Your Guide to 2025 Holiday Events in Marin County: The Best Local Activities, Celebrations & Traditions

Experience the magic of the season in Marin County with festive lights, holiday markets, Santa visits, and community celebrations. From hands-on wreath-making and gingerbread building to dazzling boat parades and tree lightings, there’s something for everyone to enjoy this holiday season. Use our guide to plan memorable outings and discover the best local events across Marin.

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Celebrate The Holidays With Own Marin

Mark your calendars and come join us on Tuesday December 9th, from 4-7 PM at Own Marin for a festive Holiday House, featuring a lineup of local makers, photos with Santa, cookie decorating, and more! Whether you're shopping for gifts, taking a family holiday photo, or just getting out in the community we can’t wait to celebrate the season together!

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The Ultimate Guide to Buying in Ross, California

Buying a home in Ross is as much about lifestyle as it is about the property. Known for its quiet streets, privacy, and small-town charm, Ross is one of Marin County’s most exclusive communities—and many of its best homes never make it online. A significant portion of Ross real estate is sold off-market, shared privately between top local agents and their networks.

If you’re looking to buy in Ross, it’s essential to work with an experienced agent who has access to these private listings and a deep understanding of the neighborhoods, schools, and microclimates that make Ross unique. Keep reading to learn what makes Ross such a sought-after place to live, and how partnering with the best agents in Ross can help you find your ideal home.

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Kentfield vs. Larkspur: Which Neighborhood Is Right for You?

Choosing the right neighborhood in Marin County is about more than square footage or features—it’s lifestyle, schools, community, amenities, and long-term value. Two of Marin’s most sought-after areas, Kentfield and Larkspur, offer exceptional quality of life but in distinct ways. Here’s how they compare, and how Own Marin helps buyers make the right choice.

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San Anselmo Real Estate Market: One of Marin’s Most Sought-After Communities

Known for its charm, character, and strong sense of community, San Anselmo has long been one of Marin County’s most desirable places to call home. With top-rated schools, a walkable downtown, and easy access to open space, it offers the quintessential Marin lifestyle — relaxed, connected, and ideal for a wide range of living situations.

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What Makes a Realtor the Best in Marin? Here’s What to Look For

When it comes to buying or selling a home in Marin County, choosing the right realtor can make all the difference. With Marin’s competitive market and diverse neighborhoods, having a knowledgeable, connected, and trusted real estate expert is essential. But what actually sets the best realtors apart from the rest? Here’s what to look for and why Own Marin is recognized as the #1 real estate team in Marin County with its top agents.

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How AI + Zillow Are Changing Real Estate

Artificial intelligence is transforming real estate, and the integration of ChatGPT with Zillow is changing the way buyers search for homes and sellers showcase their properties. Buyers can describe exactly what they want, and AI instantly pulls matching listings, while sellers benefit from strategic, story-driven descriptions that make their homes stand out. While AI enhances the home search process, it’s not perfect—listings and data can be incomplete, making a knowledgeable real estate agent essential for both buyers and sellers.

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Before & After: 3 Southwood Ave, Ross

Discover how Whitney Potter and Barr Haney of Own Marin helped transform and sell 3 Southwood Avenue in Ross, an architectural Robert A.M. Stern estate, for $555,000 over asking. Through strategic timing, thoughtful updates, and elevated marketing, the home went into escrow within four days, receiving three competitive offers and achieving a record result for this sought-after Ross neighborhood.

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Halloween Festivities in Marin County | Your Ultimate 2025 Guide

Celebrate fall in Marin County with the best Halloween events of 2025! From family-friendly trick-or-treating in Downtown Novato and the Nicasio Valley Pumpkin Patch to the Fairfax Halloween Parade and Howl-o-Ween dog costume contest in Mill Valley, Marin offers festive fun for all ages. Discover top local fall activities, pumpkin patches, parades, and spooky celebrations in Marin County this October.

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Why More San Franciscans Are Making the Move to Marin

More San Francisco residents are making the move to Marin County for its balance of space, community, and convenience. Just across the Golden Gate Bridge, Marin offers easy commuting options like the Larkspur Ferry and SMART train, top-rated schools in towns such as Mill Valley and Kentfield, and a lifestyle centered around nature, great local food, and strong community connections. Buyers find their money goes further here—with larger homes, outdoor space, and long-term real estate value—while still staying close to the city’s culture and career opportunities. If you’re thinking about moving from San Francisco to Marin, Own Marin can help you find the right home and make your transition seamless.

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Marin Real Estate Market Update: Fall in Marin County

Marin County’s real estate market continues to show resilience heading into fall 2025, with home prices up nearly 4% year over year, inventory remaining tight, and buyer activity steady despite shifting mortgage rates. In this month’s Own Marin Market Update, we break down what these trends mean for buyers and sellers, how changing rates are influencing demand, and what to expect heading into 2026. Whether you’re planning to buy or sell, understanding today’s market, and having the right local expertise, is key to making your next move in Marin.

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2025 Mill Valley Film Festival Is Back 

The Mill Valley Film Festival 2025 is back, bringing world-class cinema, community, and creativity to Marin County this fall. Hosted by the California Film Institute, MVFF showcases an incredible lineup of independent films, documentaries, and international features across theaters in Mill Valley and beyond. From red carpet premieres and filmmaker Q&As to family-friendly screenings and thought-provoking discussions, it’s one of the Bay Area’s most anticipated cultural events. Whether you’re a longtime local or visiting for the weekend, the Mill Valley Film Festival is the perfect way to celebrate storytelling, community, and Marin’s creative spirit.

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Before & After: A Fresh Take on a Kentfield Classic, 1 Rosebank Lane

Discover how a few strategic updates helped transform 1 Rosebank Lane, a legacy Kentfield home owned by the same family for over 62 years. From fresh paint and new kitchen finishes to updated landscaping, this thoughtfully refreshed property preserved its timeless charm while helping buyers envision its next chapter. Featured in The New York Times “What $3.5 Million Buys You in California.”

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Who Are the Best Real Estate Agents in Marin?

Wondering who the best real estate agents in Marin are? This blog breaks down why Own Marin continues to be the top-ranked team in the county—serving buyers, sellers, and investors with deep local knowledge, expert negotiation, and record-breaking results. With over $2.7B in sales and 540+ five-star reviews, discover what makes Own Marin different and why clients trust them to navigate Marin’s competitive market with confidence.

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Before & After: 35 Trumbull Court, Novato

After years of enjoying their Novato home, the sellers partnered with Barr Haney, Michael Milano, and Emily from Own Marin to prepare it for the market. From fresh paint and new floors to a reimagined kitchen and landscaped backyard, every update was designed to attract buyers and maximize value. The result? A seamless transformation that led to a smooth, successful sale.

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