We hope that you and your family have the best holidays this year!
If you feel like driving through neighborhoods to find the best decorated homes in San Jose, there is a handy website for that over here. Some of the homes have been featured on TV shows and even have light shows synced to music. It's a handy guide for a holiday adventure!
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! 🎄🎅🎁
San Jose welcomes back a beloved holiday staple with Blinky's Drive-Thru Holiday Light Show at Christmas in the Park, transforming the Santa Clara County Fairgrounds into a wonderland of festive illuminations. This drive-thru experience invites families and friends to cruise through elaborate light displays from the comfort of their vehicles, creating memorable evenings under twinkling arches and animated scenes. Open through December 31, the event runs on weeknights from 6 to 10 p.m. and weekends from 5 to 11 p.m., with a special Black Friday start on November 28 from 6 to 11 p.m.
The Fairgrounds location, accessible via Gate F on Umbarger Road, makes it easy for anyone in the South Bay to join the fun, whether coming from Downtown San Jose or further south. As cars wind through the path, guests encounter vibrant setups that highlight holiday themes, from classic winter motifs to playful surprises. This year's iteration builds on the tradition's appeal, drawing crowds eager for a low-key yet enchanting outing that supports local festivities. Donations through the Christmas in the Park Annual Giving Campaign help sustain these efforts, ensuring the lights shine for generations.
For tickets starting at $25, visit https://christmasinthepark.myshopify.com/pages/blinkys-drive-thru-2025
Discovery Meadow has transformed into a radiant holiday spectacle with the DOCA Festival, spanning over five acres of illuminated displays. Open daily through January 4, 2026, from 4:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., the event invites families and friends to wander through six distinct zones. Each area offers unique themes, from the snowy sparkle of White Christmas Wonderland with reindeer and twinkling lights to the vibrant Enchanted Jungle featuring giant caterpillars, dinosaurs, and the legendary Quetzalcoatl.
Visitors encounter more than 40 photo opportunities, including majestic 60-foot Christmas trees and surreal lightscapes inspired by deserts, gardens, and candy realms. The Golden Christmas zone glows with candlelit tunnels, while Cactus Mirage brings colorful creatures and Mexican motifs to life under the lights. Celestial Garden blooms with luminous flowers and zodiac trees, and Candy Wonderland delights with donut tunnels and ice cream-themed trees. These elements create immersive paths perfect for creating lasting memories in the heart of Silicon Valley.
Special evenings add extra charm, such as Christmas cosplay on December 25 and a New Year's Eve celebration on December 31. The venue accommodates all with wheelchair and stroller access, plus nearby parking and public transit options include VTA Light Rail or buses. This festival highlights Downtown San Jose's growing reputation as a seasonal destination, blending creativity and community spirit.
For tickets and more information, visit https://docafestival.com/
San Jose's Willow Glen neighborhood prepares for its annual Holiday Bubbly Walk on December 6, 2025, from 2pm to 5pm. Participants stroll along Lincoln Avenue, visiting over two dozen businesses for sparkling wine tastings. Check-in runs from 12pm to 3pm at the Bank of America parking lot at 1245 Lincoln Avenue, where attendees receive a souvenir glass, wristband, and map to guide the experience.
The event invites guests to explore Downtown Willow Glen's shops and services while sampling bubbly varieties. Businesses like Copita Tequileria y Comida, Sushi Confidential, 20twenty Wine Bar, and Mariette Chocolates host tastings, blending holiday shopping with sips of cheer. Dress in festive attire to enhance the atmosphere as you move from spot to spot, discovering local gems along the way.
Tickets include all tastings and materials, with early bird pricing at $60 plus fees available through November 30, rising to $65 plus fees afterward. Designated drivers join for free without a ticket. The walk proceeds rain or shine, and organizers encourage eating beforehand at nearby restaurants since most sites offer limited snacks.
Families can bring strollers, though many venues suit smaller groups best. Portable restrooms stand ready in the check-in lot, and free parking fills the area, with rideshare options recommended for convenience.
For tickets and more details, visit https://www.willowglen.org/willow-glen-bubbly-walk
We hope that you and your family have the best holidays this year!
If you feel like driving through neighborhoods to find the best decorated homes in San Jose, there is a handy website for that over here. Some of the homes have been featured on TV shows and even have light shows synced to music.
Happy Holidays! 🎄🎅
Celebrate “The Most Wonderful Time of the Year” at the majestic and beautifully decorated California Theatre with Symphony San Jose, Symphony San Jose Chorale, Cantabíle Youth Singers, New Ballet, and special guests! Fun for the whole family.
Rejoice in holiday classics including carols, audience sing-alongs, and the ever-popular 12 Days of Silicon Valley. Share this unforgettable part of the holiday season with your family and friends.
Who: Symphony San Jose presents
What: HOLIDAY SPECTACULAR “Christmas at the California”
When: Saturday, December 7, 2024 at 7:30pm and Sunday, December 8, 2024 at 2:30pm
Where: The California Theatre, 345 South First Street, downtown San Jose, 95113. Convenient, inexpensive parking is available at a city-owned garage one-and-a-half blocks from the theater at San Carlos Street with entrances on Second and Third streets.
SINGLE TICKET PRICES: $35 - $115
($41.50 to $121.50 with City and order fees). Note: fees detailed below.
TICKETS: Phone: 408.286.2600
Website: www.symphonysanjose.
Email: jmeyers@
Walk-Up Box Office: 325 South First Street, San Jose, 95113. Located between San Carlos and San Salvador Street next to the California Theatre. Ticket Office Hours: Monday through Friday, 10am to 5pm.
City Fees – There is a mandatory Theatre Preservation Fee and Facility Fee of $2.50 applied to every single ticket sold.
Handling Fees – Handling fees vary depending on how tickets are purchased. For online orders, there is a $4 per ticket handling fee. For phone orders, there is a $5 per transaction handling fee. There are no fees for in person purchases.
THE PROGRAM:
J.S. Bach: Jauchzet, frohlocket (from “Christmas Oratorio”)
M.Torme/R.Wells: The Christmas Song
G.F. Handel: See, the Conqu’ring Hero Comes! (from “Judas Maccabbaeus”)
Alan Silvestri: Polar Express Suite
G.F. Handel: That Trumpet Shall Sound (from “The Messiah”)
Albert Hague: You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch
Traditional: 12 Days of Silicon Valley
ARTISTS:
Elena Sharkova, Conductor
Nathan Stark, Bass-baritone
Symphony San Jose
Symphony San Jose Chorale
Cantabíle Youth Singers
New Ballet
Pre-concert Festivities begin one hour prior to the concert.
SAY “HELLO” TO SANTA. Join us before the concert for a jolly good time with Santa Claus himself. Capture the holiday spirit and create lasting memories as you take pictures and share “Christmas Wishes” with Santa. But keep a lookout for the mischievous Grinch who may be lurking around, trying to steal some Christmas cheer. (You’re a mean one, Mr. Grinch!)
DECORATE A GINGERBREAD COOKIE! Join the fun one hour before curtain and unleash your inner pastry artist by decorating your own gingerbread cookie with royal icing. The festivity is open to everyone. Come hungry and make some sweet and delicious memories. (Note: Cookies are NOT gluten-free.)
Photo courtesy of Symphony San Jose. Photos by Fontejon Photography.
We hope that you and your family have the best holidays this year!
If you feel like driving through neighborhoods to find the best decorated homes in San Jose, there is a handy website for that over here. Some of the homes have been featured on TV shows and even have light shows synced to music.
Happy Holidays! 🎄🎅
Winter Wonderland Ride Hours
November 25 - 26: 12pm - 11pm
November 27 - 30: 3pm – 10pm
December 1 - 3: 12pm – 11pm
December 4 - 7: 3pm – 10pm
December 8 - 10: 12pm – 11pm
December 11 - 14: 3pm – 10pm
December 15 - January 1: 12pm - 11pm
SAN JOSE – San Jose Downtown Ice opens Nov. 17 for families from throughout the Bay Area who have made ice skating at the iconic rink a holiday tradition.
“This is Downtown Ice’s 26th season since its debut in 1994,” said Alex Stettinski, CEO of event partner San Jose Downtown Association. “Children whose parents took them to skate downtown years ago are now moms and dads bringing their kids to enjoy our rink and all that downtown San Jose has to offer during the holidays.”
The circular rink located in and around the Circle of Palms plaza at 120 S Market St. will be open daily through Jan. 15. Ninety-minute sessions will occur every two hours. Tickets can be purchased online at sjdowntownice.com.
Special Ice, the largest operator of seasonal outdoor rinks in California, will produce this year’s skating experience.
“Downtown Ice is an iconic event that leaves a lasting impression,” said Emery Lykins, president of Special Ice. “We’re excited to be a part of the rink’s history, to contribute to this amazing city and hopefully usher in a revitalized future for the rink.”
Downtown Ice organizers hope for a second consecutive season of local and out-of-town guests surpassing pre-pandemic levels of 2019. A recent report shows that the period between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day is downtown San Jose’s busiest, with almost 20 percent of last year’s 2.8 million visitors to the center city spending several hours within a three-block radius of the ice rink.
Downtown Ice is nestled in the Circle of Palms plaza between the San Jose Museum of Art and the Signia by Hilton San Jose hotel. The rink will join the rejuvenated Christmas in the Park displays as well as the popular Winter Wonderland amusement rides in the center of downtown’s major seasonal attractions.
Adding to downtown San Jose’s vibrancy and appeal as a weekend destination during the season are stage performances including two versions of The Nutcracker, concerts, Sharks hockey, museums and galleries, restaurants and shopping. Visit sjdowntown.com for events and downtown details, and parksj.org for parking information.
Downtown Ice has exciting skating promotions planned this season including:
Sunday Show Tunes, presented by Broadway San Jose, where skaters can vote for their favorite Broadway songs;
Learn-to-Skate sessions;
Family Skate packages;
The Grinch will be at the rink from 4:30-5:30 p.m. Nov. 25 to greet skaters and promote Broadway San Jose’s Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas - The Musical in town Nov. 28-Dec. 3;
The Ice Queens will entertain skaters Dec. 8 with a performance, meet-and-greet and photo opportunity;
Signia by Hilton offers a Shopping and Champagne package for stays between Nov. 17 and Dec. 31 that includes two tickets to Downtown Ice; round-trip transportation with Lyft to Westfield Valley Fair; and a Bottle of Veuve Clicquot Champagne.
In addition, check sjdowntownice.com for a limited number of special $10 tickets for Opening Day Nov. 17 and the Grand Opening Celebration Nov. 20. On both days, skaters are encouraged to look their best or be in costume for possible social media and television news coverage. The Opening Celebration at 5:30 p.m. Nov. 20 features emcees Sandra Cervantes from Telemundo 48 and NBC Bay Area's Mike Inouye.
San Jose Downtown Ice sponsors include Jay Paul Co., Kaiser Permanente, Creekside Socials, Adobe, Broadway San Jose, City of San Jose Environmental Services Department, San Jose Earthquakes, LS Power Grid, NBC Bay Area and Telemundo 48. The City of San Jose funds the event as well.
“It takes a lot of support and work behind the scenes to build and operate this rink, but it’s so worth it when you see the laughter of the kids and the joyful moments and memories shared by all the families,” said Lykens, whose business also has Northern California rinks this winter in Walnut Creek, San Ramon and Folsom .
###
Event Snapshot
San Jose Downtown Ice - Nov. 17, 2023-Jan. 15, 2024
Downtown Ice is a traditional seasonal event for families and friends who twirl and skate amid concentric circles of 32 palms, under a canopy of stars on an iconic skating rink in the heart of downtown San Jose’s biggest attractions.
Information and tickets : sjdowntownice.com.
Direct ticket link: sanjose.ticketspice.com/san-
Instagram: instagram.com/sjdowntownice
Hours: 90-minute sessions start every 2 hours: 11 a.m.; 1 p.m., 3 p.m., 5 p.m., 7 p.m.
Open 11 am - 9 pm from November 17 - December 15
Open 11 am -11 pm from December 16 - January 1 (9 p.m. session added)
Open 11 am - 9 pm from January 2 - January 15
Location: 120 S. Market St., Downtown San Jose – between the San Jose Museum of Art and Signia by Hilton San Jose
Opening Celebration: Monday, November 20; 5:30 p.m.
Co-Emcees: Sandra Cervantes from Telemundo 48 and NBC Bay Area's Mike Inouye
