San Rafael Prepares for Festivity

by Noella Noelophile®

(Photo courtesy of Steven Restivo Event Services, and used with permission.)

For this Friday, in San Rafael, the forecast calls for snow.

There’s also a 100% chance of crafts, lights, smiles and Santa.

That’s because this Friday, November 23rd, marks the 39th Annual San Rafael Parade of Lights and Winter Wonderland, in Marin.

And it all starts with the cold white stuff.

(Photo courtesy of Steven Restivo Event Services, and used with permission.)

At noon on Friday, the sledding hill, containing over 40 tons of snow, opens on A Street, between Fourth and Fifth Avenues.  And all-day sledding passes will be available!

(Photo courtesy of Steven Restivo Event Services, and used with permission.)

In addition, kids’ activities for the day will include jump houses, a mini-carnival and face painting.

Meanwhile, on Fourth Street, the Holiday Marketplace will be open for business.  Expect unique crafts and a great time.

But you’ll want to be at E and Fourth Streets, or somewhere between there and City Plaza, around 5:00–so you can get a great spot to see the Parade of Lights, which starts at 5:30!

(Photo courtesy of Steven Restivo Event Services, and used with permission.)

The Parade of Lights will officially kick off the Christmas season in San Rafael.  Just after the parade concludes, Santa and Mrs. Claus will be joining the Mayor in the center of town.  With them will be various costumed characters.

And on the agenda?  The 6 pm Tree Lighting Ceremony–after which kids will have a chance to meet Santa and his friends in the plaza.

(Photo courtesy of Steven Restivo Event Services, and used with permission.)

The parade and admission to the Holiday Marketplace, tree lighting and sledding hill are free.  However, the parade producers have a request to make.

Would you be willing to consider donating, to help defray the costs of producing this special community event?

Here’s a link for donations.  Or, if you’d prefer, volunteers will be onsite in the sledding area and roaming the event.  Catch one of them if you’d like to help.

(Photo courtesy of Steven Restivo Event Services, and used with permission.)

Have a great time–and don’t forget to get a picture of the snow!

The 39th Annual San Rafael Parade of Lights and Winter Wonderland celebration starts at noon on Friday, November 23rd between B Street and Lootens in downtown San Rafael.   Admission is free to the sledding hill, with sledding passes available for $2 per sled, or $5 for an all-day pass.  The Parade of Lights starts at 5:30 at Fourth and E Streets, and concludes at City Plaza.