San Jose Holiday Lights
Visitors can wander through distinct illuminated worlds featuring towering dinosaurs, sea creatures, blooming gardens, desert scenes, and a 60-foot Santa Tree. Outdoor public art exhibits showcase handcrafted sculptures inspired by children's drawings, live-painted installations by local artists, and open-air film screenings. Guests can also ride the holiday train, relax with live entertainment in the holiday lounge, and purchase festive food and drinks.
What to Expect
Themed illuminated sculpture worlds, public art displays, and a holiday lounge.
Event Details
Ages
All ages
Organizer
Doca Universe Inc.
Food & Drink
On-site options include meals, snacks, desserts, seasonal drinks, coffee and espresso, milk and cookies, Mexican dishes, and Mexican-American fusion.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families with children
Vibe
Festive and immersive
Energy Level
Moderate
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
Moderate
Location
Know Before You Go
- Hours: 4:30 PM–10:30 PM; last entry at 10:00 PM.
- Parking: Nearby parking within a 3–5 minute walk includes the Almaden/Woz Lot, Ernst & Young Garage (303 Almaden Blvd), and SP+ Parking (280 S Market St). Reserve ahead via ParkWhiz or SpotAngels.
Tips & Advice
- Arrive within the 60-minute entry window you picked, and expect longer waits on weekends and holidays.
- Reserve a spot ahead through ParkWhiz or SpotAngels at one of the nearby lots or garages, which are all a 3 to 5 minute walk away.
- Take VTA Light Rail's Blue Line to Children's Discovery Museum Station, which drops you steps from the entrance and saves you looking for downtown parking.
- If your plans change, reschedule before your visit date, or request a refund for unused tickets by January 8, when refund requests close.
- Bring rain gear on wet nights, because the lights run rain or shine and close only in severe weather.
Special Events & Promotions
- Group tickets are available for parties of 20 or more.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
What will we see?
There are six themed worlds of light: Golden Christmas with the 60-foot Santa Tree, Enchanted Jungle with dinosaurs, California Garden, Mermaid Current, Cactus Mirage, and White Christmas Wonderland, where you can meet Santa.
Where should we park?
Nearby options within a 3 to 5 minute walk are the Almaden/Woz Lot, the Ernst & Young Garage at 303 Almaden Blvd and SP+ Parking at 280 S Market St. You can reserve ahead through ParkWhiz or SpotAngels.
Can we get there by public transit?
Yes. VTA Light Rail's Children's Discovery Museum Station (Blue Line) is steps from the entrance. VTA bus routes 23, 64A and Rapid 523 stop at San Carlos & Guadalupe River, right out front.
What food and drink is there?
You'll find meals, snacks, desserts and seasonal drinks, including coffee and espresso, milk and cookies, Mexican food and Mexican-American fusion. The holiday lounge also has seasonal drinks and live entertainment.
Does it go ahead in the rain?
Yes. It runs rain or shine unless severe weather forces a closure for safety.
More Christmas Events Near San Jose
More Christmas Events near San Jose
Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.