The City of Novato proudly hosts and sponsors many popular community activities and events throughout the year. ‘Tis the season for some of your most beloved events including the Holiday Crafts Faire, Annual Tree Lighting, Grand Menorah Lighting and more!
As you’re making your holiday plans, don’t forget to support Novato’s business community by shopping locally this holiday season. Small Business Saturday is November 25 and every purchase in Novato positively impacts our local economy. Check out a listing of Novato businesses at ShopLocalNovato.com.
There’s no place like Novato for the holidays! Get into the spirit of the season by attending these upcoming events:
Novato Police Department’s (NPD) Holiday Crafts with the Cops
Tuesday, November 21 from 10am-11am
NPD Training Room, 909 Machin Avenue
Need an exciting fall activity for the kids during Thanksgiving break? Join Novato Police for a spice-tacular crafting event! Enjoy DIY Thanksgiving craft kits, a coloring station, story time, a hot cocoa station and Thanksgiving-themed giveaways.
RSVP Today
Letters to Santa
Now through December 8
Children of all ages can receive a letter via Novato Parks & Recreation from jolly old Santa and his elves. Drop off a self-addressed, stamped envelope at one of two of our North Pole mail slots:
Mail Slot 1: Novato Gymnastics Center, 950 7th Street
Mail Slot 2: Margaret Todd Senior Center, 1560 Hill Road
Holiday Crafts Faire
Friday, December 1, 6pm-9pm and Saturday, December 2, 10am-4pm
Margaret Todd Senior Center, 1560 Hill Road
Shop from 50+ vendors for jewelry, ceramics, specialty foods, and more! Enjoy live entertainment and delicious food. Novato Garden Club, our co-sponsor, will be selling fresh greens and wreaths. Admission is free!
Holiday Tree Lighting
Saturday, December 2, 4pm-7:30pm
Grant and Sherman Avenues in Downtown Novato
Get ready to light up the night in Downtown Novato at the magical Holiday Tree Lighting Festival! Enjoy live performances, a visit from Santa, activity booths for kids and more.
SMART Holiday Toy Drive
Saturday, December 2
Aboard all SMART trains
Join SMART for a special Toy Drive event on all trains. Each adult passenger who brings a new, unwrapped toy to donate will ride free. Kids accompanied by an adult will also ride free that day.
Downtown Novato’s Not So Silent Night
Saturday, December 9 at 4pm
Downtown Novato
Your favorite stores will stay open late for holiday shopping and will be filled with special treats. Restaurants, bars, taprooms and tasting rooms will be bursting with live music and holiday cheer.
Grand Menorah Lighting
Sunday, December 10 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 donuts, hot latkas, crafts, games and more.
RSVP Today
Gingerbread Build
Saturday, December 16 at 9:30am
Margaret Todd Senior Center, 1560 Hill Road
Get ready for the sweetest event of the year! $20 per kit includes a gingerbread house, frosting, icing, candies, and sprinkles. Only a few spaces left so be sure to register today!
Bouncy Ball New Year
Sunday, December 31 at 12pm
Downtown Novato
Kids of all ages are invited to join the Downtown Novato Business Association to see what happens when 24,000 (celebrating 2024) small bouncy balls are dropped onto the street from a ladder truck 40 feet in the air! Kids will get a souvenir “hard hat” and can keep as many bouncy balls as their pockets & buckets can hold!
