San Jose Other Christmas Activities 2026

Guests can meet the Grinch and take festive photos together. The community gathering brings visitors together to celebrate the holiday season.

Visitors gather along downtown streets to watch a parade of floats and performances presented by local businesses, bands, schools, and community clubs. Santa arrives with an escort from the local fire department and is welcomed by a children's choir for...

Visitors can watch a festive parade down Main Street featuring floats, marching bands, and community groups, as well as an official Santa and Mrs. Claus. Following the parade, a tree lighting ceremony takes place in front of the Museum on...

Visitors can wander along the downtown street to experience festive light displays, falling snow, and a variety of family-friendly arts and crafts. Entertainment includes live holiday shows and musical acts ranging from youth theater to tap dancing Christmas trees. Guests...

The parade travels down Monterey Road featuring floats and Santa's Magic Ship of Christmas, concluding with the Mayor and Santa lighting the community tree. Spectators can hear parade entrants described from announcer trucks and enjoy musical entertainment from The Peninsulaires...

Visitors gather to watch Santa arrive in his personal helicopter. The West Bay Community Band performs live Christmas carols during the celebration. Children can also meet directly with Santa to share their holiday wishes.

Visitors gather at Civic Center Plaza to kick off the holiday season with the illumination of the city tree. The celebration features live festive music, hands-on crafts, and sweet treats for attendees.

Visitors can gather near Market Broiler to count down to the lighting of the holiday tree while enjoying holiday music. Families can also take part in a meet-and-greet photo opportunity with Santa Claus, get face painting and balloon art, and...

Families gather for a breakfast celebration featuring North Pole pancakes prepared by elves. Santa poses for pictures with visitors throughout the morning. Children can also explore the elves' workshop for holiday crafts and entertainment.

Visitors can explore the museum's art and history exhibitions during an evening open house. Activities include holiday-themed craft making, listening to music, and enjoying light refreshments. The venue also serves as a stop along downtown's scenic trolley loop.

Serving as the official kickoff for the winter holiday season, the parade brings together more than a thousand participants and thousands of spectators. The procession highlights Santa Cruz County schools, youth-based organizations, and local nonprofits. The community tradition takes place...

Celebrate the holiday season at the beach surrounded by festive decorations and enchanting light shows. Guests can enjoy rides, play arcade games, and indulge in seasonal holiday treats. The festivities also include opportunities to take photos with Santa.

Spectators can watch a procession of 50 decorated power and sailboats glide through the harbor waters. Viewing spots include harbor pathways, the Murray Street bridge, the East Harbor launch ramp, or from charter boats. Refreshments such as hot drinks and...

Visitors can skate on an outdoor rink featuring 11,000 square feet of real ice in Central Park. Skaters of all experience levels can glide under the daytime sunshine or skate beneath the stars at night. Ice skate rentals are included...

Visitors can watch live musical performances by local school choirs and bands leading up to the illumination of a 30-foot tree. The festivities include arts and crafts, Letters to Santa, and the Clover Express. Guests can also visit a cozy...

Visitors can take to the ice and glide into the festive spirit at City Center Bishop Ranch. The outdoor holiday rink welcomes skaters throughout the winter season.

Guests gather to celebrate the start of the holiday season with the lighting of the holiday tree. The celebration features musical performances by the Monte Vista Band and a group of singers. The evening builds up to a special grand...

Get ready for a festive and unconventional celebration as San Jose hosts its annual SantaCon. This event is a unique gathering where participants dress as Santa Claus for a day of lighthearted fun and community spirit. It's an opportunity to...

Unleash your inner decorator at the Heritage Holiday Adult Gingerbread Workshop in Downtown San Jose. This event offers a fun, hands-on experience where participants can craft and decorate their own festive gingerbread creations. It's a perfect way to embrace the...

Experience the enchanting 'Spirit of The Row' holiday event series. Join them for three magical evenings in December featuring live performances by local arts and community groups, delightful snow showers in Park Valencia, and cherished photo opportunities with Santa and...

The Los Altos Festival of Lights Parade is a cherished annual event that officially kicks off the holiday season. Since 1977, this beloved tradition has brought the community together to celebrate with a spectacular display of illuminated floats, lively marching...

Get ready for the 69th Annual Children's Christmas/Holidays Parade! This cherished event brings the community together for a festive celebration. Witness a dazzling procession featuring marching bands, creatively decorated floats from local organizations, and enthusiastic participants. It's a perfect way...

California's Great America transforms into a winter wonderland for WinterFest, offering a magical holiday experience. Guests can enjoy thrilling rides, festive decorations, and the unique Pacific Gliders attraction. The park also features the South Bay Shores waterpark, making it a...

Experience the magic of the holiday season as Santa Claus arrives to lead the community in a festive countdown, illuminating Milpitas's 30-foot holiday tree. Enjoy enchanting performances by local talent, including the Milpitas Community Concert Band, and savor warm hot...

Experience the enchantment of downtown Pleasanton's Magical Holiday Evening. This festive community gathering offers a delightful hot cocoa bar and a chance to contribute to a local toy drive. Stroll through the beautifully decorated streets and soak in the holiday...

Join the City of Palo Alto for a magical evening at Lytton Plaza to celebrate the holiday season. This festive event features enchanting live music from local performers and delightful winter treats. It's the perfect way to gather with family...

Discover the joy of the holiday season at the Pleasanton Holiday Youth Music Festival. This event showcases the impressive talents of young musicians, filling the air with festive melodies and a vibrant community spirit. It's a heartwarming celebration of music...

Teens can make a difference by volunteering at the Belmont Winter Wonderland Workshop. This event offers a chance to assist with arts and crafts for younger children, help manage toy donations, and support the overall success of the festive gathering....

Join the Hillsdale Shopping Center for their annual Rockin' Holiday Show and Tree Lighting event. This festive celebration marks the official start of the holiday season with a spectacular tree illumination and a special holiday show featuring live music and...

Simbang Gabi, meaning 'Night Mass' or 'Rooster's Mass,' is a deeply cherished Filipino tradition marking the start of the Christmas season. This nine-day series of dawn masses, beginning on December 16th, is a period of spiritual preparation and communal gathering....

Discover the festive spirit of the Canary Islands during the holiday season. While specific details for the Kislap Christmas Festival are not available, the islands offer a vibrant atmosphere with various cultural events and attractions during this time of year....