SKALL+GLASSMAN's Guide to the Holidays in Marin This guide is filled with festive happenings for every age and interest. Inside, you’ll find a curated roundup of Christmas celebrations, Hanukkah gatherings, family-friendly events for children, and plenty more ways to enjoy the season. Whether you're looking for cozy community traditions or lively holiday outings, there’s something here to brighten your December. December Events Enjoy live entertainment, seasonal activities, community celebrations, and dazzling light displays throughout December. Tiburon Holiday Festival- Dec 6 2-5pm Join friends and neighbors as Tiburon transforms into a Holiday wonderland filled with cheer and family fun. Enjoy train rides, photos with Santa, treats, music, and special offers from downtown shops. Holiday Choral by Marin Symphony- Dec 6 7:30pm Enjoy a night of timeless holiday classics and a rich orchestration by the Marin Symphony. Secure tickets now before they sell out! Mill Valley Lumbar Yard Holiday Faire- Dec 11-14th 5pm Celebrate the season with a festive weekend at Mill Valley Lumbar Yard- featuring live music, holiday shopping, photos with Santa, a dog parade, and delicious food and drinks! Gingerbread House Decorating- Dec 13 Various times Get into the holiday spirit with this fun gingerbread house making class, suitable for all ages. Sausalito Lighted Boat Parade & Fireworks- Dec 13 6-7:15pm Experience Sausalito's annual Lighted Boat Parade! Watch as brightly lit boats glide across the bay, followed by a spectacular fireworks show. Sausalito Jingle Bell 5K - Dec 14- 8:30am Run for a cause in the Jingle Bell race, featuring spectacular San Francisco Bay views and supporting the Dipsea Kidz program for at-risk youth. Marin Holiday Light Spectacular The Marin Holiday Light Spectacular invites families to enjoy a free, nightly display of glowing art, music, and festive fun at the Marin County Civic Center and fairgrounds, 4-9 pm daily, November 28–January 4. Family Fun Get into the holiday spirit with your loved ones at Marin County’s festive fairs, gingerbread decorating, photos with Santa, and fun seasonal activities for the whole family. Ross Winterfest 2025- Dec 6 2:30-5:30pm Join us for Winterfest at Marin Art & Garden. Enjoy train rides, holiday music, an igloo dance party, a Santa sighting, and much more! Gingerbread Houses with Santa at Tiburon Tavern- Dec 6 & 7 12-12pm Make your very own gingerbread house for the holidays and visit Santa! An Afternoon with Santa-Dec 14 2-4pm Join us at Cavallo Point for a festive family afternoon with Santa photos, face painting, cookie and ornament decorating, a holiday sing-along, and warm seasonal treats-plus a complimentary beer or wine for adults. Parents and Kids Cookie Decorating- Dec 16 5:30-7:30pm Create memories that will last a lifetime, decorating gingerbread and lemon sugar cookies! Holiday Workshops Join holiday workshops to spark creativity, share laughter with your community, and bring warmth and joy to your season. Wreath Making & Sips with Squalo Vino- Dec 2 6-8pm Get into the holiday spirit with wreath-making and wines from Squalo Vino. Garden to Cup: The Gift of Herbal Tea- Dec 7 1:30-3:30pm Learn about herbal teas and create your own blends to take home to enjoy yourself or gift others! Holiday Classics at Cavallo Point- Dec 14 5-8pm Hosted at Cavallo Point's Cooking School, learn how to prepare delicious, classic Holiday dishes. Hanukkah Events Celebrate Hannukah with your community! Hanukkah Festival of Lights 2025-Dec 7 11:30am-2pm Celebrate the season at the Festival of Lights-a joyful Hanukkah gathering with music, food, art, and community. Be the light that brightens Marin this Holiday season. Musical Kabbalat Shabbat-Dec 12 5:30-6:30pm Experience a warm, musical Shabbat with our Rabbi, Cantor, and band as we welcome the sweetness of Shabbat. Children's Chanukah at the Bottle House-Dec 20 4-5pm Join us at Marin Art & Garden with your little ones and enjoy everything from latkes and chocolate gelt to artworks. Giving Back With the holidays approaching, it’s an ideal moment to reflect on the spirit of generosity and giving back to those around us . Explore local organizations where you can donate, volunteer, and help spread warmth and compassion throughout our community this season. Marin Humane – Holiday Pet Supply Drive Help local shelter animals stay warm and supported this winter. Drop-off & Volunteer Site: 171 Bel Marin Keys Blvd., Novato, CA 94949 Donate blankets, towels, pet beds, cat/dog toys, treats, and food. Volunteer roles vary based on availability. One Warm Coat – Local-Coat-Drives Drop-offs All Equator Coffee Cafe Locations All accepting NEW coat donations! Marin County Firefighters – Holiday Toy & Coat Collection New toys and sometimes new or gently used coats accepted the first 2–3 weeks of December. Easy, no-contact drop-off. Southern Marin Fire District – Station 9 308 Reed Blvd, Mill Valley, CA 94941 Central Marin Fire – Station 14 (Larkspur) 342 Magnolia Ave, Larkspur, CA 94939 San Rafael Fire – Station 51 (Downtown HQ) 1039 C St, San Rafael, CA 94901 SF-Marin Food Bank – Marin Warehouse Volunteer Shifts Sort and pack groceries for thousands of households across Marin. Volunteer Location: 2550 Kerner Blvd., San Rafael, CA 94901 2-hour volunteer shifts available throughout December. Closed-toe shoes required; family-friendly for ages 11+ (with adult). Salvation Army San Rafael – Angel Tree & Holiday Pantry Drop-Off & Volunteer Site: 351 Mission Ave, San Rafael, CA 94901 San Rafael, until Dec 20 “Adopt” a child or senior from the Angel Tree to buy gifts. Volunteer at their holiday food pantry or sorting days. Whistlestop / Vivalon – Senior Holiday Support Volunteer Hub: 999 Third St, San Rafael, CA 94901 San Rafael -December volunteer shifts Deliver meals to homebound seniors. Assemble holiday care packages or write cards. Toys for Tots – Marin Drop-Off Sites All December Donate new toys for kids in need. U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Center (Regional Coordinator) 100 Armory Dr, San Rafael, CA 94901 The Village at Corte Madera (Mall Office/Info Desk) 1618 Redwood Hwy, Corte Madera, CA 94925 Northgate Mall (Management Office) 5800 Northgate Dr, San Rafael, CA 94903 North Marin Community Services – Holiday Toy & Gift Card Drive Help provide toys, books, and essentials for Marin kids. Drop-off & Volunteer Site: 680 Wilson Ave., Novato, CA 94947 Donate new, unwrapped toys or $25–$50 gift cards (Target, Amazon, Ross). Volunteers help with sorting and holiday distribution. Author: Marcia Skall, MBA & Jennifer Glassman Top-producing real estate agents with Golden Gate Sotheby's International Realty serving Marin County and San Francisco. Consistently ranked Top 1.5% Small Team in the Nation by Wall Street Journal and awarded Top Producing agents in Marin County 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024. With 40+ years of combined experience, the team brings an unparalleled level of expertise and excellence to every client and sale.