Body of News Release
Marin County, CA – Marin Center invites families, friends and neighbors to experience the wonder of winter at the free Holiday Light Spectacular, returning to the Marin County Fairgrounds November 27 through January 3, 2027. The event will be open nightly from 5 to 9 PM, including holidays, rain or shine.*
Every night at the fairgrounds, visitors can wander through thousands of sparkling holiday lights, pose for picture-perfect holiday photos, participate in free nightly craft activities and warm up with treats and hot drinks available for purchase, including holiday popcorn, caramel apples, churros, corn dogs, hot chocolate and apple cider. Inside the Bartolini Gallery, guests can participate in making free holiday crafts and visit the Industrial Art & Magic exhibit, which features recent work by the Marin Model Shop alumni, who helped bring Industrial Light & Magic's unforgettable worlds, creatures and characters to life on screen. This exhibit showcases their latest creative endeavors beyond the movies.
“Our community warmly embraced the Holiday Light Spectacular in its first year, and we’re thrilled to bring it back,” said Steve Dow, Director of Cultural Services for the County of Marin. “It’s a chance for people across Marin to come together, celebrate the season, and enjoy the Marin Center in a completely different way. Whatever traditions you celebrate, we hope everyone feels welcome under the lights.”
The season also includes free holiday movies on select nights at the Marin Center Showcase Theater and ticketed holiday performances.
Free Film Screenings in the Showcase Theater:
- Saturday, November 28 at 6 PM: Hook (1991) | PG
- Saturday, December 19 at 6 PM: Ghostbusters (1984) | PG
- Saturday, December 26 at 5:30 PM: James and the Giant Peach (1996) | PG
- Saturday, December 26 at 7 PM: The NeverEnding Story (1984) | PG
On Friday, November 27, opening night will feature a glow-in-the-dark juggler and face painting. Community partners will also host special evenings throughout the event’s run:
- Tuesday, December 8: Evening for educators and craft night for all, hosted by Marin Cultural Association
- Saturday, December 12: Menorah lighting ceremony and holiday-themed craft, hosted by Rodef Sholom
- Friday, December 18, 6 and 7 PM: String performance by the Maud Powell Institute
Transportation and Parking
Carpooling or taking public transportation is strongly recommended. For those who wish to take the bus, Marin Transit Route 35 and Route 49 lead directly to the fairgrounds, with nearby service on Route 71 and Route 233. SMART train passengers can take the train to Civic Center Station, which is steps from the fairgrounds. Train schedules are available on the SMART website.
Guests arriving by car are encouraged to enter through the Civic Center’s south archway, continue along Memorial Drive and park for free in the Veterans’ Memorial Auditorium or Exhibit Hall lot, located at 20 Avenue of the Flags, San Rafael. Pronzini’s Christmas Tree Lot is back at the fairgrounds this year, located behind the Exhibit Hall.
The Holiday Light Spectacular is accessible and welcomes guests of all ages and abilities.
Event details and schedule can be found on the Holiday Light Spectacular webpage.
* The Holiday Light Spectacular may be canceled due to lightning or high winds. A notice will be posted on this webpage if certain dates are canceled due to unsafe weather conditions.
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For disability accommodation, please phone (415) 473-6358 (voice), CA Relay 711, or e-mail County staff in advance of the event. The County will do its best to fulfill requests received with less than five business days’ notice. Copies of documents are available in alternative formats, upon request.