The City of San Jose has launched its Holiday San Jose campaign to highlight the vibrant local retail scene and encourage everyone to support small businesses throughout the holiday period. This initiative features a comprehensive guide to 12 distinctive shopping districts across the city, showcasing more than 300 unique spots for shopping, dining, and gathering with loved ones. From family-owned boutiques to cozy eateries, these areas offer one-of-a-kind experiences that capture the essence of San Jose's diverse communities. The campaign builds on past efforts to promote economic vitality by directing attention to neighborhood gems often overlooked in favor of larger chains.
Participating in Holiday San Jose means investing directly in the city's future, as every purchase helps sustain jobs and contributes to the local economy. Dollars spent here circulate within the community, supporting entrepreneurs who bring cultural richness and innovation to San Jose. Neighborhoods like Winchester Row and Downtown San Jose stand out with their mix of historic charm and modern appeal, providing perfect settings for holiday outings. Business associations have collaborated to create maps and promotional materials that make it easy to explore these districts, whether on foot or by public transit.
Beyond shopping, the season comes alive with festive events that draw families and visitors alike. Christmas in the Park transforms Plaza de Cesar Chavez into a wonderland of lights and displays, running from late November through early January. History San Jose hosts the Children's Heritage Holiday on December 13, offering hands-on activities and cultural demonstrations for young attendees. For music lovers, the Holly Jolly Holiday event at Tech CU Arena on December 14 promises an entertaining performance to kick off celebrations.
Holiday San Jose also ties into broader recognition of the city as a top destination for seasonal cheer, with attractions like the Winchester Mystery House tours adding a touch of intrigue. Residents and tourists can plan staycations that include theater shows or outdoor skating, blending relaxation with discovery. The campaign reminds everyone that supporting local merchants strengthens the fabric of San Jose, paving the way for even more growth in the years ahead.
For the full guide and district details, visit https://www.sjeconomy.com/how-we-help/programs-and-services/holiday-san-jose
San Jose is gearing up for one of its most cherished traditions: the Rose, White & Blue Parade. Set for July 4, 2025, along The Alameda, this historic event celebrates our city’s diversity, public spirit, and rich floral and agricultural heritage. Whether you’re a longtime resident or new to the area, this is your chance to experience the heart and soul of San Jose in a vibrant, community-driven celebration.
The parade has deep roots in San Jose’s history. It draws inspiration from the Carnival of Roses in 1896 and the Fiesta de Las Rosas in the 1920s, both of which honored the area’s floral legacy. Relaunched in 2008, the modern Rose, White & Blue Parade has grown into a major gathering, welcoming over 60,000 attendees in recent years. It’s a powerful reflection of our city’s past and a showcase of the values that continue to shape its future.
On July 4th, the streets will come alive starting at 10am as the parade winds through the Shasta/Hanchett and Rose Garden neighborhoods near Lincoln High School. You’ll see classic cars, bands, dance groups, and community troupes decked out in red, white, and blue. Afterward, the festival runs from 11 am to 2 pm at the corner of Shasta Ave. and The Alameda. Expect Lucha Libre matches, a creative kids zone, face painting, games, free book giveaways, local vendors, food trucks, and live entertainment. Sports fans can also enjoy activations by BayFC, NBC Bay Area, Telemundo48, and the San Jose Sharks.
This parade is more than a single day of fun. It’s a celebration of San Jose’s unique identity, bringing people together to honor our past and build a stronger community. Mark your calendars for July 4th, gather your friends and family, and come experience the energy and pride of our city at its best.
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.
Brunch at Rollati is best enjoyed with a group of friends, so you can order the Aperol Spritz Tower for four, which is their featured Brunch Cocktail. Brunch entrees include Italian Toast (Sweet Batard, Nutella, Maple Syrup) and Buttermilk Pancakes with Huckleberry, plus the entire lunch menu. Brunch served Sat. & Sun. 11am to 3pm.
The FAB brunch menu includes Egg Machaca, Pozole, and their hearty loaded dirty fries, served “breakfast-style” with a soft over-easy egg. Brunch served Sat. & Sun. 11am to 3pm.
The brunch menu at The Club includes Berry Waffles, Chilaquiles, Crab Cake Benedict, or a Club Burger, served brunch-style, with an egg on top of the Wagyu patty. There’s a full bar and specialty cocktails, but the Fever Tree Sparking Sicilian Lemonade is worth a try. Brunch served Sat. & Sun 11am to 3pm.
The Sourdough Machi Waffle, Tri-Tip Hash, Smoked Salmon Scramble (to name just a few) pair perfectly with imaginative cocktails that include an Elderflower Spritz, Passionfruit Bellini, and a drink called Corpse Reviver No. 2. SP2 also has a preset Brunch menu that allows you to choose an entree, side and a salad for the fixed price of $45. Brunch served Sat. & Sun. 11am to 2pm.
The Chuy’s Michelada at Farmer’s Union is practically a meal, but you will want to try the Chicken Fried Chicken & Eggs or the Huevos Motulenos with turkey, peas, cojita cheese, and friend plantain. Brunch served Sun.11am to 3pm.
Brunch at Mama Kin includes the usual brunch staples, along with Cajun Creole specialties of the house, but it’s mostly about the vibe. On Saturday, the R&B Brunch and Day Party, features R&B tunes from the 80s to the 2000s. Sunday is the Boom Box Brunch and Day Party, with a DJ playing music from the golden era of Hip Hop. Brunch served Sat. & Sun. 10am to 3pm.
Jambalaya Scramble, Pecan pancakes, New Orleans-style Beignets, and Pain Perdu (New Orleans French Toast) are just a few choices on the brunch menu at PHB. Doors open 10 am, but the live Blues on the Patio entertainment doesn’t start until noon. Brunch served Sun. 10am to 2pm.
The sweet and savory crepes at Whispers are offered all day every day, but it’s a very popular place for brunch on the weekends. It’s also the longest hours for Brunch in the downtown, for early risers who don’t want to wait until 10 a.m. to eat. Brunch served Sat. & Sun. 8am to 3 pm.
Located inside the Signia by Hilton San Jose, next to the Circle of Palms, offers a weekend brunch that includes Lobster Benedict served atop fresh artichoke hearts, generous Avocado Toast and Trout Toast, Pancakes, and Belgian Waffles. The weekend brunch menu also adds lunchtime go-tos like the tasty Fountain Burger with balsamic onion jam and gruyere, plus salads, sandwiches, and a crowd-pleasing kid’s selection with Mac n’ Cheese, Chicken Tenders and Sliders.
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| Rollati's Cocoa Pappardelle (lamb ragu, pistachio, and mint gremolata) and Italian Easter Bread |
