Check out our guide to North Bay Christmas tree farms and lots here.
There's also holiday ice skating at numerous locations throughout the Bay Area, as well as opportunities to visit with Santa Claus at local shopping centers and to visit Marin's amazing lighted holiday houses!
Friday, December 2
Great Dickens Christmas Fair
Cow Palace, San Francisco
Friday–Sunday, 10 am–7 pm
The Dickens Fair runs on weekends through December 20. 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.
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. Information: (415) 781-2688 or visit their website.
Marin Center Holiday Craft and Boutique Sale
Marin Center, San Rafael
Friday–Sunday, 11 am–8 pm
Join us for some holiday cheer and shop artfully at the Marin Center’s Holiday Craft and Art Fair. With original artworks, crafts, jewelry, woodworks, silk scarves and more by some 35 hand-selected local artists there’s something for everyone on your holiday list. With over 700 items priced from $5 to $250, you can take home something special for the art lovers in your family while supporting the true creative culture of Marin! Shop till you drop and support your local artists! Free admission. Location: Marin Center Exhibit Hall, 10 Avenue of the Flags, San Rafael. For more info, visit their website.
The Velveteen Rabbit
Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, San Francisco
Friday, 11 am, Saturday, 1 & 4 pm and 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 $15 to $75. For more info, 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.
Presidio Community Tree Lighting
San Francisco Presidio Main Post
Friday, 5:30–7 pm
Light the tree and sing holiday classics along with the Golden Gate Carolers. Light refreshments and kids activities will follow in the Presidio Community YMCA gymnasium (63 Funston Avenue). After the tree lighting, don’t miss the lantern-lit evening forest walk, which will start at 6:15 pm. Meet in the Presidio Community YMCA gym. For more info, visit their website.
Holiday Crafts Faire
Margaret Todd Senior Center, Novato
Friday. 6–9 pm and Saturday, 10 am–4 pm
Shop for handmade holiday crafts at Novato's Margaret Todd Senior Center. Free admission. Location: 1560 Hill Road, Novato. For more info, visit their website.
Dickens Family Victorian Holiday Party
Falkirk Cultural Center, San Rafael
Friday, 6:30 pm
Partake in a holiday treat as you go back in time to Victorian England and meet Charles Dickens, listen to him read from his famous works, watch his characters come alive (look out for Scrooge), meet and greet the true Father Christmas, play Victorian parlor games, dance and sing with our Victorian family and make traditional holiday crafts. Light food and drink will be served. A true family event. Tickets: $12 adults, $9 children. Order tickets at (800) 838-3006 or online here. Location: 1408 Mission Avenue, San Rafael. 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 3
Polar Express Train Ride
Santa Cruz
Saturday & Sunday, 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.
Breakfast With Santa
The Cheesecake Factory, Corte Madera
Saturday, 9–10 am
Come have breakfast with Santa for a good cause! Entertainment by Tim Cain and a juggling elf. Bring an unwrapped toy for a child under 15 years of age or a cash donation in support of the Central Marin Police Department Toy Drive. Breakfast is $10 per person. Location: The Village at Corte Madera. Seats are limited, RSVP by calling (415) 924-8588. For more info, visit their website.
47th Annual Calistoga Christmas Faire
Calistoga
Saturday, 9 am–4 pm
This event at the Napa County Fairgrounds includes Breakfast with Santa, live music, Santa Paws, children's crafts, horse-drawn carriage rides, holiday contests, and an old-fashioned cake walk, as well as the opportunity to shop for artwork and crafts. More information
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. Best of all, it's free with museum admission or membership. Location: 557 McReynolds Road, Sausalito. For more info, visit their website.
Zumba at McInnis Park
McInnis Park, San Rafael
Saturday, 9:30–10:30 am
Kick off an energetic weekend with Zumba at McInnis Park led by a professional instructor. This event is ideal for all ages so bring the family. All skill levels are welcome and no experience is necessary. Wear comfortable athletic clothing and sturdy shoes. Don’t forget to bring water. Meet at the tennis courts. Location: 310 Smith Ranch Road, San Rafael. For more info, visit their website.
Greenwood School Winter Faire
Mill Valley
Saturday, 10 am–4 pm
The Winter Faire is a wonder-filled event with a marketplace full of handmade and hand crafted items from local artisans, fun crafts and activities for children young and old, an organic café, bakery, puppet shows, carolers and live music from an exciting line-up of performers. Location: 17 Buena Vista Avenue, Mill Valley. For more information, visit their website.
Holiday Craft Fair
Mill Valley Community Center
Saturday, 10 am–5 pm
The fair features more than 55 new and returning artists selling their fine handmade arts and crafts. There is a wide variety of items to choose from including woodwork, jewelry, glasswork, ceramics, decorations, knitwear, fiber arts and much more. Free admission to the public. Location: 180 Camino Alto, Mill Valley. For more info, visit their website.
Ornament Making Workshop
Studio 4 Art, Novato & Mill Valley
Satuday, 10–11:30 am
Studio 4 Art will have your pound of clay ready to create ornaments for the holidays. All ages welcome, children under 5 must be accompanied by an adult. One pound of clay can create 8–14 ornaments, depending on the size of each. Cost includes the use of all tools, glazes, and kiln firing. Limited space available, registration required. call (415) 596-5546 for Mill Valley and Novato locations. Cost: $20. For more info, visit their website.
12th Annuary Holiday Art & Craft Sale
Landmark's Art & Garden Center, Tiburon
Saturday, 10 am–4 pm
Shop for arts and crafts, jewelry, paintings, knit animals and more. Free cider for all who shop and fun door prizes. Location: 841 Tiburon Boulevard, Tiburon. For more info, visit their website.
Visit Santa!
Diesel Bookstore, Marin Country Mart
Saturday, December 3, 10 & 17, 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
Take your Picture with Snoopy
Snoopy's Home Ice, Santa Rosa
Saturday & Sunday, 11 am–3 pm
Bring the kiddos for some fun on the ice and a photo with Snoopy. He will be on the ice during the Parents and Puppy Practice and public skating. Free with skate admission. Bring your camera. Location: 1667 West Steele Lane, Santa Rosa. For more info, visit their website.
Spirited Marin Holiday Marketplace
Studio 333, Sausalito
Saturday & Sunday, 11 am–5 pm
This unique and festive shopping “village” celebrating products and businesses rooted in Marin County, and supports Beyond Differences, Boys & Girls Clubs of Marin, and Marin Advocates for Children. In addition to shopping, there will be a special reading of the award-winning picture book Sofia's Dream and craft activity, letter writing to Santa, and a children's book author meet and greet. Location: 333 Caledonia Street, Sausalito. For more info, visit their website.
A Winter Circus for the Holidays
Cornerstone Sonoma
Saturday, 11 am & 1 pm and Sunday, 3 & 5 pm
An old style circus based on the French tradition of the 1920’s, Le Cirque de Bohème will transport you into a magical world filled with enchantment, adventure and wonder. This winter a Le Cirque de Bohème presents a new show: Stolen Moonlight. Delight in work of world class performers including a unicycle, contortionist, juggler, slack-rope, hand chair balancing, aerial fabrics, and a hooper aerialist. Tickets: $30 general, $1 kids under 15. More information.
Lycée Français de San Francisco French Holiday Fair
Sausalito, 610 Coloma Street, Bldg., 5
Saturday, 11 am–4 pm
Come and experience the French Winter Fair, the perfect destination before the holidays! Shopping with bespoke vendors, sampling of gourmet foods, French storytelling in our cozy library, activities and crafts to light your child’s creativity, live music, a holiday themed photo booth, and much more. Location: Sausalito, 610 Coloma Street, Bldg., 5. For more info, visit their website.
Holiday Gift Collection
Marin Country Mart, Larkspur Landing
Saturday, 11 am–3 pm
Come out and check out the police car and fire engine and donate to local Marin youth for the annual gift drive. For more info, visit their website.
46th Annual Holiday Art Faire
San Geronimo Valley Community Center
Saturday, 11 am-5:30 pm
Bring the whole family for a day of festive fun. Enjoy a Crafts Faire, A Child’s Christmas in Wales, Lagunitas School Band, Tim Cain at 1 pm and delicious homemade food and desserts. Location: 6350 Sir Francis Drake Blvd., San Geronimo. For more info, visit their website.
2nd Annual Santa Paws Photoshoot
Hotel Petaluma, Petaluma
Saturday, 11 am–4 pm
Bring your pups to have the photo taken with Santa! Free, but donations of $5 or more are not discouraged. All funds raised support the award winning Petaluma Animal Services Foundation. Part of the Downtown Merchants Open House festivities. 11 am-3 pm. Location: Petaluma Hotel, 205 Kentucky Street, Downtown Petaluma. For more info, visit their website.
Photos with Santa and Holiday Open House
Larson Family Winery, Sonoma Valley
Saturday & Sunday, noon–3 pm
Photos with Santa at this family-friendly winery near Sonoma. Free, but donations appreciated. Bring your letters to put in Santa's big mailbox. For more info, visit their website.
Stapleton Ballet Nutcracker
Marin Center, San Rafael
Saturday & Sunday, 1 & 5 pm
Stapleton Ballet celebrates its 25th year of their magical holiday classic Nutcracker! Audiences of all ages will marvel at the timeless tale of Clara and her wondrous adventure with the Nutcracker. Featuring lavish new costumes; bold, colorful sets; exciting new staging and exquisite choreography. Meet and greet costumed characters after 1 pm matinees. Tickets $36 adults, $24 youth 18 and under. For more information, visit their website.
Music for Families: Wild Sounds
Davies Symphony Hall, San Francisco
Saturday, 2 pm
Take a walk on the wild side and let Saint-Saëns’ Carnival of the Animals paint the scene. Hear the Symphony perform Rossini’s “Cat Duet,” Henry Mancini’s Baby Elephant Walk, and much more! Before, during, and after each performance, come to the lobby for activities including: Instrument petting zoo, Conductor photo station, piano mat and much more. Tickets start at $27. Recommended for ages 7 and older. Purchase tickets here. Location: 201 Van Ness Ave., San Francisco. For more info, visit their website.
Tiburon Holiday Festival
Downtown Tiburon
Saturday, 2:30–6 pm
Tiburon’s Mayor and Santa Claus make the holiday season official by lighting the town’s Christmas tree after Santa arrives by fire truck. Come ready to sing some favorite Christmas carols! Santa photos, horse-drawn wagon rides, holiday ornament making, gingerbread house decorating ($35), and more. Tree lighting ceremony at 6 pm. See complete schedule of activities on their website.
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