Seasonal & Holidays
2025 San Anselmo Holiday Guide: Lights, Festive Fun & Good Cheer
From small-town charm to seasonal celebrations, these hometown holiday highlights bring the spirit of the season to life.
The holiday season has arrived in San Anselmo, bringing twinkling lights, cheerful events and plenty of ways to make memories close to home. From light displays to beloved local traditions, here are the hometown holiday highlights you won’t want to miss.
Please note: Dates and details are subject to change, so be sure to check with each organizer before you go — many events require tickets or reservations in advance.
Holiday Light Spectacular
When: November 28, 2025 – January 4, 2026 | 4:00–9:00pm daily
Where: Marin Center Fairgrounds & Marin County Civic Center, 20 Avenue of the Flags, San Rafael, CA
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This dazzling walk-through experience features thousands of sparkling lights, illuminated arches and enchanting photo ops. Guests can sip hot cocoa, enjoy seasonal treats and participate in hands-on crafts while exploring twinkling pathways. The Civic Center dome and arches glow nightly, making this a perfect ongoing holiday outing. Admission is free, with special themed nights throughout the month.
More info: marincounty.gov/departments/cultural-services/department-sponsored-events/holiday-light-spectacular
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Winter Walk Downtown Holiday Shopping Night
When: Saturday, December 13, 2025 | 5:00–8:00pm
Where: Downtown San Anselmo, San Anselmo Avenue, San Anselmo, CA
Local shops stay open late for a festive evening of shopping, refreshments and live music along San Anselmo Avenue. Visitors can enjoy appetizers at each stop, holiday lights and a lively small-town atmosphere. It’s a great way to support local businesses while soaking in the holiday spirit.
More info: See Facebook event
San Anselmo Breakfast with Santa
When: Saturday, December 13, 2025 | 8:00am & 10:00am seatings
Where: San Anselmo Fire Station, 777 San Anselmo Avenue, San Anselmo, CA
Families can enjoy a hearty breakfast with Santa, complete with photo opportunities and festive cheer. This annual tradition sells out quickly, so advance tickets are recommended. It’s a cozy way to start the day before exploring other holiday happenings in town.
More info: sananselmo.gov/402/Breakfast-with-Santa
San Anselmo Chanukah Festival
When: Sunday, December 14, 2025 | 3:30–5:30pm
Where: Town Hall Plaza, San Anselmo Avenue, San Anselmo, CA
The 3rd Annual Chanukah Festival features a menorah lighting at 4:15pm, plus latkes, soup and freshly fried donuts. Families can enjoy crafts, music and entertainment in a festive community setting. It’s a joyful celebration that highlights cultural traditions in the heart of San Anselmo.
More info: sananselmo.gov/m/NewsFlash/Home/Detail/3981
Mill Valley Winterfest
When: Sunday, December 7, 2025 | Afternoon & evening
Where: Downtown Depot Plaza, Mill Valley, CA
This beloved community celebration includes a tree lighting, live music, dancers and children’s activities. Santa makes an appearance and visitors can enjoy food from local restaurants while exploring gingerbread house decorating and train rides. It’s one of Marin’s hallmark holiday events, just 15 minutes from San Anselmo.
More info: enjoymillvalley.com/winterfest
Mill Valley Holiday Craft Fair
When: Saturday, December 6, 2025 | 10:00am–4:00pm
Where: Mill Valley Community Center, 180 Camino Alto, Mill Valley, CA
Featuring more than 50 artisans, this fair offers handmade jewelry, ceramics, fiber arts and holiday decorations. It’s a perfect opportunity to find unique gifts while supporting local makers. Free admission and ample parking make it an easy seasonal stop.
More info: cityofmillvalley.gov/850/Holiday-Craft-Fair
Sausalito Gingerbread House Tour & Competition
When: December 8–31, 2025 | Ongoing daily
Where: Sausalito Ferry Landing Visitor Kiosk, Sausalito, CA
The 19th Annual Gingerbread House Tour transforms Sausalito into a festive wonderland, with local businesses and bakers showcasing dazzling gingerbread creations in storefronts and windows. This year’s entries highlight four imaginative themes: Storybook Tales, Salty Sausalito, Cultural Celebration and Sea Life Adventures. Visitors can cast votes for the coveted People’s Choice Award, which has drawn over 1,000 ballots in past years. New in 2025, the Holiday Cocktail Competition invites bars and restaurants to craft signature seasonal drinks, adding a flavorful twist to the tour.
More info: sausalito.org/gingerbread-house-tour
Winter Wonderland at Marin Art & Garden Center
When: December 5–7 & 12–14, 2025 | Various times (see website)
Where: Marin Art & Garden Center, 30 Sir Francis Drake Boulevard, Ross, CA
Winter Wonderland transforms the Marin Art & Garden Center into a festive holiday destination with themed activities across multiple weekends. Highlights include an Estate Sale in the Cottage, Winterfest family fun, Wiggles & Giggles Playroom Open House, Pixie Park Bake Sale and hands-on cookie decorating workshops. The gardens themselves become part of the experience, offering enchanting seasonal displays for visitors of all ages. With both family-friendly and adult-focused activities, this event blends shopping, entertainment and holiday tradition in a unique garden setting.
More info: maringarden.org/winterwonderland
Enjoy the season, make a few memories close to home and have a happy holiday, San Anselmo!
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