Immerse yourself in the festive spirit of San Jose, CA, this holiday season with a variety of enchanting events. Stroll through the captivating Christmas in the Park at Plaza de Cesar Chavez, where over 500 uniquely decorated Christmas trees create a winter wonderland. Experience the excitement of Winter Wonderland's holiday carnival in downtown, complete with rides and festive treats.
Don't miss the nostalgic journey aboard the Holiday Lights Train, winding through the scenic Santa Cruz Mountains amidst dazzling light displays. Whether you're a local or a visitor, San Jose's holiday events offer something magical for everyone!
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The Top Christmas Events in San Jose
- Christmas in the Park
- Winter Wonderland
- San Jose Holiday Parade
- Winchester Mystery House Holiday Tours
- Garden of d'Lights
- Downtown Ice
- San Jose Nutcracker Ballet
San Jose Holiday Light Displays
Christmas in the Park
What to Expect:
Community-decorated Christmas trees
Description:
San Jose's Plaza de Cesar Chavez transforms into a winter spectacle with over 500 Christmas trees, each uniquely decorated by local schools, businesses, and community groups. Visitors can stroll through the illuminated forest, admiring the creativity and diversity of ornaments. This tradition began in 1950 with a single decorated tree in the Lima Family Mortuary, growing into the expansive celebration it is today. You can participate in the community spirit by voting for your favorite tree design.
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Garden of d'Lights
What to Expect:
Botanical garden transformed with artistic light installations
Description:
The Guadalupe River Park Conservancy's Heritage Rose Garden blooms with light during the Garden of d'Lights. This innovative display combines horticulture and illumination, creating stunning light sculptures that mimic and enhance the garden's natural beauty. Established in 2019, this event quickly became a local favorite. Wander through glowing pathways and discover interactive light features that respond to your movements, bringing the garden to life in unexpected ways.
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San Jose Holiday Shows and Entertainment
San Jose Nutcracker Ballet
What to Expect:
Locally-themed adaptation of the classic ballet
Description:
The San Jose Nutcracker reimagines the classic tale with a distinctly Silicon Valley twist. Set in the Valley of Heart's Delight during the 1905 World's Fair, this production incorporates local historical elements and landmarks into the beloved story. Dancers pirouette across a stage that transforms from early San Jose to fantastical realms, all set to Tchaikovsky's iconic score. Keep an eye out for nods to the area's agricultural past and technological present woven throughout the performance.
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San Jose Other Holiday Activities
Winter Wonderland
What to Expect:
Carnival rides with holiday themes
Description:
Downtown San Jose buzzes with excitement as Winter Wonderland takes over. This unique holiday carnival features rides and attractions adorned with twinkling lights and festive decorations. The air fills with the aroma of freshly made kettle corn and hot chocolate. Originating in 2004, this event has become a beloved tradition for locals and visitors alike. Try your hand at holiday-themed carnival games for a chance to win oversized stuffed snowmen or reindeer.
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San Jose Holiday Parade
What to Expect:
Multicultural holiday performances
Description:
The streets of downtown San Jose come alive with the vibrant San Jose Holiday Parade. This annual event showcases the city's diverse cultural heritage through performances, floats, and costumes representing various holiday traditions from around the world. Established in 1981, the parade has evolved to reflect the changing demographics of Silicon Valley. Watch as colorful floats glide by, accompanied by the rhythmic beats of multicultural music and dance troupes.
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Winchester Mystery House Holiday Tours
What to Expect:
Victorian-era holiday decorations in a famously eccentric mansion
Description:
Step into a Victorian holiday at the Winchester Mystery House, where the bizarre architecture is adorned with period-appropriate decorations. This 160-room mansion, built by Sarah Winchester in the late 1800s, takes on a new character during the holiday season. Explore the labyrinthine halls while learning about 19th-century holiday customs and the house's intriguing history. You might even catch a glimpse of "spirits" from holidays past as actors in period costume roam the premises.
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Winchester Mystery House Holiday Tours
Downtown Ice
What to Expect:
Outdoor ice skating rink surrounded by palm trees
Description:
Glide across the ice under the California sun at Downtown Ice, San Jose's unique outdoor skating rink. This circular rink, encircling a stand of palm trees, offers a distinctly Californian twist on winter recreation. Established in 1995, the rink has become a symbol of San Jose's ability to blend winter traditions with its mild climate. Lace up your skates and join locals in this quirky holiday pastime, where you can practice your pirouettes while palm fronds sway overhead.
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Nearby Events
Holiday Lights Train (Santa Cruz)
What to Expect:
Vintage train ride through illuminated scenery
Description:
Embark on a journey through time and holiday cheer aboard the Holiday Lights Train. This restored vintage train, operated by the Santa Cruz, Big Trees & Pacific Railway since 1985, winds its way through the Santa Cruz Mountains. Passengers are treated to stunning views of holiday light displays along the route. During the ride, you can join in singing classic carols led by costumed conductors, creating a nostalgic atmosphere reminiscent of bygone eras.
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Fantasy of Lights (Los Gatos)
What to Expect:
Drive-through light show in county park
Description:
Vasona Lake County Park sparkles with over 50 animated and stationary light displays during the Fantasy of Lights. This drive-through extravaganza allows visitors to enjoy the spectacle from the comfort of their own vehicles. The event, which began in 1998, has grown to include intricate scenes depicting holiday stories and characters. As you cruise through the park, tune your radio to a special station playing synchronized holiday music to enhance the experience.
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Christmas Tree Lane (Palo Alto)
What to Expect:
Neighborhood-wide coordinated light display
Description:
Fulton Street in San Jose transforms into Christmas Tree Lane, a dazzling display of neighborhood unity and holiday spirit. Since 1950, residents have coordinated their efforts to create a cohesive light show spanning several blocks. Stroll down the sidewalks and admire the intricately decorated homes, each contributing to the overall spectacle. This grassroots tradition has withstood the test of time, showcasing the power of community collaboration in creating holiday cheer.
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Gilroy Gardens Holiday Lights (Gilroy)
What to Expect:
Theme park with horticulturally-themed light displays
Description:
Gilroy Gardens, known for its horticultural themes, dons a dazzling holiday costume with millions of lights adorning its unique landscape. The park's famous Circus Trees, shaped by horticulturist Axel Erlandson in the 1920s, become centerpieces of elaborate light displays. Ride the beautifully illuminated carousel or take a trip on the Holiday Train to see the lights from a different perspective. This event seamlessly blends the park's botanical focus with holiday cheer, creating a truly unique experience.
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Holiday Festival of Lights (Santa Clara)
What to Expect:
Celebration of diverse cultural holiday traditions
Description:
The Holiday Festival of Lights illuminates the diversity of San Jose's community, showcasing holiday traditions from around the world. This event, held at History Park, features displays representing various cultures' winter celebrations, from Diwali to Hanukkah to Christmas. Established in 2010, the festival has grown to include live performances of traditional music and dance from different cultures. Sample holiday treats from around the globe as you explore the illuminated historic buildings of the park.