Visit San Jose During the Holidays for Christmas in the Park
Good For
- City Sophistication
- Family Time
- Photo Ops
- Play
- Sightseeing
- Socializing
Why Go
One of the most exciting local Christmas-themed staycations or getaways in the Bay Area is at San Jose’s Christmas in the Park. This free and family-friendly event brings the community together for a month of celebration and fun.
Christmas in the Park occurs at the Plaza de Cesar Chavez in the heart of downtown San Jose. Within this 2.5-acre park is a 50-foot Community Giving Tree, countless lights, and dozens of exhibits at the event. Walking around, you’ll hear lively music performed by local entertainers. If you get hungry, there are a variety of community eateries selling delicious holiday-themed treats, including the famous snowman hot chocolate. Kids can also take photos with Santa Claus and hop on his sleigh to take green screen photos at the “North Pole.” After taking pictures, they can ice skate nearby or enjoy the Winter Wonderland rides across the street. If you want to keep the fun going, add the drive-through light show to your itinerary.
Spending the holidays at Christmas in the Park is an exciting way to create memories with the entire family. Visit year after year to experience the magic of Christmas.
Suggested Itinerary
Finding parking can be challenging, so set aside extra time for parking or take public transportation. You can spread the activities over two days or combine them into one big day and night. For example, work up an appetite by ice skating (consider making reservations if you plan to visit during peak times) and then visit the park for food and browsing. The following day, visit Winter Wonderland and the drive-through light show.
Things to Do
- Explore the dozens of displays and exhibits and take photos with Santa at Christmas in the Park.
- Line up to sample the famous snowman hot chocolate and other holiday treats.
- Go ice skating, enjoy the rides with your kids at Winter Wonderland, and tour the drive-through light show.
When to Go
The park, ice skating, and Winter Wonderland are all open during the entire holiday season, from right after Thanksgiving to January.
Cost
There is no entry fee for Christmas in the Park, but you may have to pay for parking. It costs $5 per ride at Winter Wonderland and $21 per person for ice skating, which includes skate rentals. The drive-through light show costs $35 on weekends.