Visit the Mickey Mouse House in Marinwood this weekend. It's open nightly from 6–10 pm.
There's also holiday ice skating at numerous locations throughout the Bay Area, opportunities to visit with Santa Claus at local shopping centers, and amazing decorated holiday houses. Also, check out our North Bay Christmas Tree Farms and Lots article.
Friday, December 16
Great Dickens Christmas Fair
Cow Palace, San Francisco
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. Purchase tickets here. For more info, visit their website.
Top of the Mark Children’s Magical Holiday Tea
999 California Street at Mason, San Francisco
Friday & Saturday, noon–4 pm
Magical Holiday Tea is open to kids and adults of all ages. Guests will enjoy a cookie decorating station, Santa's sleigh in the lobby, Raul the Master Baloonatic, and face painting by Fire Pixie, Bri the Magical Holiday Character, plus a tea-time buffet. Santa will visit on Saturdays, too! $70 per person; $66 with toy donation to the San Francisco Firefighters Toy Drive. Advance reservations required: (415) 616-6941. Location: 999 California Street. For more info, visit their website.
San Francisco Ballet Nutcracker
War Memorial Opera House
Friday, Saturday and Sunday, 2 & 7 pm
San Francisco Ballet’s awe-inspiring production is like no other, with colorful, larger-than-life scenery, over 200 dazzling costumed characters, and of course Tchaikovsky’s beautiful score performed live by the world-class San Francisco Ballet Orchestra. Ticket prices start at $65. For more info, call (415) 865-2000 or visit their website.
Marin on Ice
Northgate Mall, San Rafael
Friday, 2–10 pm, Saturday, noon–10 pm, Sunday, noon–9 pm
This Saturday, Marin on Ice opens for another season of outdoor ice skating at San Rafael's Northgate Mall, where it runs through January 11. Marin's only holiday ice skating rink features 6,300 square feet of real ice and will be open daily for outdoor skating. Skating is $15 per person, which includes skate rental. Private ice cabanas will also be available for rental and "Skate Buddies" are available for beginners. For more info, visit their website.
The Snowman: A Holiday Film with the San Francisco Symphony
San Francisco Symphony, Davies Hall
Friday, 4 pm, Saturday, 2 pm & Sunday, 11 am & 2 pm
On a cold December night, a young boy builds a snowman that magically comes to life. The two go on an enchanted adventure, soaring through the sky, making new friends, and meeting Santa Claus himself. It all happens in the Academy Award-nominated short film, The Snowman. Take part in this extraordinary tale of friendship as the movie is projected on the big screen and the SF Symphony performs the score live. Also on the program, jazzy Christmas hits with vocalist Ruthie Ann Miles, the Pacific Boychoir, and the Symphony. Tickets $15 and up; 17 and under half-price. For more info, visit their website.
Napa Valley Wine Train Santa Trains
Napa
Friday, Saturday & Sunday, 5 & 8 pm
Napa Valley Wine Trains' Santa Express Trains are a magical experience for the whole family. Santa and some special friends will be on board, of course. Tickets do sell out very early, so check for availablity at (800) 427-4124. Tickets start at $55 per person. Refreshments available for purchase on board. More information
Zoo Lights
Oakland Zoo
Friday–Sunday, 5:30–9 pm,
Hundreds of thousands of LED lights brighten Oakland's night sky. Highlights include a candy cane lane themed rides area, a night time adventure on the Outback Express train, rocking around the Christmas trees and a light show that's sure to blow out any bah-hum-bugs. ZooLights is a separate event and is not included in regular Zoo Admission. $8 adults, $7 children 2–14 and seniors 65+, free for children under 2 and adults over 80. For more info, visit their website.
Rombeiro Christmas House
Devonshire Drive, Novato
Friday–Sunday, 6–10 pm
Their home is something that truly has to be seen to be believed, and photos don't really do it justice. There are something like 140,000 lights as well as countless figurines, dioramas, and decorations adorning the front and side yards, walls, and roof of the Rombeiro house. If you think the outside is impressive, then you need to go on inside and get a healthy dose of Christmas spirit. You'll find model trains, more figurines, Christmas trees, and the biggest lighted holiday village you've ever seen. Location: 34 Devonshire Drive, off of Center Road, Novato. For more info, read about our visit here.
Mickey Mouse Christmas House
417 Blackstone Drive, San Rafael
Friday–Sunday, 6–10 pm
One of my children's favorite decorated and lighted Christmas house is the Mize family's Mickey Mouse House (AKA "Mickey's Christmas House") in Marinwood. Get out of your car and walk up the short driveway, though and you'll see why it's worth a visit for kids of all ages. Every evening, the two-car garage is opened to reveal two galleries of what has to be every Walt Disney toy, stuffed animal, decoration, and gimgrack ever produced, all artfully arranged in two spectacular holiday displays. Read more about our visit here.
2016 Holiday Lights and Sights Parade
Fisherman's Wharf, San Francisco
Friday, 6–8 pm
The Fisherman's Wharf Community Benefit District and the St. Francis Yacht Club will join once again to present the oldest and largest lighted holiday boat parade on San Francisco Bay. A holiday tradition since 1994, the parade includes members of the St. Francis Yacht Club, Fisherman's Wharf Fishing Fleet, Golden Gate Yacht Club, PIER 39 Marina, and the Sea Scouts. The parade route will begin just off of PIER 39, proceeding west past Fisherman's Wharf, Fort Mason and the St. Francis Yacht Club, and will turn around off of Crissy Field to return along the waterfront. Free. For more info, visit their website.
The Berkeley Playhouse: Disney's Beauty and the Beast
The Julia Morgan Center for the Arts, Berkeley
Friday, 7 pm, Saturday, 1 & 7 pm, Sunday, 2 pm
The Disney (and Broadway!) favorite gets the Berkeley Playhouse makeover as founding Associate Artistic Director Kimberly Dooley helms this all new production featuring a diverse and multigenerational cast of dozens. Featuring some of Disney’s most popular songs and characters, you won’t want to miss this magical musical adventure guaranteed to delight audiences of all ages. Location: 2640 College Avenue, Berkeley. Tickets: $25–40. For more info, visit their website
Saturday, December 17
Polar Express Train Ride
Santa Cruz
Saturday, various times
The Polar Express Train Ride departs from Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, complete with dancing chefs, singing elves, and a special gift from Santa Claus himself—a silver sleigh bell. Don't forget to wear your pajamas while you enjoy cookies, hot chocolate, and a reading of The Polar Express while on board. First-class tickets still available for rides this weekend. For more info and tickets, call (877) 726-7245 or visit their website.
MCM Farmers Market Holiday Celebration
Marin Country Mart, Larkspur Landing
Saturday, 9 am–2 pm
Bring the entire family to the Marin Country Mart Holiday Celebration and farmer's market. Activities include: fairy puppet show, holiday craft, cookie decorating, kids can write a letter to Santa, and complimentary pictures with Santa at Diesel Bookstore. For more info, visit their website.
Iceless Skating Rink
Bay Area Discovery Museum, Sausalito
Saturday & Sunday, 9 am–5 pm
Hit the “ice” this winter with family and friends at the Bay Area Discovery Museum's Iceless Skating Rink, which will be open from November 19, 2016 to January 8, 2016. Children can strap on skates and glide around on a synthetic ice rink in the museum's Discovery Hall. The synthetic ice rink provides all the fun of a real ice rink but without the cold and icy falls. Get in the holiday spirit with this classic winter activity. Free with museum admission or membership. Location: 557 McReynolds Road, Sausalito. For more info, visit their website.
Mt. Tam Day of Thanks
Mount Tamalpais
Saturday, 9 am–noon
Start a new family tradition by thanking our natural community through conservation. This is a large volunteer work day to celebrate and give thanks for this beloved mountain. Join us at the Rock Spring trail head on Mt. Tam for a morning of invasive grass removal and Doug-fir culling. Afterwards, we'll gather for fall refreshments and wreath making to kick off the holiday season. For more info, visit their website.
Gingerbread House Party
Habitot Children's Museum, Berkeley
Saturday, 9:30 am–4:30 pm
Decorate a giant gingerbread house with oodles of goodies including candies, cookies and sprinkles. After the event, the completed house will be donated to a local family shelter for the holiday. Bring a bag of decorating candy to share and receive a free guest pass from Habitot. Free admission day. For more info, visit their website.
Reindeer Romp
San Francisco Zoo
Saturday & Sunday, 10 am–4 pm
Santa is sending his favorite reindeer, Belle, Holly, and Peppermint to spread holiday cheer at San Francisco Zoo & Gardens! Until January 1, majestic reindeer will be romping at SF Zoo's Playfield Lawn, near the spectacular Elinor Friend Playground. Zoo admission applies. Location: Sloat Blvd. at the Great Highway, San Francisco. For more info, visit their website.
Santa Fly-In
Pacific Coast Air Museum, Santa Rosa
Saturday, 10 am– 2pm
The jolly old man in red will be visiting PCAM on Saturday, December 17. He will be flying to the air museum in a shiny turbo-powered "sleigh"—a helicopter from Helico Sonoma! There will be treats for the kids, a chance to sit on Santa's lap, and fun for the entire family. There will be jumpees for the kids, hot food and drinks, and other activities. Free. Location: One Air Museum Way, Santa Rosa. More information.
Hawaiian Holiday Craft and Bake Sale
Unitarian Universalist Church of Marin, San Rafael
Saturday, 10 am–4 pm
Shop for unique Hawwaiian holiday gifts, homemade goodies, mini-plate lunches, and more—all made by lovely hula hands! Enjoy hula and Hawaiian music performances, too. Location: 240 Channing Way, San Rafael. More info: hulaon.org.
Visit Santa!
Diesel Bookstore, Marin Country Mart
Saturday, 10:30 am–2 pm
Come say hello to your favorite Jolly Old Elf at Diesel bookstore the first three Saturdays in December. Enjoy complimentary photos with Santa and browse the shelves for some of your favorite holiday classics to read by Diesel's crackling fire. More info: www.marincountrymart.com
Gingerbread House Decorating Classes
Cake Art, San Rafael
Saturday, 10:30 am–noon & 2–3:30 pm
Decorate your holiday gingerbread house at Cake Art Supplies. The class includes a large preassembled, freshly baked gingerbread house, royal icing, assorted candies and decorations, and instruction. This class is a popular adult, child or parent/child class. Call now to sign up as space is limited. Cost: $50. Location: 1512 5th Avenue, San Rafael. For more info, call (415) 456-7773 or visit their website.
Sing You a Merry Christmas
Grace Cathedral, San Francisco
Saturday, 11 am
Sing along with your favorite Christmas carols as the toys of St. Nicholas's workshop lead you on an extraordinary journey, filling children, young and old, with the joys of the season. Festive for families! Tickets: $10–$25. Location: 1100 California Street, San Francisco. For more info, visit their website.
Mark Foehringer's Nutcracker Sweets
Saturday & Sunday, 11 am & 1 pm
Fort Mason Center, San Francisco
Mark Foehringer's Nutcracker Sweets is a unique 50-minute version of the Nutcracker specifically designed for families with young children. The production features a live 9-piece chamber orchestra, Brian Fisher as Drosselmeyer, musical direction by Michael Morgan, set design by Peter Crompton, costume design by Richard Battle, and production direction by Frederic O. Boulay. Tickets: $21 and $31. For more info, visit their website.
Saturdays with Santa
Bon Air Center, Greenbrae
Saturday, noon-4 pm
Find Santa and his elves in front of Mollie Stone’s Market where photos are taken compliments of Bon Air and CVS/ Pharmacy. Sit for a portrait with Santa—family and friends, the furry ones too—and receive sweet treats of candy canes and dog biscuits.
Marin Dance Theatre: Sophie and The Enchanted Toyshop
Marin Veterans' Memorial Auditorium
Saturday, 1 & 5:30 pm
Marin Dance Theatre, an internationally recognized dance training center, presents this delightful full-length two-act children's ballet, featuring over 125 dancers plus professional guest artists. A Dickens-style street scene comes alive with gypsies, magicians, and mysterious commedia del arte masked players. As a kindly toy maker enters with his mischievous harlequin monkeys, he sweeps Sophie away to her amazing adventure. Following the 1 pm performance, meet the cast, enjoy sweet treats, and have your photo taken with cast members at the Teddy Bear Tea Party in the Redwood Foyer. Tickets: $40 adults, $32 students and seniors; $7 Teddy Bear Tea Party. For more information, go to www.mdt.org. Purchase tickets here.
Alice in Wonderland
Young Peformers Theatre, San Francisco
Saturday & Sunday 1 & 3:30 pm
Alice has fallen down the rabbit hole and finds herself in a curious and strange wonderland! She meets the White Rabbit, the Mad Hatter, the Red Queen and many more strange folks! Come see this funny and clever production of a classic celebrating 150 years! Tickets: $12. Purchase tickets here. Location: Fort Mason Center, San Francisco. For more info, visit their website.
Dance with Sherry Studio’s Tapcracker
Showcase Theater
Saturday, 2 & 5:30 pm
Performed for the 16th sensational year, this is a funny, quirky, and hilarious original take on that old standard, The Nutcracker. Join Clara and the Tapcracker as they venture into the realm of dancing Christmas trees, snowballs, snow moms, flakey snow flakes, dancing presents, Sugar Plum Barbies, rapping mice, and the inhabitants of the Peppermint Palace. Discover a newer, jazzier version that highlights all of the students as they perform tap, jazz, hip-hop, breakdancing, and musical theater. Tickets: $25 adults ($28 at the door), $12 children 10 and under. For more info, visit their website.
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