With the holiday season in full swing, December is full of exciting and festive events — from arts fairs and lighted boat parades and gardens to Christmas-themed orchestral shows. Here are the best things to do in the North Bay this December.
Featured photo courtesy of Mill Valley Winterfest.
Marin County
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Through January
San Rafael
Downtown, 4th Street from Lincoln to H Street
For the third year in a row, errant elves have been found amongst San Rafael’s shops, restaurants and businesses! Print out a map and find all the elves to be entered into a raffle for one of five holiday gift baskets worth up to $200. This event is put on by the Downtown San Rafael Business Improvement group, and you can support local businesses by helping in the hunt!
December 5 and 6
Novato
Margaret Todd Senior Center, 1560 Hill Road
Admission is free for this two-day fair that promises incredibly unique shopping options! There will be artisans selling handmade crafts including jewelry, ceramics, specialty foods, wreaths, ornaments, and bath and body products. There will also be entertainment throughout the event, with food available.
December 6
Belvedere
St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, 3 Bayview Avenue
Inspired by traditional songs and vocal techniques from Eastern Europe and Eurasia, the female vocal ensemble Kitka has earned international recognition for its vast palette of ancient yet contemporary sounds. Bookmarked by two winter solstice tunes from Bulgaria, this year’s program is a song cycle gathered from across Ukraine and the Republic of Georgia, as well as songs from Balkan, Baltic, Mediterranean and Slavic lands.
December 6 and 7
Muir Beach
CA Highway 1, between Mill Valley and Stinson Beach
Locally hand-made jewelry, fashion accessories, wreaths, and ornaments crafted of glass and wood are just a few of the options at this 40+ year old fair, famous for its appearances by the Muir Beach Quilters and the Muir Beach Volunteer Fire Department.
December 6 and 7
San Rafael
St. Raphael’s Church, 1104 Fifth Avenue
The Marin Symphony plays both traditional and contemporary holiday music set to candlelight in the beautiful setting of St. Raphael’s Church, with both instrumental and choral performances.
December 8
San Francisco
Grace Cathedral, 1100 California Street
A symbol of peace and unity, the Rainbow World Fund’s World Tree of Hope is the largest origami-decorated holiday tree. Submit a wish year round (though they are only added throughout December) for it to be displayed this year or the following. Be sure not to miss the tree’s 20th lighting, or visit during Grace Cathedral’s hours between Dec. 1–Jan. 9.
December 13 and 14
Sausalito
Sausalito Waterfront
The highlight of a month-long series of holiday events in Sausalito is undisputedly the brightly decorated boat parade in the harbor on Dec 14, followed by a fireworks show in keeping with the spirit of the season. The following day, the Jingle Bell 5K and brunch at the Spinnaker are both a fun run and fundraiser for the Dipsea Kids. The town also offers gingerbread house tours Dec 1–31.
December 13 – 23
Mill Valley
Marin Theatre, 397 Miller Avenue
Enjoy the West Coast premiere of this heartwarming new musical for children of all ages, based on the book of the same name by Patrick McDonnell. The Gift of Nothing follows Mooch the dog as he searches for the perfect gift for his best friend Earl the cat, only to discover that the greatest gift isn’t something you can wrap—it’s the gift of presence, friendship, and togetherness.
December 14
Fairfax
Fairfax Pavilion, 142 Bolinas Road
Don’t wait until the last minute to shop for holiday gifts for your friends and family. Come out to the Fairfax Craft Faire and shop for local artisan-made crafts/goods. While you’re there, make sure to check out the wreath-making booth around noon to create a personal wreath for your home.
December 13
San Anselmo
Ross Valley Fire Station, 777 San Anselmo Avenue
Enjoy a plate of breakfast with the old Saint Nick at the Ross Valley Fire Station. Children will have the opportunity to do some arts & crafts and take photos with Santa while they’re there. This is a perfect family-friendly event to get together with the community for the holidays.
December 21
San Rafael
Downtown San Rafael Plaza, 100 Fourth Street
Join Chabad of Marin and the City of San Rafael to celebrate the first Sunday night of Chanukah. There’s music, dancing, Giant Menorah lighting, treats, a chocolate gelt drop and more! Don’t forget to bring a non-perishable food item for the Marin/SF Food Bank to receive a free hot chocolate and latke.
December 31
Novato
Downtown, 881 Grant Avenue
Ring in 2025 with 25,000 bouncy balls at this one-of-a-kind ball drop in Downtown Novato. Where else can you celebrate the new year while also adding to your bouncy ball collection? Kids can walk away with a souvenir hard hat to commemorate the occasion — plus however many bouncy balls they can fit in their pockets!
Wine Country
Sonoma County
Napa Valley
Event Venues
Looking to see what’s happening right now in the North Bay? Our comprehensive list of venues below will help you find what you need to know what’s going on.
Looking for more things to do in the area?
Visit our What to Do in Northern California page!