Celebrate the Holidays with Library & Recreation!

The holiday season is here-see what's happening this year with Library & Recreation's festive community events for all ages!

Single & Multi-day Events/Programs

First Wednesday Art Talks: Inspiration for the Season - Nov 5 & Dec 3 | 1 PM-2 PM
Take a creative break from the holiday bustle and get inspired by the world of art with First Wednesday Art Talks, presented by the San Rafael Public Library at the City Hall Council Chambers.

Goldenaires Holiday Crafts Market - Saturday, November 8 | 12 PM-4 PM
Kick off the season at the San Rafael Goldenaires Holiday Crafts Market from 10 AM to 4 PM at the San Rafael Community Center. Now in its 32nd year, this free event features handmade gifts, local artisans, baked treats, Santa and Mrs. Claus, and plenty of holiday cheer. Support senior creativity and take home one-of-a-kind treasures while enjoying a cherished San Rafael tradition.

Marin Master Gardeners: Holiday Season Garden Tips - Nov 12 & Dec 10 | 2 PM-3 PM
Worried about rein(deer) or other hungry visitors in your garden? The Marin Master Gardeners have you covered this holiday season! Learn easy, eco-friendly alternatives to traditional lawns & discover humane ways to protect your garden from deer, squirrels, and more. Both talks are free at the Downtown San Rafael Library.

Falkirk Art Opening Reception - Friday, November 14 | 5 PM-7:30 PM
Celebrate the season surrounded by art and creativity at Falkirk Cultural Center's Winter Exhibition Opening Reception. Enjoy an evening with featured artists Chris Mosley, Jean-Marc Brugeilles, and Gerald Huth, whose works explore themes of nature, music, and imagination through glass, wood, and paint. Stroll through the beautifully decorated mansion, mingle with the artists, and experience the warmth of the holidays through art.

Nutcracker Workshop - Saturday, November 15 (FULL)
Families and individuals will gather at the Falkirk Cultural Center to design their very own two-foot-tall Nutcracker-complete with paint, jewels, and festive flair. This popular workshop filled up fast, so be sure to register early next year for your chance to join this creative holiday favorite.

Terra Linda Holiday Family Workshop - Sunday, December 7 & 14 (FULL)
Families will get hands-on with clay at the Terra Linda Community Center, creating glazed holiday keepsakes with award-winning artist Nadia Tarzi-Saccardi. This beloved workshop reached capacity again this year-another reminder to sign up early next season!

Goldenaires Holiday Afternoon Gala - Friday, December 12 | 11:30 AM-3:00 PM
Celebrate the season at the Goldenaires Holiday Afternoon Gala! Enjoy a festive banquet by Debbie Ghiringhelli Catering, live music from The Don Santos Band, and plenty of holiday cheer. Tickets are $50 for members and $55 for non-members (ages 13+ welcome). Reserve by December 5 at the Goldenaires Office or call 415-485-3348. Good food, great company, and holiday fun await!

Happy Lane Drama Presents: Elf the Musical Jr. - December 11-13
Get ready for holiday cheer as Happy Lane Drama brings Elf the Musical Jr. to the San Rafael Community Center Auditorium! Follow Buddy the Elf on his hilarious, heartwarming journey from the North Pole to New York City in this lively youth performance filled with music, laughter, and Christmas spirit.

️ Tickets: $10 at the door
Showtimes: Dec 11, 12 & 13 at 6:30 PM, plus a Saturday matinee at 1 PM
There's even front-row mat seating for kids who want to sit close to the action!

Deck the Houses & Holiday Fun - Saturday, December 13 | 12:30 PM-3:30 PM
Kids ages 6-9 can dive into holiday cheer at the Terra Linda Community Center during this fun afternoon of gingerbread house decorating, festive games, arts and crafts, and cheerful music! All supplies are included, and light snacks will be provided. It's a sweet way for kids to celebrate the season-while parents take care of some last-minute holiday shopping.
Space is limited, so register early!

Ongoing Activities & Programs

Library Gratitude Activity - November-December
Share what you're thankful for this season! Visit the Downtown Library or Northgate Library throughout November and December to take part in our Gratitude Activity. Write what you're grateful for on a colorful paper leaf and post it on our library window to help create a growing display of community thankfulness. Stop by, add your leaf, and see what others in our community are celebrating and appreciating this season.

Winter Fairies & Snowflakes Craft - All December
Drop by the Downtown Library or Northgate Library anytime this December for a fun, family-friendly winter craft! Create your own Winter Fairies and Snowflakes with all supplies provided-just bring your creativity and enjoy a magical seasonal activity for children and families.

Falkirk Cultural Center: Winter Art Exhibition - November 7-December 16
Stop by the Falkirk Cultural Center during open hours this season to enjoy festive decorations and the latest exhibition, Reflections in Bloom: Glass & Nature Intertwined, Enchanted Universe, and Hearing the Music. The show features glasswork, paintings, and sculptures inspired by nature, movement, and melody. Don't miss the Opening Reception on Friday, November 14, 5-7:30 p.m., where you can meet the artists and celebrate the season surrounded by art and creativity.

Give Back This Season

Spread holiday cheer by supporting local families in need! Library & Recreation is partnering with two great community efforts this season:

San Rafael Santa Cop - Donate new, unwrapped toys or gift cards to help bring joy to children and teens who might otherwise go without. Collection barrels are located at the San Rafael Community Center and Terra Linda Community Center through December 19.

SF/Marin Food Bank Drive - Help fill our bins with non-perishable foods like pasta, soups, tuna, nut butters, and cereal. Donations are accepted through December 19 at your local Library or Community Center.

Celebrate the season with creativity, community, and cheer-right here in San Rafael.