By Megan Eileen McDonough

 

Whether you’re a Northern California local or visiting for the first time, there are countless ways to celebrate the holiday season day and night in Marin. From magical tea parties fit for the whole family to professional chorus performances that will leave you in awe, you’ll get in the giving spirit soon enough. Here are five of the most festive events happening this month.

 

Photos With Santa

Where: The Village at Corte Madera  

When: November 23rd through December 24th at various times

The magic of the holiday season comes alive with a visit to Santa’s winter wonderland. Santa will be here starting November 23rd and is located in Center Court. A visit with Santa is always free and photo packages are available for purchase.  Reservations are recommended at this website link.

 

Twirl and Swirl on Ice

Where: The Mall at Northgate

When: Daily through December with reservations

Ice skating has returned to Northgate Mall with Marin on Ice, Marin’s only holiday ice skating rink. This indoor rink, formally Tilly's space, features daily skating, birthday parties, private ice times, special events and more. 
Info: shopatnorthgate.com/Events.

 

Holiday Crafts Faire  

Where: Margaret Todd Center,1560 Hill Road, Novato  

When: Various times on December 2nd and 3rd, 2022

The Margaret Todd Center will have more than 55 artisans selling handmade crafts including jewelry, ceramics, specialty foods, wreaths, ornaments, bath and body products, and more! And don't forget about the entertainment throughout the event where holiday foods will be available. This will be a great opportunity to purchase unique holiday gifts! Admission is free.

 

Mill Valley's WinterFest

Where: Mill Valley's Downtown Plaza  

When: December 4th from 12:00pm - 5:00pm

The annual Enjoy Mill Valley Winterfest celebration is a quintessential holiday season community event. Get ready for all the Winterfest holiday favorites featuring an array of live entertainment, a Giant Slide, and a variety of children's activities with great food from fantastic local restaurants. The event culminates with one of Mill Valley's hallmark moments, the Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony.

 

Holiday Wreath-Making Workshop

Where: McEvoy Ranch Greenhouse  

When: December 2nd through 4th at various times

At our most popular workshop of the year, learn how to create your own Holiday wreath with seasonal elements from The Ranch - like Rosemary, Bay, and Lavender - and other festive embellishments!
In this workshop, you will learn the fundamentals of wreath making and from there, the sky's the limit for creating personalized wreaths for yourself and your loved ones. The frames we provide are reusable and can be refreshed with new elements to create a wreath for any season!
Participants should wear comfortable shoes, and bring their favorite gardening gloves and pruner. Pruners may be provided as needed.
The ticket includes a glass of wine and a wrap on the Tasting Room Patio following the Workshop.

 

Mountain Play and Ross Valley Players Present Gypsy

Where: The Barn Theater: Marin Art & Garden Center. 30 Sir Francis Drake Blvd. 

When: Various times from November 11th through December 18th 

GYPSY is loosely based on the 1957 memoirs of striptease artist Gypsy Rose Lee and follows the dreams and efforts of her mother, Rose as she raises two daughters, Baby June and Louise, to become stars. Known as the “Mother of All Musicals”, Gypsy boasts an incomparable score, a brilliantly conceived book, one of the greatest leading roles ever to grace the Broadway stage, and casts an eye on show business life. The songs that have become well renown standards include “Some People,” “Let Me Entertain You,” “Rose’s Turn,” and the show-stopping “Everything’s Coming Up Roses.” Tickets are on sale now.

 

Holiday Pops Concert

Where: Marin Center Veterans’ Memorial Auditorium  
10 Avenue of the Flags

When: December 13th at 7:00pm 

Get in the holiday spirit with a trip to the Marin Symphony, which will be performing a variety of holiday-inspired music as part of its Holiday Pops Concert this month. Celebrate the season with your friends and family, as the marvelous Marin Symphony Orchestra presents a program of holiday-inspired music, with Principal Pops Conductor Stuart Chafetz and the lovely soprano voice of Dee Donasco.

 

For all you need to plan your Marin County vacation, visit the Marin Convention and Visitors Bureau’s website or Facebook page.