San Rafael Christmas Events & Things to Do 2025
Your complete guide to the best christmas events in San Rafael and surrounding areas
San Rafael comes alive for the holiday season with brilliant Holiday lights and Christmas lights across downtown and along Fourth Street. Events such as Downtown San Rafael Holidays: Tree Lighting & Menorah Lighting, The Lights at Northgate Mall indoor walk-through, and Marin Ballet’s Nutcracker offer festive performances and seasonal adventures near the Mission and the Civic Center. Enjoy neighborhood light displays, family-friendly parades, and holiday attractions that combine community traditions with lively activities for all ages.
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Christmas Markets
24 eventsChristmas tree sales benefiting Bay Area youth since 1947.
Christmas Lights
18 eventsSparkling holiday lights and festive entertainment.
Christmas Shows
16 eventsHistoric American Nutcracker performance
Christmas Parties
10 eventsMasterchef-style community latke cook-off
Christmas Activities
32 eventsIlluminated boats parade on the water, followed by fireworks.
Editor's Picks (6)
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San Francisco Ballet Nutcracker
(San Francisco)
Historic American Nutcracker performance
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San Francisco Symphony Holiday Concerts
(San Francisco)
Holiday films with live orchestral accompaniment
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Let's Glow SF 2024
(San Francisco)
Country's largest holiday projection arts festival
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The Safeway Holiday Ice Rink in Union Square
(San Francisco)
Outdoor ice skating in Union Square
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A Chanticleer Christmas 2025
(Oakland)
Acclaimed vocal ensemble performing holiday music by candlelight.
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Lightscape at San Francisco Botanical Garden
(San Francisco)
Mile-long illuminated trail with light and music
Events Happening Soon (6)
San Rafael Christmas Events Map
See every Christmas event, light display, and market on one map.
Also Near San Rafael
Christmas Events Road Trips & Weekend Getaways
Worth the drive for more holiday events near San Rafael!
San Rafael Christmas FAQ
The biggest annual Christmas events include the Holiday Light Spectacular at the Marin Center and the Downtown San Rafael Holiday of Lights & Winter Wonderland, both featuring light displays, markets, and family activities.
San Rafael celebrates with unique traditions like the Elf Hunt in downtown, the lighting of the Marin County Civic Center’s illuminated arches, and community events that combine local arts, crafts, and holiday storytelling.
Downtown San Rafael is known for its vibrant neighborhood displays and festive atmosphere, while areas near the Marin Center also offer spectacular light installations and walking trails.
Local makers and Christmas markets are primarily found in downtown San Rafael during the Holiday of Lights event, with additional artisan markets and craft fairs held nearby throughout the season.
Free or budget-friendly options include visiting the illuminated arches at the Marin County Civic Center, exploring neighborhood light displays downtown, and attending free community events like tree lightings and craft tables.
Families can enjoy the Holiday Light Spectacular’s interactive crafts and vintage fire truck display, the Downtown Holiday of Lights with its ornament craft table and live entertainment, and seasonal activities like the Elf Hunt.