A Very Marin Holiday—The House Way

Photo: West End Nursery

There’s something about the Bay Area during the holidays. The air is crisp, the nights are cozier, and even the places we see every day take on a little magic. So we pulled together the traditions we come back to year after year. These are the moments each of us looks forward to — the ones we’d tell a friend.

Cozy Nights + Classic Holiday Charm

• Pronzini’s Christmas Tree Lot
  Allie + Julia’s official start to the season. Fresh trees, that nostalgic woodsy smell, and the ritual of picking “the one” with the kids.

• West End Nursery
  Julia’s yearly ornament stop. She chooses a new one every December, and somehow the rest of us now do too.

• Photos with Santa at Cavallo Point
  A beautiful backdrop and a Santa who never disappoints. The photos always feel elevated.

• Buckeye Roadhouse
  Susannah’s favorite holiday dinner spot. Warm wood, strong cocktails, and a nostalgic-but-grown-up vibe.

• Marin Country Mart
  Festive without trying too hard. Santa sightings, gingerbread decorating, live music, and perfect for kids.

• Stapleton School’s Nutcracker
  A longtime Marin tradition. Even sweeter this year with Julia’s daughter Josephine performing.

Festive City Energy

• Irish Coffee at The Buena Vista
  Start warm, then hop on a cable car to the next holiday moment.

• Cable Car to the Fairmont
  Explore the gingerbread house and towering tree inside the Fairmont.

• Drinks at The Tonga Room
  Campy in the best possible way. A perfect end to the night.

• Union Square Ice Skating
  Classic for a reason. Go at sunset for peak sparkle.

• Top of the Mark
  Festive nightcap, live piano, sweeping views.

• Dinner at Hillstone
  A city favorite for a cozy, classic dinner. The french dip and a glass of pinot? Chef’s kiss.

Coastal Escapes + Small-Town Magic

• Nick’s Cove
  Cozy cocktails in the Boat Shack overlooking Tomales Bay. The perfect foggy-day escape.

• Miracle at Brewster’s (Petaluma)
  Petaluma’s full holiday pop-up. Loud, fun, intentionally over the top. A must with the kids, complete with North Pole mailboxes for a direct line to Santa.

• Dickens Fair
  A Victorian fever dream — tea, carolers, costumes, charm. Pure escapism.

• Glowfari at the Oakland Zoo
  Giant lantern animals and glowing pathways. Kids lose their minds; adults pretend they’re not just as delighted.

Nostalgic, Only-in-the-Bay Moments

• Eggnog at Bull Valley Roadhouse
  A full holiday menu and the richest eggnog you’ll ever try. Susannah-approved.

• Ghirardelli Square Day Date
  Whitney’s favorite trifecta: dim sum, mini golf, hot fudge sundaes. A casual winter day that hits every time.

• Lighted Boat Parade in Sausalito
  Sailboats drifting by in full sparkle mode. A Marin classic.

• Ritz-Carlton Teddy Bear Tea
  Whimsical and sweet. Very SF. Very kid-approved.

Why We Love the Holidays Here

Because the season here isn’t about doing the most. It’s about simple, beautiful moments that feel rooted in place. Foggy drives to the coast. Long afternoons in historic bars. Glittering nights in the city. A tree strapped to the roof, hot coffee in hand.

It’s cozy, nostalgic, and uniquely Marin — and these little rituals are what make it ours.