Christmas in Sausalito: 7 Festive Ways to Celebrate in 2022

Can you believe it? The festive season is fast approaching – and Sausalito is a wonderful place to spend part (or all!) of the holiday season. While you probably won’t have a white Christmas in Sausalito, there are some incredible holiday events that take place throughout the month of December to get everyone in the festive spirit.

(And, for clarity’s sake, most of them are non-denomination or non-holiday specific, which is great for supporting the entirety of Sausalito and the Bay Area’s diverse community.)

If your travels will bring you to Sausalito during this holiday season, here are some ways to celebrate Christmas in Sausalito, from the beloved boat parade to artistic events that honor Sausalito’s heritage.

Sausalito is the traditional lands of the Graton Rancheria, Miwok, and Me-Wuk (Coast Miwok) peoples. With respect, I make a formal land acknowledgment, extending my appreciation to the past and present stewards of these lands. To learn more, I invite you to explore Native Land.

Sausalito Lighted Boat Parade & Fireworks

The Lighted Boat Parade and Fireworks is one of the staples during Christmas in Sausalito. On Saturday, December 10, the waters of Richardson Bay along Sausalito’s waterfront turn into a catwalk, with dozens of lit-up and decorated boats and yachts gliding along the shoreline.

The parade starts at 6pm and you can catch it from Gabrielson Park, Humboldt Avenue, and Anchor Street. At 7:15pm, the fireworks start – because is it Winterfest without fireworks? Bring a blanket and enjoy the pyrotechnics illuminating the bay.

Gingerbread House Tour

Throughout the month of December, Sausalito hosts the Gingerbread House Tour. This Sausalito Christmas celebration gathers some of the best restaurants in town, which give their best culinary efforts to make the prettiest gingerbread house. Download the map so you don’t miss any restaurants. Remember to take a picture or write down the house you liked the most. You can vote for it to win the People’s Choice Award in January.

Jingle Bell Run – 5K & Children’s Run

If you want to perform an act of kindness – and fitness – this jolly season, the Jingle Bell Run is a lovely event to celebrate Christmas in Sausalito. This benefit race summons people from Sausalito’s community who run along the scenic waterfront to raise money for the Dipsea Kidz program. Whether you register for the run or join the cheerers, make sure to arrive early on Sunday, December 11. The race starts at 8:30 am on Humboldt.

ICB Holiday Open Studios 

ICB Holiday Open Studios is one of the best Sausalito Christmas events to explore the town’s cultural scene. Over 100 local artists exhibit their works in various mediums at the Industrial Center Building. You can visit the studios and also learn about the artists’ creative process and careers. Who knows, maybe you’ll find a perfect gift.

The Opening Night Preview is on Friday, December 2 from 5 to 8 pm. The Open Studios are held on Saturday and Sunday, December 3 and 4  from 11 am- to 5 pm. 

Breakfast with Santa

Little ones also have their activities to celebrate Christmas in Sausalito. Breakfast with Santa invites all the kids to come and enjoy a delicious breakfast of pancakes, sausage, milk, and juice – all prepared by  Santa’s elves. They will also make cute holiday crafts to hang on the tree and take pictures with Santa.

There are two seatings to choose from, 8:30 am and 10 am; online registration is required.

Sausalito Players Holiday Performance

Like every year, the Sausalito Woman’s Club put on its annual Holiday Variety Show to celebrate the jolly season. The Sausalito Players will present their show on December 14 at the Sausalito Woman’s Club, from 7:30 pm to 8:30 pm. Go to their website to get your tickets in advance as they have limited seating.

Sausalito Woman’s Club Holiday Open House

The Sausalito Woman’s Club also celebrates its Annual Holiday Open House again this 2022; everyone is invited, members, friends, locals, and travelers, of course – a welcome change from the past few years.

The event takes place on December 4, from 3-5pm. There will be a Toys for Tots and Teen collection point in case you want to share your blessings with the less fortunate. Also, Santa will make an appearance, so have your camera ready!

There you have it: great ways to celebrate Christmas in Sausalito, from family-friendly fun to fireworks. Have any questions about these various Sausalito Christmas events? Let me know in the comments.