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.
Downtown San Rafael Elf Hunt
November 30–January 6
For the second 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 holiday gift baskets. This event is put on by the Downtown San Rafael Business Improvement group, and you can support local business by helping in the hunt!
More info: downtownsanrafael.org/elf-hunt
Winter Open Studios
December 6–8
The ICB Building in Sausalito, home of many local artist studios, throws open its doors to the public in a return to its annual showcase of local art.
More info: icbartists.com
Muir Beach Holiday Arts Fair
December 7 & 8
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.
More info: muirbeachartsfair.com
Holiday Choral by Candlelight
December 7 & 8
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.
More info: marinsymphony.org
Santa at Nick's Cove
Date TBD
Who says Santa has to drive around in a sleigh? At Nick’s Cove on Tomales Bay, the jolly man in the white, fur-trimmed suit arrives via boat before hanging out at the boat shack taking photos, sipping hot chocolate and eating cookies with his fans.
More info: nickscove.com
Mill Valley Winterfest
December 8
The annual Mill Valley Winterfest is back in town, featuring a fantastic lineup of performers, games/activities for children, Santa at the plaza, and a tree-lighting ceremony on December 3. You can also look forward to a holiday bash at the Community Center on December 17, featuring food trucks, performances and more. It’s a perfect outing for the family if you’re in Marin county.
More info: enjoymillvalley.com
Annual Lighted Boat Parade
December 14 & 15
The highlight of a month-long series of holiday events in Sausalito is undisputedly the brightly decorated boat parade in the harbor, followed by a fireworks show in keeping with the spirit of the season. The town also offers gingerbread house tours (Dec 1–31) and a Jingle Bell 5K and Brunch (Dec 10).
More info: winterfestsausalito.com
Teddy Bear Tea à la Française
December 14
Le Petit Jardin is pleased to announce its 14th 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.
More info: lpjkids.com
Fairfax Craft Faire
December 14
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.
More info: townoffairfax.org
San Anselmo Breakfast with Santa
Date TBD
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.
More info: townofsananselmo.org
Jingle Bell 5k and Brunch
December 15
Slip on those running shoes and feel the wind at the Sausalito Winterfest Jingle Bell 5k. The race begins in the historic Sausalito waterfront early in the morning, and runners can complete it at their own pace. There’s also a kid-friendly race later in the morning. After the race, enjoy a holiday brunch at The Spinnaker restaurant.
More info: winterfestsausalito.com
Holidays in Downtown Novato
December 7 & 14
For holiday celebrations and great local shopping, check out Downtown Novato this December. On December 7, the town will light the Christmas tree during a night of music, shopping, kids’ activities and visits with Santa Claus. Then, stick around for Not So Silent Night on December 14 to get the best of the downtown’s shopping scene with businesses open late through the night.
More info: downtownnovato.com
Bouncy Ball Drop
December 31
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!
More info: downtownnovato.com
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!
