The holiday season is in full force in Marin this weekend. Take a short drive across the Golden Gate Bridge or a brisk ferry ride to experience some of the North Bay's traditional (and not-so-traditional) fesivities. 

Holiday House Tour 

Brace yourself for some serious holiday spirit. The 27th Annual Tour de Nöel Holiday House tour takes you on a magical shuttle bus excursion to the most outrageous homes decorated for the holidays. You'll see inflatable Santa's, huge snowflakes, and thousands (maybe even millions) of sparkling lights.This year the house tour even includes two 1906 beauties, one designed by the famous Bernard Maybeck. Lunch is served from 11:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. and a delectable assortment of homemade jams and baked good will also be available for purchase. Reserve one of the six time slots to ensure you get to see all the pretty lights. Sat. 12/14, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. $40, get tickets here

Marin Ballet's Nutcracker 

Get ready to return to the land of the Sugarplum Fairy in this holiday tradition artfully revitalized by choreographer Julia Adam and the Marin Ballet company. Dancers from around the world will take the stage to bring the classic characters to life including Robert Dekkers  – noted as one of the”25 Dancers to Watch” by Dance Magazine – who will play the part of the Nutcracker Prince. Stunning sets, memorable characters, and intricate costumes will captivate the young and old, so go ahead and bring the whole family. Sat. 12/14, 1:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. Sun. 12/15, 1:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m.  $40, get tickets here

Holiday Songs From Around the World 

Are you tired of the endless loop of the same old seasonal songs that every store and person is playing at this time of year? The female vocal ensemble Kitka is hoping to revitalize your holiday spirit. They scoured the globe and delved deep into musical history to come up with this year's "Wintersongs: A World Unknown" concert. Instead of the same ol' Jingle Bells, you'll hear rare hymns from the polyphonic American Sacred Harp tradition and Bosnian-Muslim ganga songs as well as the group's trademark ethereal take on Balkan choral folk music. Why not try something different this year? Sat. 12/14, 8:00 p.m., $15 - $30, get tickets here.