Raw States
San Rafael Holiday of Lights & Winter Wonderland
San Rafael, CA · Holiday
- When
- December 5, 2026
- Where
- City Plaza, 1000 Fourth St · San Rafael · CA
- Cost
- Not confirmed
- Status
- Confirmed from the organizer's published schedule
Downtown San Rafael's holiday kickoff brings a tree lighting, food trucks, and inflatables to the city's streets each winter. The Downtown San Rafael Business Improvement District has run the event for over four decades. The 2026 edition is set for December 5.
The history within reach
Downtown San Rafael's Shop Small Saturday kicks off with a tree lighting, food trucks, and inflatables at City Plaza the Saturday after Thanksgiving.
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More than 70 local bands play from the front porches of homes across the Gerstle Park neighborhood for one free Sunday each September, with streets closed to traffic.
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A German-style beer garden takes over Old Corte Madera Square each October, with steins, food, and live music organized by the town's Beautification Committee.
The California Film Institute's flagship festival screens more than a hundred films across Mill Valley and San Rafael venues over eleven days each October, running since 1978.