm, as well as free coffee, candy canes, and a gift shop. Event details
• Reindeer Ridge Christmas Tree Farm, Sebastopol
  Sebastopol
  Friday–Sunday, 9 am–5:30 pm
  Reindeer Ridge Christmas Tree Farm is located literally right around the corner from Frosty Mountain Tree Farm. Choose and cut your own Douglas, White, and Grand firs, sequoias, and Monterey pines, or buy a fresh cut Noble fir. There are also hay rides, a gift shop, a big tractor tire swing, a children's train ride, weekend Santa visits on weekends, and a snack bar serving grilled sausages, popcorn, and hot cider. 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.
• 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.
• Family Fun Weekend
  Charles M. Schulz Museum, Santa Rosa
  Friday–Saturday, 10 am–5 pm
  Join cartoonist and storyteller Joe Wos for live performances and cartoon workshops throughout the day! Free after museum admission. Location: 2301 Hardies Lane, Santa Rosa. Event details
• Little Hills Christmas Tree Farm
  Petaluma
  Friday, 10 am–6 pm & Saturday–Sunday, 9 am–5 pm
  This is one of our favorte u-cut locations.They grow choose-and-cut Monterey pines, redwoods, and cypresses, and offer a selection of pre-cut Noble and Douglas firs and flocked trees. They also have farm animals to visit, a gift shop, tree accessories, and more. Santa visits on weekends, including the day after Thanksgiving, from 10 am to 4 pm. Event details.
• The Great Dickens Christmas Fair
  Cow Palace, Daly City
  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. 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
• San Francisco International Auto Show
  Moscone Center
  Friday–Sunday, 10 am–10 pm
  The International Auto Show features the world’s major manufacturers displaying their 2019 model cars, SUVs, trucks, and vans. There will also be classic cars, race cars, car simulators, hot rods, and more. Admission $10, children 12 and younger free when accompanied by an adult. Tickets at the door only. Location: Moscone Convention Center, 747 Howard Street, San Francisco. 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–$17 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 ($6 per hour). Location: 5800 Northgate Drive (next to Kohl's), San Rafael. Event details.
• Holiday Marketplace
  CIA at Copia, Napa
  Friday, noon–4 pm
  CIA at Copia warmly welcomes you to our second annual Holiday Marketplace, where you can shop, eat, drink, and be merry, all in one beautiful location! We’ll be featuring an array of Bay Area vendors who will be selling their artisan goods, making this a great place to do some holiday shopping while treating yourself, too. Location: 500 1st Street, Napa. Event details
• The 40th Annual Parade of Lights & Holiday Festival
  Downtown San Rafael
  Friday, noon–8 pm
  Downtown San Rafael will once again host its annual Holiday Parade & Festival. Enjoy traditional activities such as the Holiday Marketplace from noon to 8 pm, the Parade of Lights at 5:30 pm, the tree lighting ceremony at 6 pm in the City Plaza and of course the meet and greet with Santa, Mrs. Claus, and all of their friends right after. Free. Snow sledding will not be offered this year. Location: Fourth Street from B Street to Lootens Place in downtown San Rafael. Event details.
• 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.
• Cirque de Bohème presents "A Paris"
  Cornerstone Sonoma
  Friday–Sunday, 1, 3 & 5 pm
  Created in Paris during a period called “les Années Folles,” this old-style show is based on the French tradition of a 1920s Circus. Cirque de Bohème transports audiences back in time for an hour of mystery and entertainment. Presenting A Paris! An original spectacle with poetry, music, mystery, lots of laughs, and amazing circus talents! Delight in the work of world-class performers including a Magician, Hand Chair Balancing, Hula Hoop, Mime, Spinning Plates, Slack Rope, Jugglers, and more! Tickets: Tickets range from $27 (for children under 15) to $55. Purchase tickets here. Location: 23570 Arnold Drive, Sonoma. Event details
• 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 $20 to $65. Purchase tickets here. Location: 700 Howard Street (at Third Street), San Francisco. Event details.
• Ghirardelli Square Tree Lighting Ceremony
  Ghirardelli Square, San Francisco
  Friday, 4–9 pm
  Ghirardelli Square’s 55th Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony will take place on Friday, November 29 in the West Plaza. Join us as we celebrate the season with music by Kevin Toqe Music, crafts and a special appearance by Santa! Location: 900 N. Point Street, San Francisco. Event details
• Winter Lights
  Old Courthouse Square, Santa Rosa
  Friday, 4–7 pm
  Santa Rosa's annual tree lighting event brings together community to celebrate the holidays with activities for all ages. Watch as Santa arrives on a fire truck, take part in children's activities and games, enjoy delicious local food and drink, and more. Location: 25 Old Courthouse Square, Santa Rosa. 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
• Macy's 30th Annual Union Square Tree Lighting
  Union Square Park, San Francisco
  Friday, 6–9 pm
  The beautiful and reusable tree will be decorated with more than 43,000 twinkling energy-efficient LED lights and 700 shining ornaments. Enjoy live performances by San Francisco Opera, the Grammy award-winning San Francisco Boys Chorus, Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir, the cast of San Francisco Playhouse's 'Groundhog Day the Musical', season 16 of NBC's The Voice winner, Maelyn Jarmon plus a visit from the one and only Santa! Location: Union Square Park between Sutter & Geary streets and Powell & Stockton Streets, right across from the front of Macy's. 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
• Napa Valley Wine Train Santa Train
  Napa
  Friday & Saturday 7:15 pm, 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 30

• Breakfast with Santa
  Hyatt Regency San Francisco
  Saturday & Sunday,  8 am–noon
  Bring your family to Eclipse at the Hyatt Regency and enjoy a delightful breakfast buffet with Santa this December. A VIP Breakfast with Santa package, which includes a room, holiday gift for children, and ice skating, is available, too. Cost: $42 adults and $21 children 5–12, under 4 free. Reservations required. 5 Embarcadero Center, San Francisco. Event details.
• 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.
• Iceless Skating Rink
  Bay Area Discovery Museum, Sausalito
  Saturday & Sunday, 9 am–5 pm
  Strap on skates and take a spin around the “ice” this December at the Bay Area Discovery Museum! We’re transforming our Discovery Studio space into an Iceless Skating Rink. On our synthetic ice rink, children of all ages can slide and glide into the holiday season. Tickets: $13.95–$15.95. Location: 557 McReynolds Road, Sausalito. 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
• Windrush Farm Holiday Art Fair
  Petaluma
  Saturday & Sunday, 10 am–3 pm
  Join us at the farm for our annual Holiday Art Fair. It will be filled with 14 fabulous artists. Each day will have a few different artists. Get your holiday shopping done with handmade unique gifts and support your local artists. Location: 2263 Chileno Valley Road, Petaluma. 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.
• Santa's Riverboat Arrival
  Downtown Petaluma
  Saturday, 11:30 am–2 pm
  Santa and Mrs. Claus to arrive by tug about noon. Santa will be on hand for pictures until 2 pm. Enjoy live entertainment and hot chocolate while waiting for Santa and Mrs. Claus. After meeting Santa head downtown for some holiday Shopping. Small Business Saturday is all about supporting local small business. Location: dock at River Plaza Shopping Center on E.Washington . Event details.
• The Velveteen Rabbit
  Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, San Francisco
  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 $20 to $65. Purchase tickets here. Location: 700 Howard Street (at Third Street), San Francisco. Event details.
• Napa's Christmas Parade
  Downtown Napa
  Saturday, 5–7 pm
  The theme of 56th annual Christmas parade is “'12 Days of Christmas”. Napans build floats, decorate cars, animals and children, and march down the street in full Holiday spirit. Free admission. Event details
• SF Etsy Holiday Emporium
  Pier 70, San Francisco
  Saturday, noon–6 pm & 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 35, 1454 The Embarcadero, San Francisco. Event details
• Annual Holiday Lighting Ceremony
  Imagination Park, San Anselmo
  Saturday, 5 pm
  Holiday fun for everyone as the San Anselmo Chamber of Commerce brings the community together to countdown the lighting of the tree in Imagination Park. Hot Cocoa, snacks, art projects, family gathering, fire trucks and Selfies with Santa. Holiday music provide by Drake High School Jazz Band. Location: Imagination Park, 535 San Anselmo Avenue. Event details
• 20th Annual Tree Lighting Celebration
  Jelly Belly Visitor Center, Fairfield
  Saturday, 5–8 pm
  Celebrate the Holiday Season with Jelly Belly, and mark your calendar for this annual event. Santa, puppet shows, an ugly sweater contest, and live music are all part of the fun. Watch us light our 32-foot Christmas tree. Plus, catch our character parade! Santa photos available after Tree Lighting Ceremony until 7:45 pm. Location: 1 Jelly Belly Lane, Fairfield. Event details

Sunday, December 1

• 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
• Learn to Ride
  Stafford Lake Bike Park, Novato
  Sunday, 10 am–noon
  Learn to ride pump tracks and rollers with a ranger at the Stafford Lake Bike Park. This event is ideal for ages 6 and up though riders of all ages are welcome. All skill levels are welcome, and no experience is necessary. Dress in layers and wear sturdy shoes. Don’t forget to bring your bike, helmet, and pads. Rain will cancel. No need to RSVP, just show up. Park entrance is waived for participants. Location: Meet at Stafford Lake Park in Novato (3549 Novato Blvd). Event details
• Christkindlmarkt Christmas Faire
  Hermann Sons Hall, Petaluma
  Sunday, 10 am–3 pm
  The annual Christkindlmarkt holiday craft and gift faire features traditional crafts, food, music, and entertainment from Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. There will be a wide variety of handmade products from local artists: needlecrafts, woodcrafts, quilting, baked goods, imported candies, chocolates. Santa will be there for the kids! Location: 860 Western Ave, Petaluma. Event details
• Family Fun Day
  Asian Art Museum, San Francisco
  Sunday, 10 am–5 pm
  Target First Free Sundays offer free general admission and family programs on the first Sunday of every month. Admission is granted on a first-come, first-served basis. Due to capacity restrictions, admission is not guaranteed. This Sunday features art making activities, exhibition tours, and more. Location: 200 Larkin Street, San Francisco. Event details
• San Francisco Birth & Baby Fair
  Golden Gate Club, San Francisco
  Sunday, 10 am–4 pm
  The San Francisco Birth & Baby Fair is the premier event for new and expecting parents and young families in the San Francisco Bay Area. Parents can meet representatives from the local birthing and early parenting community, watch demonstrations, or participate in workshops. Shop for unique maternity and baby wear, accessories and gear from local designers and vendors at discounted show prices. Families can enjoy refreshments, a pampering area for moms, a tot spot play area for kids and a raffle with generous prizes contributed by sponsors and exhibitors. The first 100 families receive a special goody bag! Tickets: $12 or $30 family pass. Location: 135 Fisher Loop, San Francisco. Event details
• Storytime with Christopher Smith
  Book Passage, Corte Madera
  Sunday, 10:30 am
  After four years of living overseas, children's story reader Christopher Smith returns to Book Passage! Christopher was the Sunday story time reader at Book Passage for more than 20 years, introducing new picture books, poetry, and song to countless young children in Marin. A local school teacher, Christopher's song "The Golden Gate" is a Parent's Choice Award winner and a beloved favorite throughout the Bay Area. Join us as this tradition continues on. Free. Location: 51 Tamal Vista Boulevard, Corte Madera. Event details.
• Holiday Tunes in the Courtyard
  Marin Country Mart, Larkspur Landing
  Sunday, 11 am–2 pm
  Join us in the Courtyard every Sunday this holiday season for Holiday Tunes! Location: 2257 Larkspur Landing Circle Larkspur. Event details.
• Family Free Days
  MarinMOCA, Novato
  Sunday, 11 am–4 pm
  Are you looking for alternatives to “screen time?” How about making art with your kids during free Family Days? Family Days happen the first Sunday of every month. Choose from several hands-on art projects taught by professional teachers. Our family-friendly art teachers can customize the art project so that you and every child in your family can take home a personalized creation. Art supplies are included. Our Family docents are here to help. They will greet you and hand out our “Art Investigator” guide for kids so that your trip through the galleries is fun and educational. Admission is free when you bring a child, 2–12 years. Location: 500 Palm Drive, Novato. Event details