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Parade of Lights and Winter Wonderland


  • 4th Street San Rafael, CA, 94901 United States (map)

Downtown San Rafael will once again host its annual Holiday Parade & Winter Wonderland. In its 39th year, the event features a Holiday Marketplace with arts and crafts, live entertainment, children’s activities, free snow sledding, and one of the largest Holiday Parades in the Bay Area.

The event is attended by people from all over the Bay Area. It also enjoys a very local feel and is known as a great destination for people of all ages. The event starts at noon with free snow sledding and kids’ activities and a Holiday Marketplace. The Parade begins at 5:30 PM.

Following the Parade, Santa, Ms. Claus and other costumed characters arrive with the Mayor of San Rafael to the center of town in the City Plaza to light the official Holiday Tree. Following the Tree Lighting Ceremony, Santa and friends are available for a meet and greet with the kids.

The entire event is free to the public and takes place the day after Thanksgiving, one of the biggest shopping days of the year. Don’t miss this great opportunity to take advantage of the Holiday shopping season.

Earlier Event: November 23
Cirque de Bohème
Later Event: November 23
Kentfield Evening Hike