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Last updated: November 11, 2024

Explore the must-see holiday events in San Jose! Discover all the top festive highlights with our guide. Whether San Jose is your home base or your holiday escape, our guide maximizes your yuletide potential.

One of the standout attractions is the enchanting "Christmas in the Park," where you can stroll through beautifully decorated trees and dazzling displays. Alongside it, "Winter Wonderland" offers a unique experience with its festive attractions and activities perfect for families. And the "Enchant San Jose" is something you definitely don’t want to miss, featuring a stunning light maze and holiday market. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!

Contact information and details below.

San Jose Holiday Light Displays

What to Expect:

Over 40 musical and animated exhibits.

Description:

Christmas in the Park is a free holiday celebration in downtown San Jose featuring over 500 decorated Christmas trees, 40 animated displays, and a 65-foot walk-thru Christmas tree. Guests can stroll through an enchanted forest of trees decorated by local schools, community groups, and businesses, enjoy holiday-themed food and refreshments, and visit with Santa.

Where: San Jose | More Info: Christmas in the Park

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What to Expect:

60-foot Ferris wheel and classic carousel.

Description:

Winter Wonderland in downtown San Jose features a 60-foot Ferris wheel, colorful classic carousel, and various festive arcade rides and attractions for the entire community.

Where: San Jose | More Info: Winter Wonderland

Event Organizer?

What to Expect:

Interactive light maze with a story-based adventure.

Description:

Enchant San Jose features a World's Largest Christmas Light Maze, an ice skating trail, and seasonal food and drink. Explore Reindeer Games, a captivating original story, and enjoy activities like Santa visits, nightly caroling, and mainstage entertainment.

Where: San Jose | More Info: Enchant San Jose

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What to Expect:

Extensive holiday light display with live music and activities.

Description:

The Historic Mission Inn Hotel & Spa's Festival of Lights is a spectacular holiday event featuring millions of holiday lights, live music, rides, attractions, and food vendors. The festival includes an ice rink, Santa's House, and the Merry Art Market with live art demonstrations and interactive workshops.

Where: San Jose | More Info: California Christmas Lights

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San Jose Holiday Markets and Shopping

What to Expect:

Juried show with a focus on original handmade crafts and gifts.

Description:

The Holiday Craft and Gift Festival in Ventura, CA, features a 3-day indoor event showcasing original handmade crafts, gifts, and seasonal items. It offers a variety of unique and curated products, including cottage foods, boutiques, and select direct sales items. Admission is free with ticket registration.

Where: San Jose | More Info: Holiday Craft and Gift Festival, San Jose

Event Organizer?

San Jose Holiday Shows and Entertainment

What to Expect:

Immersive holiday event with ice-skating and festive attractions.

Description:

WinterFest at California's Great America transforms the park into a holiday festival with over 60 rides, ice-skating, and festive attractions like Santa's workshop and Mrs. Claus's kitchen. Guests can enjoy dazzling sights, sip crafted hot chocolate, and marvel at spectacular live shows amidst millions of twinkling lights.

Where: Santa Clara | More Info: Winterfest - California's Great Adventure: Bay Area

Event Organizer?

What to Expect:

Unique setting inspired by 1905 San Jose landmarks.

Description:

The San Jose Nutcracker is a holiday ballet production set in 1905 San Jose, featuring landmarks and scenic elements inspired by the era. It includes live accompaniment by Symphony San Jose and showcases swirling snowflakes, waltzing flowers, and the Sugarplum Fairy. The event celebrates the heritage of Santa Clara Valley and offers pre-concert festivities with festive decorations and holiday music.

Where: San Jose | More Info: The Nutcracker - Symphony San Jose

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What to Expect:

Heartwarming holiday musical with Dr. Seuss' classic tale.

Description:

Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas The Musical features hit songs "You're A Mean One, Mr. Grinch" and "Welcome Christmas." Max the Dog narrates as the mean and scheming Grinch, whose heart is two sizes too small, decides to steal Christmas away from the holiday-loving Whos. The show is directed by Matt August and choreographed by Bob Richard, inspired by Dr. Seuss' original illustrations.

Where: San Jose | More Info: How The Grinch Stole Christmas - Broadway San Jose

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San Jose Other Holiday Activities

What to Expect:

Immersive holiday displays and historic natural beauty.

Description:

Filoli Historic House & Garden transforms into a vibrant holiday destination with beautifully adorned houses and gardens, offering a variety of activities including daytime delights with warm drinks and hearty lunches, evening immersive displays, and exclusive experiences like the Ballroom Signature Lounge and Private Fire Pit Experiences.

Where: Woodside | More Info: Filoli Historic House & Garden Holiday Events

Event Organizer?

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