Downtown San Rafael will once again host its annual holiday Parade & Winter Wonderland this Friday. In its 33rd year, the event features a Holiday Marketplace with arts and crafts, live entertainment, children’s activities, and one of the largest Holiday Parades in the Bay Area.

The event has a very "local" feel and is known as a great holiday destination for people of all ages. The event starts at noon with free snow sledding and kids’ activities before the Holiday Marketplace runs from 2 p.m. and the Parade 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 occurs the day after Thanksgiving, one of the biggest shopping days of the year. This year, there will be more sledding and children's activities offered to families the following day until 12 p.m.

San Rafael Parade of Lights and Winter Wonderland
Friday-Saturday, November 23-24, 12 p.m. Fri. (9 a.m. Sat.) Free
Fourth Street in downtown San Rafael