TOP PICKS

Holiday Tree Lightings + Santa Sightings

From tree lightings to Santa sightings, here are fun events to kick off the holiday season.

Our Top Picks

Recommendation  #1
Downtown San Rafael B.I.D.

Join Downtown San Rafae for their annual Holiday of Lights and Winter Wonderland this Saturday, November 29th.

This event will have a Makers Marketplace, Human Snow GlobeOrnament Craft TableLive MusicFood TrucksJumpies, a Juggler, a Toy Drive, and sweets galore!

Throughout Downtown San Rafael, there will be an Elf Hunt, Shop Small Saturday merchant treats & discounts, and a Window Decorating Contest!

Starting at 5pm, a DJ will start playing favorite Holiday tunes in the plaza, and at 5:30pm they'll light the holiday tree.

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Admission is FREE

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HOURS:
Saturday, November 29th: 5pm - 7pm
Recommendation #2
The City of Sausalito

The beloved Sausalito Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony returns Wednesday, December 3rd at Viña del Mar Park. Welcome the season with music, lights, laughter, and a bit of North Pole magic!

The Evening Agenda includes:

  • Live Holiday Music & Sing-Alongs - Local musicians and school choirs set the tone with classic carols and community sing-alongs that warm even the chilliest night.
  • Santa’s Arrival (by boat!) - In true Sausalito fashion, Santa Claus doesn’t just stroll in—he arrives by boat, docking at the harbor before greeting wide-eyed kids and adults alike.
  • The Grand Lighting Ceremony - Just after sundown, the towering holiday tree is illuminated by city officials—typically with help from the Mayor—bathing the park in a warm, festive glow.
  • Treats, Cheer, and Holiday Fun - Expect complimentary hot cocoa, cookies, and plenty of good cheer. Don’t be surprised if you spot elves, reindeer ears, or impromptu dance parties.

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Admission is FREE

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HOURS:
Wednesday, December 3rd: 5pm - 6pm
Recommendation #3
Perry's on Magnolia

Downtown Larkspur kicks off the holiday season on December 3rd with one of their favorite traditions — Perry’s Annual Tree Lighting! 

Enjoy the magic of the season with friends, family, and neighbors as they light up the Avenue with holiday cheer. 

🎁 Giving Back:  We’re proud to once again support the Central Marin Holiday Gift Drive — bring a new, unwrapped gift to help brighten someone’s holiday!

🌟 Make it a Night Out: Celebrate all weekend long with festive happenings and holiday shopping along Magnolia Avenue and the Lark Creek Shops.

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Admission is FREE

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HOURS:
Wednesday, December 3rd: 5pm - 8pm
Recommendation #4
Marin Center

Don't miss the brightest event of the season!  Experience the wonder of winter like never before at the Holiday Light Spectacular! Your family, friends, and loved ones will enjoy a magical evening filled with dazzling light displays, twinkling pathways, enchanting photo ops, and joyful surprises around every corner. Wander through the lights, sip on hot cocoa, and make memories that will last a lifetime.

Marin Center Fairgrounds will feature nightly:

  • Thousands of sparkling holiday lights
  • Picture-perfect holiday photo opportunities
  • Vintage fire truck
  • Hands-on holiday craft making
  • Seasonal treats & hot beverages
  • Marin County Sheriff Toy Drive + Food Drive

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Admission is FREE.

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HOURS:
November 28th - January 4th: 4pm - 9pm
Recommendation #5
Tiburon Peninsula Chamber of Commerce

Join friends and neighbors on Saturday, December 6th and experience the ultimate holiday celebration as downtown Tiburon magically transforms into a wonderland full of cheer and classic family fun. 

The free Tiburon Holiday Festival will include: 

Gingerbread House Decorating

Visit by Santa

Free Face Painting

Toddler Train (weather permitting)

Popcorn; Hot Latke Bar; Chanukah crafts

Gingerbread House Decorating at Tiburon Tavern

Christmas Tree Lighting + Carolers

DJ Yuka Yu will spin a curated collection of holiday tunes

 

Visit all the downtown businesses to complete your BINGO card and receive a free gift from the Tiburon Welcome Center. Enjoy specialty treats and specials from downtown shops, restaurants, and wine bars.

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HOURS:
Saturday, December 6th: 2pm - 5pm
Recommendation #6
Town of San Anselmo

It's the most wonderful time of the year, and San Anselmo will be kicking off the season with their annual Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony

Come to Imagination Park on Saturday, December 6th for an evening filled with holiday lights, festive music, cocoa & cookies, train rides, and photos with Santa. It's one of the town's most heartwarming traditions and a perfect way to kick of the holidays with family, friends, and neighbors!

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Admission is FREE.

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HOURS:
Saturday, December 6th: 5pm - 8pm
Recommendation #7

The Great Dickens Christmas Fair and Victorian Holiday Party returns for five weekends to the Cow Palace.

An annual Bay Area tradition for nearly 40 years, the Great Dickens Christmas Fair features hundreds of costumed Victorian characters, from waltzing royals to scrappy chimney-sweeps, who populate over four acres of twilight-lit shops, pubs, stages, and dance halls. At the Dickens Fair, it's always Christmas Eve in 19th-century London!

The Great Dickens Christmas Fair offers a variety of entertainments for all ages and tastes. Step back into Christmas past of Ebenezer Scrooge at Fezziwig's Christmas Party, and marvel at the deductive skills of famed sleuth Sherlock Holmes. Families can also take part in hands-on craft activities, old-world games of skill and chance, lively interactive shows, and a new skating rink.

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General Admission: $45 (adults);  $25 (Kids 5 to 12). 

Twilight tickets (after 3pm): $30 (adults); $18 (Kids 5 to 12) 

* Children under 5 are always free.

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HOURS:
Every Saturday & Sunday, November 22 - December 22: 10am - 6pm
Recommendation #8
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Recommendation #9
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Recommendation #10
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