Get ready to create lasting memories at some of the most festive events of the season. The City of Novato is thrilled to host and sponsor a lineup of many cherished holiday events, including the Holiday Crafts Faire, the Annual Tree Lighting, Grand Menorah Lighting and so much more.
As we come together to celebrate, we have the opportunity to make a positive impact and share the spirit of the season through our Holiday Food Drive, Battle of the Bells, and other community-focused programs. When planning your holiday fun, remember to support Novato’s business community by shopping locally this holiday season. Every purchase you make in Novato positively impacts our local economy. Discover our unique local businesses at ShopLocalNovato.com.
Experience the magic of the holidays right here in Novato by joining your friends and neighbors at these upcoming events and meaningful community gatherings:
Letters to Santa
Now through December 5
Children of all ages can receive a letter from Santa via Novato Parks & Recreation by dropping off their letters with a self-addressed, stamped envelope at one of our North Pole mailbox locations:
Mail Slot 1: Novato Gymnastics Center, 950 Seventh Street (available 24/7)
Mail Slot 2: Margaret Todd Senior Center, 1560 Hill Road (available 9am-5pm, Mon-Fri)
Holiday Food Drive
Now through December 17
Margaret Todd Senior Center, 1560 Hill Road
Spread holiday cheer by donating to our Holiday Food Drive, benefiting the SF-Marin Food Bank. We’re collecting non-perishable items such as canned meats, soup, cereal, and canned fruits and vegetables. Please no glass containers or perishable items.
Holiday Crafts Faire
Friday, December 5 from 6pm to 9pm and Saturday, December 6 from 10am to 4pm
Margaret Todd Senior Center, 1560 Hill Road
Purchase handmade crafts including jewelry, ceramics, specialty foods, wreaths, ornaments, bath & body products and more, and enjoy food and entertainment throughout this popular free event.
Photos with Santa
Saturday, December 6 between 10am and 12pm
Margaret Todd Senior Center, 1560 Hill Road
Santa is making a special stop at our Holiday Crafts Faire! For just $5, you'll receive a holiday photo shared on Novato Fun's Facebook and a special North Pole goodie bag for the little ones. Don’t wait, space is limited!
RSVP
Holiday Tree Lighting
Saturday, December 6 from 4pm to 7:30pm
Downtown Novato on Sherman Avenue
Join us for Novato's Annual Holiday Tree Lighting Festival, hosted by the City of Novato and Downtown Novato Business Association. Enjoy live music, dance performances, arts & crafts, vendors — and of course, the lighting of our holiday tree!
Novato Police & Novato Fire Battle of the Bells
Saturday, December 13 from 10am to 1pm
Marin Coffee Roasters, 466 Ignacio Blvd
This friendly bell-ringing battle between Novato Police and Novato Fire District raises funds for local families in need. Enjoy holiday music, hot cocoa, a visit from Santa—and there may even be a Grinch sighting.
Downtown Novato’s Not So Silent Night
Saturday, December 13 starting at 4pm
Downtown Novato Shops & Restaurants
Hosted by the Downtown Novato Business Association, your favorite downtown stores will be staying open late for holiday shopping. Restaurants, bars, taprooms and tasting rooms will be bursting with special treats, live music and holiday cheer.
Grand Menorah Lighting
Sunday, December 14 at 5pm
Novato City Hall, 901 Sherman Avenue
Join the Chabad Jewish Center of Novato as they light up the night with a Chanukah celebration! Enjoy a fire truck gelt drop, donuts, hot latkes, crafts, music and more.
RSVP
Margaret Todd Senior Center Holiday Lunch
Wednesday, December 17 at 12pm
Margaret Todd Senior Center, 1560 Hill Road
Come enjoy a delicious holiday lunch at the Margaret Todd Senior Center for just $22 ($24 for non-members)! Enjoy honey baked ham, au gratin potatoes, salad, fresh veggies, cheesecake and more. Register by 4pm on December 9 by signing up below or in person at the Margaret Todd Senior Center.
RSVP
Bouncy Ball New Year
Wednesday, December 31 at 12pm
Downtown Novato (intersection of Machin & Sweetser Avenues)
Join the Downtown Novato Business Association for a free New Years' Eve tradition where families can watch thousands of small bouncy balls drop from a ladder truck. Kids will receive a souvenir “hard hat” and can keep as many bouncy balls as their pockets and buckets can hold.
There’s no place like Novato for the holidays. You can view information about these events and more at novato.org/calendar.
