Snow, sledding and fun returns to Marin for the annual San Rafael Parade of Lights and Winter Wonderland holiday celebration on Friday, November 23 on Fourth Street between B Street and Lootens in Downtown San Rafael. A day of holiday cheer and activities for all to enjoy, The Parade of Lights and Winter Wonderland features a Holiday Marketplace with unique arts and crafts, live entertainment, children’s activities, the beloved snow-sledding hill, a tree lighting ceremony, and the celebrated Parade of Lights with Santa and his friends. The sledding continues on Saturday, November 24 from 9am to noon (or until snow is no longer safe).
An annual Bay Area tradition, this event brings the Bay Area together to celebrate and ignite the holiday spirit. The festivities begin at noon on Friday, November 23rd when a sledding hill with over 40 tons of snow is constructed on A Street between Fourth Street and Fifth Avenue. All day sledding passes can be purchased for $5.
Other activities for kids include inflatable jump houses, mini carnival rides and face-painting booths. The Holiday Marketplace is open from noon to 8pm (on 4th Street between B Street and Lootens Place); the Parade of Lights with Santa and Mrs. Claus begins at 5:30pm at E and Fourth Streets and travels eastbound down Fourth Street to the City Plaza, just beyond the A Street intersection. Following the parade, Santa, Mrs. Claus and other costumed characters will arrive with the Mayor of San Rafael at the center of town in the City Plaza for the official Tree Lighting Ceremony at 6 pm. Kids will have a chance to meet Santa and friends following the Tree Lighting Ceremony in the Plaza.
Tax-deductible contributions will help continue this treasured tradition. Help preserve this great, local event by donating, online or at the event.
Schedule of Activities:
Friday, November 23, 2018
• Snow Sledding: A Street between Fourth Street and Fifth Ave.; noon to 4:30pm and 6:00pm to 8:00pm (kids only)
• Holiday Marketplace, Fourth Street between B Street and Lootens Place;
Noon to 8:00pm
• Parade of Lights, Fourth Street from E Street to the City Plaza; 5:30pm (everyone is welcome to join the parade. Parade participants meet in the staging area at E Street and Fourth Street at 5pm)
• Tree Lighting: City Plaza following the Parade of Lights
Saturday, November 24, 2018
• Snow & Kids Activities 9:00am to noon (or until snow is no longer safe)
RAIN or SHINE
*In case of rain, snow activities may be suspended if we feel the snow sledding is a public safety issue.
Parking Information:
The City of San Rafael will once again contribute to the holiday cheer by providing our downtown merchants the opportunity to give their customers 3 hours of free parking. Parking is available in the two city garages located on 3rd and A and 3rd and C Streets. To assist the West End Village, parking meters in the lot located at 1550 4th Street will also be provided 3 hours free parking. The program will run from Thanksgiving Day through December 31st.
