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 holiday shows done Broadway-style. 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
Downtown, Grant Avenue
For holiday celebrations and great local shopping, check out Downtown Novato this December. A holiday craft faire takes place from December 5-6. On December 6, the town will light the Christmas tree during a night of music, shopping, kids’ activities and visits with Santa Claus. Stick around to get the best of the downtown’s shopping scene with businesses open late through the night.
2025 Dates TBD
Sausalito
Industrial Center Building, 480 Gate 5 Road
The ICB Building in Sausalito, home of many local artist studios, hosts its annual Winter Open Studios the first weekend in December, to the delight of art lovers and families. The historic building hosts over 90 studios featuring a variety of accomplished artists — painters, sculptors, photographers, fiber and digital artists.
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 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.
2025 Dates TBD
Mill Valley
Le Petit Jardin, 201 Seminary Drive
Le Petit Jardin is announces its 15th Annual Teddy Bear Tea à la Française. If you don’t already know, teddy bear tea is an annual holiday tradition that got its start in Great Britain. You and your child will enjoy a tea service, traditional holiday music, interactive teddy bear stuffing, fireside story time, and a festive photo booth at this event! It’s the perfect holiday experience for your little one, and they’ll genuinely remember it for years to come.
December 14
Fairfax
Fairfax Pavilion, 142 Bolinas Rd
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 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!