Discover the charm and cheer of San Rafael this holiday season with our expert guide. For San Rafael experts and novices alike, our guide is your compass to seasonal celebrations.
Popular events abound, such as the Downtown San Rafael Holiday of Lights & Winter Wonderland, where twinkling lights and festive displays create a magical setting for families. Another highlight is the Safeway Holiday Ice Rink, featuring a unique outdoor skating experience that captures the spirit of winter. And the Ghirardelli Square Christmas Lights is something you definitely don't want to miss, as the iconic square gets adorned with dazzling decorations. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around San Rafael
- Downtown San Rafael Holiday of Lights & Winter Wonderland
- Ghirardelli Square Christmas Lights (San Francisco)
- Safeway Holiday Ice Rink (San Francisco)
- Napa Annual Tree Lighting (Napa)
- St. Helena Snowfall Spectacular and Tree Lighting (St. Helena)
- Fairmont Hotel Winter Wonderland (San Francisco)
- Fairmont’s Holiday Tea (San Francisco)
- Ritz-Carlton Holiday Teddy Bear Tea (San Francisco)
- Christmas House at West End Nursery
- Huntington Park Tree Lighting Ceremony (San Francisco)
See these and even more events listed below!
San Rafael Holiday Light Displays
Santa Rosa Tree Lighting
What to Expect:
Community tree lighting ceremony with festive music and decorations.
Description:
The Santa Rosa Tree Lighting event is a community celebration where the city's iconic tree is illuminated, symbolizing the start of the holiday season. The event features festive music, holiday decorations, and a gathering of residents to mark the beginning of winter.
Where: Santa Rosa | More Info: Santa Rosa Tree Lighting
Ghirardelli Square Christmas Lights
What to Expect:
Holiday celebration with live music and festive lighting.
Description:
Ghirardelli Square's Christmas Lights feature a festive holiday market, a self-guided Christmas Tree Stroll, and a performance by the San Francisco Boys Chorus, culminating in Santa lighting the square.
Where: San Francisco | More Info: Ghirardelli Square Christmas Lights
Huntington Park Tree Lighting Ceremony
What to Expect:
Live music and community recognition.
Description:
The Nob Hill Association hosts the annual Huntington Park Tree Lighting Ceremony, featuring live seasonal music by the French American Jazz Quartet, cookies and hot beverages courtesy of local hotels, and a special presentation by Raphael House. This free neighborhood event welcomes all to kick off the holiday season.
Where: San Francisco | More Info: Huntington Park Tree Lighting Ceremony
St. Helena Snowfall Spectacular and Tree Lighting
What to Expect:
Illuminated holiday tree and snowfall in downtown St. Helena.
Description:
The St. Helena Snowfall Spectacular and Tree Lighting features a 26-foot sparkling lighted snowflake and a 36-foot holiday barrel tree, creating a beautiful holiday display in the town. The event includes holiday-themed activities and a visit with Santa.
Where: St. Helena | More Info: St. Helena Snowfall Spectacular and Tree Lighting
Napa Annual Tree Lighting
What to Expect:
Complimentary holiday treats and activities for all ages.
Description:
Join us for a joyous all-ages evening as we illuminate our Christmas tree, featuring vocalist Ke Marie and a special appearance by Santa Claus and his elves. Kids will delight in a magical ride around Mansion Circle aboard the Santa Train, while adults can enjoy a cash bar and share in the holiday spirit. Admission is complimentary, and we invite you to bring an unwrapped toy for the Toys for Tots Napa Toy Drive.
Where: Napa | More Info: Napa Annual Tree Lighting
American Canyon Lighted Parade
What to Expect:
Spectacular light displays along a festive parade route.
Description:
The American Canyon Lighted Parade features a festive procession of illuminated floats and vehicles, accompanied by holiday music and community spirit.
Where: American Canyon | More Info: American Canyon Lighted Parade
San Rafael Holiday Markets and Shopping
Rohnert Park Community Center Art and Craft Fair
What to Expect:
Free event showcasing local artisans.
Description:
The Rohnert Park Community Center Art and Craft Fair is a two-day event featuring local art and crafts vendors, offering a great way to support local talent while shopping for unique gifts.
Where: Rohnert Park | More Info: Rohnert Park Community Center Art and Craft Fair
Craneway Pavilion Handmade Craft Fair
What to Expect:
Annual celebration of local artisans and fair trade vendors.
Description:
The Craneway Craft Fair showcases over 200 juried and diverse exhibitors, featuring high-quality, handmade goods from California artists and craftspeople. The event includes fair trade vendors, non-profit organizations, and live entertainment, all benefiting Berkeley's KPFA 94.1 public radio.
Where: Richmond | More Info: Craneway Pavilion Handmade Craft Fair
Windrush Farm Holiday Market
What to Expect:
Unique blend of local artisanal goods and outdoor shopping experience.
Description:
The Windrush Farm Holiday Art Faire features over 20 local artists showcasing handmade gifts, including jewelry, ceramics, woodwork, fiber textiles, handcrafted brooms, and beeswax candles. Enjoy fresh brick oven pizza while shopping in a lovely outdoor setting.
Where: Petaluma | More Info: Windrush Farm Holiday Market
Downtown San Rafael Holiday of Lights & Winter Wonderland
What to Expect:
Holiday tree lighting and festive activities in downtown San Rafael.
Description:
Downtown San Rafael's Holiday of Lights & Winter Wonderland features a makers marketplace, human snow globe, ornament craft table, live music, food trucks, jump houses, juggler, toy drive, and sweets galore. The event includes an elf hunt, shop small Saturday merchant treats and discounts, and a window decorating contest. The highlight is the holiday tree lighting at City Plaza at 5:30 PM.
Where: San Rafael | More Info: Downtown San Rafael Holiday of Lights & Winter Wonderland
San Rafael Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Ritz-Carlton Holiday Teddy Bear Tea
What to Expect:
Interactive holiday show with teddy bear gift and toy donation opportunity.
Description:
The Ritz-Carlton Holiday Teddy Bear Tea is an annual event where children gather in the Ritz-Carlton Ballroom for a lively holiday show, teddy bear gift, and keepsake photo. Children may bring an unwrapped new toy to be donated to UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospitals, with proceeds benefiting Children’s Miracle Network and Make-A-Wish Greater Bay Area.
Where: San Francisco | More Info: Ritz-Carlton Holiday Teddy Bear Tea
River Plaza Shopping Center Santa Arrival
What to Expect:
Santa's unique riverboat arrival in Petaluma.
Description:
Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive in Petaluma by sailing up the Petaluma River on a Lind Marine tugboat, docking at River Plaza Shopping Center. Families enjoy live entertainment from the Pacific Empire Chorus while waiting for the Christmas couple to arrive. Santa and Mrs. Claus are welcomed by costumed dancers from the Petaluma School of Ballet’s Nutcracker and are available for family photos in their festive tent outside Taps Restaurant.
Where: Petaluma | More Info: River Plaza Shopping Center Santa Arrival
Redwood Empire Ice Arena Holiday Variety Show
What to Expect:
Free outdoor holiday show with professional figure skaters and dancers.
Description:
Redwood Empire Ice Arena presents a free outdoor holiday variety show featuring professional figure skaters and dancers, produced by Redwood Ice Theatre Company. The event includes special guest stars and is open to the public with no tickets required.
Where: Santa Rosa | More Info: Redwood Empire Ice Arena Holiday Variety Show
San Rafael Other Holiday Activities
Safeway Holiday Ice Rink
What to Expect:
Free ice skating lessons for beginners.
Description:
The Safeway Holiday Ice Rink in Union Square presented by Kaiser Permanente offers outdoor ice skating and holiday festivities in downtown San Francisco. It features special events like Drag On Ice, Silent Skate, and Polar Bear Skate, as well as free Learn To Skate lessons for beginners.
Where: San Francisco | More Info: Safeway Holiday Ice Rink
Christmas House at West End Nursery
What to Expect:
Historic Victorian home decorated with ornaments and garland.
Description:
The Christmas House at West End Nursery features a beautifully decorated Victorian home filled with ornaments, nutcrackers, artificial trees, and garland. Explore a variety of unique gifts and enjoy the festive atmosphere.
Where: San Rafael | More Info: Christmas House at West End Nursery
Fairmont’s Holiday Tea
What to Expect:
Traditional holiday tea service with elegant Victorian decor.
Description:
Savor fine loose-leaf tea and house-made scones with family and friends in the sophisticated ambiance of Laurel Court, accompanied by tea sandwiches, luscious pastries, and sweets.
Where: San Francisco | More Info: Fairmont’s Holiday Tea
Fairmont Hotel Winter Wonderland
What to Expect:
Life-sized Gingerbread House and holiday-themed dining experiences.
Description:
Fairmont San Francisco offers a variety of holiday activities, including a life-sized Gingerbread House, Holiday Tea, and the Santa Suites. Guests can enjoy festive cocktails at the Cirque Holiday Bar and explore the decorated lobby with its Lobby Champagne Bar. The hotel also hosts traditional holiday meals in Laurel Court.
Where: San Francisco | More Info: Fairmont Hotel Winter Wonderland
Marin Art & Garden Center Winter Wonderland
What to Expect:
Outdoor skating rink with snow and music under bistro lights.
Description:
The Marin Art & Garden Center transforms into a holiday destination with an outdoor skating rink, snow, and music under bistro lights. Enjoy snacks and hot cocoa at The Watering Can, explore holiday crafts, and participate in activities for all ages.
Where: Ross | More Info: Marin Art & Garden Center Winter Wonderland
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- San Pablo (10 miles)
- Richmond (10 miles)
- El Cerrito (13 miles)
- Hercules (14 miles)
- Chinatown (14 miles)
- San Francisco (15 miles)
- Berkeley (16 miles)
- Mission District (16 miles)
- Noe Valley (16 miles)
- Vallejo (17 miles)
- Oakland (18 miles)
- Petaluma (19 miles)
- Daly City (19 miles)
- Visitacion Valley (19 miles)
- American Canyon (20 miles)
- Alameda (20 miles)
- Benicia (21 miles)
- Martinez (22 miles)
- South San Francisco (23 miles)
- Lafayette (23 miles)
- San Bruno (25 miles)
- Pacifica (25 miles)
- Pleasant Hill (26 miles)
- Walnut Creek (26 miles)
- San Leandro (27 miles)
- Rohnert Park (27 miles)
- Millbrae (27 miles)
- Concord (27 miles)
- Burlingame (28 miles)
- Ashland (30 miles)
- San Lorenzo (30 miles)
- San Mateo (31 miles)
- Danville (31 miles)
- Castro Valley (31 miles)
- Bay Point (31 miles)
- Foster City (32 miles)
- Suisun (32 miles)
- Hayward (32 miles)
- Fairfield (33 miles)
- San Ramon (33 miles)
- Santa Rosa (34 miles)
- Belmont (34 miles)
- Pittsburg (35 miles)
- San Carlos (35 miles)
- Redwood City (37 miles)
- Dublin (38 miles)
- Union City (38 miles)
- Antioch (40 miles)
- Vacaville (40 miles)
- Menlo Park (41 miles)
- Newark (41 miles)
- East Palo Alto (41 miles)
- Fremont (42 miles)
- Palo Alto (42 miles)
- Windsor (43 miles)
- Oakley (45 miles)