The Great Downtown San Rafael Elf Hunt
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Artistic rendering โ€“ Event may differ

The Great Downtown San Rafael Elf Hunt

Holiday elf hunt in downtown businesses

About

Join the 4th Annual Great Downtown San Rafael Elf Hunt! Search for mischievous elves hiding in businesses along 4th Street. Download a map, find the elves, record their names, and turn in your map at Mike Bike's for a chance to win gift baskets worth up to $200. It's a fun way to explore local shops and restaurants during the holiday season.

Our Take

Family Friendly

๐ŸŽ„ ๐ŸŽ„ ๐ŸŽ„ ๐ŸŽ„ ๐ŸŽ„ (5/5)

Best For

Families, holiday shoppers, community event enthusiasts

Vibe

Festive, engaging, community-oriented

Energy Level

Moderate

Budget

$

Photo Friendly

๐Ÿ“ท ๐Ÿ“ท ๐Ÿ“ท ๐Ÿ“ท ๐Ÿ“ท (4/5)

Weather Sensitivity

Low

Special Events & Promotions

  • Enter to win gift baskets worth $200-$100
  • Discover decorated windows and local businesses

Tags

holiday marketfamily friendlySanta visitsfestive foodholiday shoppingcommunity celebrationseasonal activitiesholiday tradition

Always check the official website for the most current information.

We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly.

Location

San Rafael, CA

Event Details

Pricing

FREE

Duration

Event runs for over a month

Ages

All ages

Neighborhood

Downtown San Rafael

Timed Entry

No

Organizer

Downtown San Rafael Business Improvement District

Practical Information

Parking

Information available on downtown parking, bike racks, rates, permits, EV charging, and public transit is provided on their parking page.

Pet Policy

No pets allowed

Food & Drink

Explore local restaurants and enjoy festive food and beverages.

Quick Actions

Tips & Advice

  • Download or pick up your elf hunt map early to plan your route and maximize your chances of finding all the hidden elves.
  • Visit during weekdays for a more relaxed experience, or enjoy the festive atmosphere on weekends with potentially more participants.
  • Combine your elf hunt with shopping or dining at the participating businesses to make a full day of festive exploration.
  • Keep an eye out for special promotions or events hosted by the businesses where you find the elves.
  • Bring a friend or family member to help you spot the elves and share the excitement of the hunt.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Great Downtown San Rafael Elf Hunt?

It's an annual holiday event where participants search for hidden elves inside various businesses in Downtown San Rafael, collect their names, and enter a prize drawing.

Where can I get an Elf Hunt map?

You can download the map from the event page (coming soon) or pick one up from Mike Bike's.

Where do I turn in my completed map?

Completed maps should be turned in to Mike Bike's to be entered into the prize drawing.

What are the prizes for the Elf Hunt?

Participants who complete the map are entered to win one of several gift baskets, each valued between $100 and $200.

Are there any age restrictions for the Elf Hunt?

The event is suitable for all ages and is a fun activity for families and individuals alike.

Nearby Places (10 total)

Contributors & Updates

Last Updated: Oct 23, 2025
Original Submitter: Sep 17, 2025 The ChristmasLocal.com editorial team

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