San Rafael's independent shops will get their annual spotlight on Nov. 28, when Downtown San Rafael hosts Shop Small Saturday along Fourth Street.
The organizer has announced merchant open houses, one-day activities and a holiday window walk. The fifth annual Downtown Elf Hunt also begins Nov. 28, with elves inside businesses along Fourth Street between Lincoln Avenue and H Street.
The hunt continues through Jan. 10, and maps will be available at the T&B Sports holiday party. A detailed list of participating businesses, activities and times remains pending. The organizer says there will be no street closure.
Shoppers looking to get a head start have at least one destination already open.
West End Nursery's Christmas House
The Christmas House at West End Nursery, a San Rafael tradition since 1985, is open at 1938 Fifth Ave.
The nursery’s Christmas House webpage describes more than 60 themed trees. Admission is free, with ornaments and decorations available to buy, according to Marin Mommies’ Nov. 3 report.
West End Nursery lists regular hours of 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. The Christmas House runs through December, according to Marin Mommies.
Barb Untermann leads the Christmas House, which Merrie Untermann and friend Cindy Wookey launched in 1985, according to the nursery's website. The family-owned nursery has operated in San Rafael since 1909.
A Santa Cop toy drive event is scheduled for Dec. 6, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., according to Marin Mommies. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be on hand for photos. Visitors are asked to bring a new, unwrapped toy to donate.
The nursery confirms that its annual Santa visit supports the San Rafael Police Department’s toy drive and includes free photos.
Fourth Street and beyond
Shopping options along Fourth Street include Rebound Bookstore at 1611 Fourth St., Copperfield's Books at 1200 Fourth St., Rileystreet Art Supply at 1138 Fourth St., Madge & Me Hats at 1570 Fourth St. and T&B Sports at 1345 Fourth St. Their inclusion here does not establish participation in the Nov. 28 event.
Rebound Bookstore, which calls itself the largest on-site bookstore inventory in San Rafael, sells its “Dream Notes” greeting cards at $3 each or $15 for a set of six, according to its website.
Marin Magazine also lists North & Golden, a women’s boutique at 323B Third St., in its new-shops guide, and Molly B. Boutique, at 1233 Fourth St., in its Central Marin shopping guide. Both sell clothing and accessories.
The Downtown San Rafael website says it will post the full Nov. 28 business activity list, including merchant specials and event times, closer to the date.
