Marin County Reopens Holiday Light Spectacular After 34,000 Attended Debut

Marin County officials confirmed the Holiday Light Spectacular will reopen at the Marin Center Fairgrounds later this month. The decision follows the inaugural event, which drew more than 34,000 visitors to the Civic Center campus last year.

The celebration will run for six weeks, expanding on the previous iteration with new illuminated displays and interactive attractions. Visitors will navigate glowing pathways and light sculptures scattered across the fairgrounds and surrounding areas. County officials stated the goal is to maintain the family-friendly atmosphere while increasing the scale of the holiday experience.

Entertainment options include free family movies screened at the Showcase Theater on select dates. Holiday crafts and general entertainment will also be available. Opening night features a specific glow-in-the-dark juggling performance. Food and beverages will be available for purchase from vendors throughout the duration of the event.

Admission and parking remain free for all attendees. The site is accessible via Marin Transit and SMART, providing public transport options for visitors arriving from different parts of the county. The event is scheduled to operate nightly from Nov. 27 through Jan. 3, 2027.

Hours will be set from 5 to 9 p.m. each night, including all major holidays. Organizers expect the event to proceed rain or shine, though cancellations are possible if lightning or high winds create unsafe conditions.

The return of the Spectacular marks a second season for the county-led initiative. Officials have not yet announced specific dates for the free movie screenings, but the event webpage lists the Showcase Theater as the primary venue for these screenings.