That special time of year is rolling around very soon, so I thought I would take a moment to highlight some of the things happening in Marin that will help get each and every family in the holiday spirit.

11/19/10 Northgate Tree Lighting Ceremony / San Rafael 

To kick off the season, the newly remodeled Northgate shopping center will be hosting their second annual tree ceremony, welcoming the holiday season in style. Entertainment will include face painters, balloon artists, jugglers and more. Of course Santa Claus will arrive to help light the tree starting at 6:30pm. The Mistletones will entertain with popular holiday music for all ages from 7:00 pm to 8:30pm.

11/19/10 – 11/20/10 Tamalpais Valley Holiday Arts & Crafts Fair / Mill Valley

You will enjoy delicious food and music along with the finest handcrafted ceramics, paintings, woven baskets, and much more. Crafts for the kids to make, with lots of free parking at the Tamalpais Valley Community Center at 203 Marin Ave in Mill Valley. The event starts on Friday, November 19, from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm and continues on Saturday, November 20, from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm and is free to anyone attending.

Parade of Lights and Winter Wonderland
Photo by Vortech

11/26/10 – 11/27/10 Parade of Lights and Winter Wonderland / San Rafael

Once again, downtown San Rafael kicks off the holiday season with the Parade of Lights and Winter Wonderland. This annual event features a Holiday Marketplace with arts and crafts, live entertainment, children’s activities, free snow sledding, and one of the largest holiday parades in the Bay Area.

12/4/2010 Breakfast with Santa / San Rafael

This up close moment with Santa is hosted by Applebee’s with all proceeds donated to the Marin Community Food Bank. The cost is minimal (adults are free, children are $5 at the door) with all the proceeds going to charity, making this an affordable way to feed the family, have fun and give back to the Marin community all at once this holiday season. The event will be held from 9:00 am to 10:00 am at Northgate.

12/4/2010 Parent and Child Holiday Craft Class / San Rafael

Get into the holiday spirit in this two-hour workshop where the parents and their little ones spend time making appropriate holiday crafts utilizing glitter, glue, stickers, 3D projects and much more. Decorate your home with cute, fun handmade holiday projects that will make your house sparkle. For ages 2 and up, 9:30 am to 11:30 am at the Terra Linda Community Center at 670 Del Ganado Road in San Rafael.

12/11/2010 Sausalito Lighted Yacht Parade and Fireworks Spectacular / Sausalito

Held along the north end of Sausalito, off Clipper Yacht Harbor and proceeding past the Spinnaker Restaurant, this is the 22nd annual event beginning at 6:00 pm with fireworks following immediately after the parade. Access is easy and it’s all FREE along the waterfront. Donations to support the fireworks are appreciated! 

12/19/2010 SingersMarin perform “Tis’ the Season” / San Rafael

A wonderful family tradition for Marin, this concert and sing-along is a great way to celebrate with friends and family. Six youth and adult choral ensembles perform in concert featuring world rhythms, Christmas carols, Hanukkah songs, and popular winter favorites. The endearing Caroling Kids lead the audience in sing-alongs throughout the show, while there are special visual and lighting effects to create an enchanting holiday spirit. This will be held from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm at the Marin Center Auditorium at the Avenue of Flags near the Civic Center. Admission ranges from $20 – $30 for more information contact 415-383-3712.

So go out and take advantage of some of these great events. They can really get you and your family in the Holiday Spirit!

Posted by:  Rick Smith