By John Egan

Known as the “sunny side of the Golden Gate Bridge,” Marin County is truly a destination for all seasons. And for the holidays this year, Marin is ho-ho-hosting festivities that’ll bring you plenty of music and merriment, ranging from concerts to Winter Solstice Celebrations.

Here are six hand-picked Marin events that are sure to lift your holiday spirits.

 

A John Denver Christmas
Marin Veterans' Memorial Auditorium
2:00pm to 4:00pm and 6:00pmto 9:00pm Sunday, December 18th

America’s Top John Denver Tribute is an unforgettable and intimate experience that will take you back to the ’70s when John Denver’s music permeated the radio airways. Rick Schuler’s enchanting holiday show features all your favorite Denver hits including “Rocky Mountain High,” “Sunshine On My Shoulders,” “Take Me Home Country Roads,” “Leaving On A Jet Plane,” “Annie’s Song,” and “Thank God Ima Country Boy,” just to name a few. 

 

Marin Dance Theatre: Sophie and the Enchanted Toyshop
Marin Veterans' Memorial Auditorium

Saturday, December 17, 5:00pm to 7:00pm
Sunday, December 18, 2:00pm to 4:00pm

Marin Dance Theatre, an internationally recognized dance training center, located in San Rafael, presents this delightful full-length children’s ballet choreographed by the Bay Area's accomplished choreographer and MDT Artistic Director, Lynn Cox. This will be the 26th-year celebration of this enchanting story about Sophie!
The full-length ballet of “Sophie and the Enchanted Toyshop” features over 120 dancers of all ages, including professional guest artists. Enjoy the Dickens-style Street scene that comes alive with townspeople, aristocrats, school children, cadets, and mysterious masqued players.

 

Marin Ballet: "Nutcracker" 
Marin Veterans' Memorial Auditorium
Two performances each day at various times  Saturday, December 10th and Sunday, December 11th 

Rich in old-fashioned holiday grandeur, one can never get enough of the Nutcracker during the holidays, especially since most of us missed it last year! Marin Ballet’s Nutcracker is always a lovely holiday experience to share with those you love. Welcome back to the theater!

 

Marin Symphony Holiday Pops Concert
7:00 p.m. Tuesday, December 13th
Marin Veterans’ Memorial Auditorium

A seasonal Marin classic, the Marin Symphony Holiday Pops Concert will be hopping with holiday pop classics, traditional carols and favorite theme songs. Special guests, sing-alongs and complimentary post-concert treats will tie a bow on the program held at the Marin Veterans’ Memorial Auditorium in San Rafael. 

 

Gypsy at The Barn Theater
2:00 Matinee on Sunday, December 19th
Marin Art and Garden Center

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.

 

New Year's Eve: Petty Theft - Tribute to Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
9:30 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. Saturday, December 31st 
Hopmonk Tavern - Novato

An Easy, Fun & Funny way to spend New Year’s Eve, right here in Marin. The tavern continues the goal of making your last day of the year hassle-free & funny. Start the evening early in the Beer Garden, under vintage oak trees for a delightful dinner before the show. Reserve a group of tables together and bring your party to us.

 

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