It’s back! The City of Sausalito’s month-long Holiday by the Bay is returning for its second season this December. Highlights include a lighted boat parade, fireworks, a 5K run, local artists’ open studios, and a gingerbread house tour. In addition, visitors will enjoy Sausalito’s shopping, dining, live music, and more, all with the beautiful waterfront as a backdrop.
Boat Parade, Fireworks, Food, And Fun!
This is Sausalito’s premier holiday season event, including two days of fun (Saturday, December 10, and Sunday, December 11). It requires tickets, which you can buy here.
- Lighted Boat Parade And Fireworks: Saturday, 6:00-7:15 p.m. at Gabrielson Park. Reserve seating opens at 5 p.m. Lighted-Boat Parade begins at 6:00 p.m. Fireworks start at 7:15 p.m.
- Captain’s After Party: Saturday, 7:30-10:30 p.m. at The Spinnaker Restaurant. VIP ticket holders can enter at 5:00 p.m.; general admission ticket holders’ admission begins at 8:00 p.m.
- Jingle Bell 5K Run: Runner registration begins at 7:30 a.m. on Sunday; race starts at 8:30 a.m. Register here.
- Sunday Brunch: 9:30 a.m. at The Spinnaker Restaurant.
Beautiful Art
You are invited to the 2022 Industrial Center Building (ICB) winter open studios. More than 100 Bay Area artists will display their work at this free event. Opening night preview is on Friday, December 2, from 5 to 8 p.m. The studios are open December 3 and 4, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. More than 100 artists create fine art and various media will participate. Parking is free, and the building is ADA-accessible on the bay side.
During the same time, Varda Landing artists will hold their open studios at 275 Gate Five Road.
Delightful Gingerbread House Tour
The 16th Annual Gingerbread House Tour runs the whole month of December. Vote for the most creative Sausalito business. The tour kicks off Saturday, December 3, at the Chamber Visitor Center with a performance from the Marin Girls Choir. You can get a Gingerbread House tour map at the visitor center by the Ferry plaza.
Make It To The Makers Faire
On Saturday, December 17, peruse the offerings of some of the most creative artists in the area. Visit the Makers Faire at the Sausalito Center for the Arts. Bring the grandkids for a photo with Santa and his elves.
Zen Day Trip
I could wax poetic about the Muir Woods, within striking distance of Sausalito. Even with lots of tourists, the giant redwoods muffle sounds, and you will feel like the only one enjoying this ancient forest.
Pro Tips: Take a shuttle from Sausalito (read directions closely)! The last two times we tried to find a parking space at Muir Woods, we failed. In December, shuttles operate only on weekends. Also, there is no cell or Wi-Fi service at Muir Woods. If you need to call a rideshare or download your parking reservation receipt, do so before coming to the park.
Get There!
There are many great ways to get to/from Sausalito, including by ferry, bus, and rideshare. Travel options are here.
Check out these TravelAwaits articles for more information on Sausalito and Marin County:
