Family Day on the Avenue Returns to Lincoln Avenue in Willow Glen

Willow Glen merchants will fill Lincoln Avenue with family-friendly fun on July 25. From 11 in the morning until 3 in the afternoon, participating shops and restaurants along the tree-lined stretch will offer special deals, live music, games, and hands-on activities that turn a regular summer Saturday into a neighborhood celebration.

The free event serves as one last relaxed outing before school schedules take over. Families can collect book-themed prizes at Hicklebee’s, enjoy pizza specials at Round Table or Pizza My Heart, sample chocolate bites at Mariette Chocolates, or try sensory play stations and movement games. Many spots will also hand out stickers, discounts, and exclusive giveaways while supplies hold out.

Organized by the Willow Glen Business Association, the afternoon highlights the independent businesses that give the neighborhood its distinct character. Visitors will find everything from pet supply surprises and bookstore treats to aura photo sessions and studio tours, all within a compact area that stays easy to navigate with nearby parking.

This merchant-led gathering keeps the small-town energy that is still alive inside San Jose. It creates space for parents and kids to wander, discover new favorites, and support the local shops that make Downtown Willow Glen feel like its own destination.

San Jose gains when its neighborhoods host simple, welcoming events like this one. Family Day on the Avenue strengthens connections between residents and the businesses that line the Avenue, adding another layer to the everyday vibrancy that sets Willow Glen apart.

For a full list of deals and giveaways, head over here.

Mrs. Roper Romp Brings Playful Energy to Downtown Willow Glen Once Again

Friends and neighbors seeking a lighthearted summer afternoon in Willow Glen will have the perfect reason to dust off the caftans and wigs this coming weekend. The third annual Mrs. Roper Romp turns the neighborhood into a stage for colorful fun inspired by the Three's Company television character known for her bold fashion and larger-than-life personality.

The gathering takes place on Saturday, July 11 from 1 to 5 PM throughout Downtown Willow Glen. Participants need no tickets or advance sign-ups. They simply choose an outfit that captures the spirit, then spend the hours shopping at local boutiques, enjoying meals at neighborhood restaurants, and strolling the sidewalks in full flamboyant style.

Willow Glen has always carried a village atmosphere with its blend of specialty stores, casual dining spots, and pedestrian-friendly blocks. This is a pretty unique event that I have never seen take place in another part of Silicon Valley. I certainly plan to sit outside at one of Willow Glen's many great restaurants and enjoy the show--watching both those participating and the confused looks from people that stumbled upon the event and have no clue what's going on.

Willow Glen Farmers Market Offers Fresh Finds and Community Vibes Every Saturday

San Jose residents seeking a relaxed weekend ritual have long turned to the Willow Glen Farmers Market as a neighborhood favorite. Tucked behind Willow Glen Elementary along Lincoln Avenue in Downtown Willow Glen, this market has operated for more than two decades as a steady gathering point for locals who value direct access to fresh, local goods.

Around ten certified farmers bring seasonal California produce that shifts with the calendar, from spring strawberries to autumn squash and winter citrus. Shoppers also find flowers, honey, dairy, fish, and meats from nearby producers, while more than ten prepared food vendors offer pizza, baked goods, hummus, pasta, and international options that turn browsing into a casual meal.

Live music plays each week alongside face painters and market basket raffles, while a free playground keeps kids occupied as parents explore the stalls. The intimate scale creates a calmer experience than larger regional markets, with regulars chatting directly with vendors in an atmosphere that feels like an extension of the surrounding community.

The market runs every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. rain or shine, with free parking at the school and easy connections to nearby coffee shops and shops along Lincoln Avenue. It accepts EBT with market match incentives and welcomes a range of nutrition programs, making quality local food accessible to more households.

Prismatic Market Brings Local Makers, DIY Fun, and Inclusive Vibes to Downtown San Jose This Saturday

This Saturday afternoon, Parque de los Pobladores in Downtown San Jose will host the Prismatic Market, a free outdoor celebration that gathers local artists, makers, and the community for several hours of creative connection. From 2 to 7 p.m., the event will turn the plaza into a welcoming hub where people can browse, create, swap, and simply enjoy being together in an inclusive space centered in the city’s LGBTQIA+ neighborhood.

Visitors will discover a compact marketplace featuring eight local makers, artists, and retailers alongside a collaborative pop-up from Derptiles Café and Baby Tiger Bakery serving coffee, matcha, and pastries. A live DJ set will run through much of the afternoon while stations invite participation through trinket trading, free coloring with exclusive pages, and several hands-on DIY options that range from decorating toploaders to assembling friendship bracelets or custom keycap keychains.

Additional experiences will include queer-affirming bangs and trims offered on a sliding scale by Pageboy Salon and a free thrift browsing area with Pride collection pieces plus styling guidance from SJ Clothing Swap. The first 500 people through the gate will also receive a special event-exclusive illustration giveaway, adding one more reason to arrive early and take part in the full lineup.

By spotlighting small local creators and offering low-pressure ways to make, trade, and connect, the market creates an afternoon where self-expression and community feel natural and accessible. Those seeking a relaxed, colorful way to spend a Saturday in Downtown San Jose will find plenty of reasons to stop by Parque de los Pobladores and join the celebration.

For more info and a full list of vendors visit the Prismatic Market page over here.

T&T Supermarket to Open First California Location in San Jose

San Jose welcomes a major new player in Asian groceries when T&T Supermarket opens its first California store on June 18. Located at 1600 Saratoga Ave. inside the Westgate Center, the market sits near Target and Ross Dress for Less. Local residents gain convenient access to an extensive range of products from across Asia.

The chain encountered construction hurdles that shifted the original fall 2025 target date. After adjustments to spring, the timeline settled on summer. The completed store now stands ready to serve the community with its full lineup.

Thousands of grocery items fill the shelves, covering Chinese, Japanese, Korean and other Asian cuisines. Prepared foods, bakery selections and private label goods round out the offerings. Shoppers can expect both everyday staples and specialty finds that support home cooking and quick meals.

The company positions the store as a cultural hub. Asian families will have a place to reconnect with foods and traditions from their upbringing. The market also extends an invitation to the broader Silicon Valley audience for food exploration and discovery.

Expansion continues with planned locations in Millbrae, Chino Hills, Irvine and San Francisco by year's end. This San Jose debut anchors the brand's California presence. It contributes another layer to the diverse retail and dining options that define the city.

Source: SVBJ

Sephora Adds Convenient Beauty Stop Near Downtown San Jose

Sephora announced plans for a new store at 519 Coleman Avenue inside the San Jose Market Center. Construction has progressed steadily, and the doors will open on June 5, placing premium cosmetics and beauty products roughly a mile north of Downtown San Jose.

This location marks the brand’s sixteenth in Silicon Valley and the first within five miles of Downtown San Jose. The nearest existing Sephora sits at Westfield Valley Fair, which straddles the San Jose and Santa Clara border, so residents on the north side will enjoy shorter drives and easier access for their favorite brands and new discoveries.

The San Jose Market Center already draws steady traffic with anchors such as Target, Marshalls, Michaels, and PetSmart. New dining additions including Supreme Crab, a Cajun seafood buffet, and Slice House by Tony Gemignani will give visitors even more reasons to linger before or after browsing the beauty aisles.

Sephora entered the U.S. market in 1998 and now operates more than 1,800 stores nationwide. California holds the largest share, representing about 13 percent of the company’s domestic footprint. The expansion aligns with San Jose’s retail strength, which a recent Marcus & Millichap report described as the least volatile Bay Area market and a beacon of stability compared with higher vacancy trends elsewhere in the region.

Source: SVBJ

BILT rewards card and San Jose discounts

Happy tax day everyone! Today will be a slightly different kind of post. I'm a big fan of leveraging credit cards to get as much free stuff as possible and maximizing discounts on every purchase I make. I've stayed at fancy hotels for free countless times and flown all around the world using points. It's a bit of a side-passion of mine, perhaps an obsession. Currently I have an Amex Platinum (Personal & Business), Amex Gold, Chase Sapphire Reserve, Atmos Summit, Bonvoy Brilliant, and many others. 

I've been testing out a card by a newer company called Bilt for the last several months. They are the first (and only) card company where you can earn points on your rent or mortgage payments. That was my main use case for getting their premium card along with the generous sign on bonus, but it's a pretty awesome card in general for everything (except for taxes ironically).

Points can be converted to various hotel programs and 15+ airline partners, including Alaska Airlines... my go to at SJC. Southwest is also a partner as well as United, JAL, British Airways, Etihad, TAP Air Portugal, United, Cathay Pacific. and Emirates. Because of the flexibility, the points are worth roughly 2 cents each. You also get 4% back in "Bilt Cash" on purchases which you can exchange for more points, gift cards, etc. I value these at about 50 cents on the collar, so call it about 2 cents per dollar you spend.

So in essence, between the 1x points and 4% Bilt Cash, the Bilt Blue Card with no annual fee gives you 4% back on ALL purchases you make (except for taxes) and you can earn points on you rent or mortgage. The $99/year Bilt Obsidian also gets you 8% off Dining OR Grocery, and 6% off all travel purchases. Lastly, the $499/year Bilt Palladium gives you 6% off everything.  You can only pick one of the three, I went with the Palladium since it's the absolute best card you can get for non-category spend. The AMEX Platinum is still the best for flights, AMEX Gold is the best for restaurants, Chase Sapphire Reserve is the best for Hotels. For everything else, this is the new king of the hill. 

As an added bonus, you get additional points with Lyft, Walgreens, and several other partners including many San Jose restaurants. These include:

• Downtown - San Pedro Social, District, Farmers Union, Serious Dumpling, and Teske's Germania
• Santana Row - LB Steak, Seft Bank, El Jardin, Momosan, Zazil Cocina, Meso, and Suspiro
• Willow Glen - John's, Stacks, Toast, Casa Villa, and Mimosas
• Japantown SJ - Hukilau and Spread
• Tons of others in East San Jose, Almaden (La Foret), Evergreen, etc.

There are also discounts on fitness classes and parking garages as well as other perks such as comedy club and dining experiences. It's a pretty fun and interesting ecosystem, not at all what I expected from a credit card company.

Customer service has been hit or miss for me since they have been completely slammed after rolling out these three new cards. That is an area where AMEX is way stronger today, but it's a small price to pay for better discounts and rewards on purchases.

The Bilt Palladium has become my favorite credit card, but you can't go wrong with any of the three they offer today. The Bilt Blue is probably the best no-fee card today. The Obsidian is arguably on par with the AMEX Gold for dining, but with a much lower annual fee. The Palladium is ideal for people that know how to milk the points system and/or want to consolidate a bunch of premium cards into one.

To learn more or pick a card, click here!

Guitar Wars and The Void Celebrate Grand Opening in Downtown San Jose

San Jose is getting a new boost to its music landscape with the arrival of Guitar Wars and The Void at 447 South First Street in Downtown San Jose. The city is supporting the launch with a ribbon cutting ceremony today, starting at 3 p.m. Councilmember Anthony Tordillos, the San Jose Downtown Association, and owners Carlos Gascon and Josiah Kverno will share remarks. S.J. Sharkie joins as a special guest, bringing energy for families and offering photo opportunities during the event.

Guitar Wars began in 2013 at 4110 Monterey Highway in the Seven Trees neighborhood, where it built a loyal following over 12 years. Now relocating Downtown, the store focuses on musical instruments alongside The Void, a repair shop dedicated to affordable, high-quality service. Formed by a close-knit group of family, friends, musicians, and gear enthusiasts, Guitar Wars fosters a fun, inclusive environment tied to music culture. Its name nods to sci-fi themes and the drive behind every player's setup. The Void addresses needs in instrument maintenance and the broader scene, making sure budget constraints do not limit access to reliable care.

The celebration extends beyond the ceremony with live sets from local bands, a guitar raffle, and displays from area artists. Come February, music lessons launch, along with open mics and various events. The shop plans workshops on maintenance basics, electronics for guitars, and general upkeep to suit beginners and pros alike. This setup creates a central spot for discovering, practicing, and linking up within San Jose's music world.

Downtown San Jose thrives with its arts and festivals, including SoFA, blues, and jazz gatherings, but lacks robust music retail options. Guitar Wars steps in to bridge that, positioning itself amid the action to aid performers and enrich the community.

Photo by Gary Singh

Earn Rewards While Supporting Downtown San Jose Businesses This Holiday Season

Downtown San Jose is offering a great incentive for shoppers this December with the Shop Small Downtown program from the San Jose Downtown Association. When you spend at least $150 at participating local businesses, you qualify for a $50 gift card in return. This promotion runs through December 24 and focuses on small shops, restaurants, and theaters that define the area's character. The gift card works at over 60 locations across Downtown, making it easy to keep the spending local and discover more spots.

Participating is straightforward. Collect your receipts from purchases made at eligible Downtown businesses starting from November 28. Once they total $150 or more, upload photos of them through the association's website for verification. If your entry is among the first 100 valid ones, the $50 gift card arrives soon after. Limited to one entry per person.

All valid entries, even beyond the first 100, go into a drawing for a grand prize. Two winners will each receive a $500 San Jose Downtown gift card at the promotion's end. By joining in, shoppers directly bolster the local economy and help sustain the unique businesses that make Downtown San Jose vibrant.

For details and to submit receipts, visit https://sjdowntown.com/shopdtsj I already got my $50 gift card (thanks to a great meal at Petiscos), now it's time to get yours!

Santana Row Black Friday Shopping Deals

Below is a handy list of the Black Friday deals at Santana Row, which is completely decked out for the holidays already. You can also get free photos with the Nutcracker & Mouse King in front of the Christmas tree from 1pm to 4pm.

• TUMI – Receive 15% off items during Black Friday week.
• Travismathew – Shop TravisMathew’s biggest sale of the year! Get 30% off storewide starting 11/26. Receive 50% off select styles starting 11/24. *Some exclusions apply
• Bluemercury – Receive 20% off of purchases of $799.99, 25% off purchases of $800 or more, 30% off of purchases $1500 or more. Shop the Holiday Gift Guide here.
• Suspiro – Receive 10% bonus on gift cards through 12/31. E.g., buy a $100 gift card, get another complimentary gift card for $10.  Spend $250, get $25, etc.
• El Jardin – Receive 10% bonus on gift cards through 12/31. E.g., buy a $100 gift card, get another complimentary gift card for $10.  Spend $250, get $25, etc.
• Taqueria Parranga – Receive 10% bonus on gift cards through 12/31. E.g., buy a $100 gift card, get another complimentary gift card for $10.  Spend $250, get $25, etc.
• Zazil Cocina Mexicana – Receive 10% bonus on gift cards through 12/31. E.g., buy a $100 gift card, get another complimentary gift card for $10.  Spend $250, get $25, etc.
• KOHLER Signature Store – Refresh your space for the holidays with limited-time savings. 5% off purchases of $800 or more. 10% off purchases of $1,600 or more (offer available November 10-30).
• BoConcept – 15% off all items during the month of November.
• Hot 8 Yoga – 15% off a 10 Class Pack (gift cards are not included). Click HERE to purchase.
• EVEREVE – 10% off storewide Black Friday 11/28 – Monday 12/1. Gift cards are not included.
• The Container Store – November 21–26 – 30% Off Storewide/Sitewide, including Elfa. November 28–30 – 30% Off Storewide/Sitewide.
• Casper – 11/24 to 12/02: 35% off Dream Mattress and Snow Mattress. Black Friday, 11/28:  25% off furniture.
• Nike – Visit Nike Santana Row to save 25% off select styles when you shop 11.13-11.27.
• Veggie Grill – Get more out of Black Friday at any Veggie Grill by Next Level! On Friday, November 28, 2025, receive a $20 bonus gift card for every $100 in gift cards purchased.
• MaiDo Stationery – $5 coupon with every $25 regular-price purchase. Sanrio winter items are 50% off. Hobonichi Covers are 75% off. Hands Craft Hello Kitty Flower Series 3D wooden puzzles are Buy 1 Get 1 Free.
• MaiDo Pop Up Shop – Purchase $25 or more and receive a $5 coupon for main MaiDo Stationery store.
• Straits – Unwind with signature cocktails, small plates, and the best vibes in town! Happy Hour from 3pm-6pm on 11/28. Black Friday Gift Card Special: Give the gift of flavor or treat yourself! Give more, get more ! Buy $100 , get $120. Buy $200, get $250. Buy $500 , get $650 (Offer available through December 31, 2025) Redeemable for dining, drinks, and celebrations at Straits. Perfect for holiday gifting, birthdays, or your next night out.
• PAIGE – 30% off storewide of regular priced items. Exclusions may apply.
• Kendra Scott – On Black Friday, 11/28, enjoy 40% off Fashion Jewelry and Color Bar and 25% off Everything else with a limited edition $25 Elisa necklace Doorbuster while supplies last.
• Vuori – Black Friday Weekend Only! Get a premium cotton canvas pouch with any purchase of $150 or more. Spend $250, and we’ll throw in a matching tote, too (Offer available from November 28 – December 1st) – while supplies last. Only 1 pouch per transaction.
• [solidcore] – 6 month Committed Membership (15% off standard pricing).
• Monthly 4 membership receive + 1 bonus class: $119.
• Monthly 8 membership receive + 2 bonus classes: $212
• 12 month Committed+ Membership (25% off standard pricing)
• Monthly 4 membership receive + 1 bonus class: $105
• Monthly 8 membership receive + 2 bonus classes: $187
• New Balance – The Black Friday / Cyber monday sale is live from 11/25 – 12/3. Same offer of up to 40% off select styles.
• Madewell – Enjoy 40% off your purchase from 11/20-11/26.
• VINCE -Enjoy 25% Off Almost Everything & 30% Off Sweaters. Valid 11/21/2025 – 12/01/2025

Club Studio Fitness Gym Enhances El Paseo de Saratoga in San Jose

Fitness International recently secured a lease for about 30,000 square feet at El Paseo de Saratoga, paving the way for a new Club Studio Fitness gym in the shopping center. Located at 910 to 1000 El Paseo de Saratoga, next to the AMC Saratoga 14 theater, this addition fills a space previously occupied by short-term fitness tenants that have since closed. The move aligns with the company's expansion under its LA Fitness and City Sports Club brands, offering San Jose residents modern workout facilities in a convenient spot at the corner of Saratoga Avenue and Lawrence Expressway.

Sand Hill Property Company oversees the ongoing redevelopment of the mixed-use neighborhood, which includes plans for new housing alongside retail growth. In the past three years, the center has welcomed 16 new merchants, with 10 more on the horizon, including anchors like Whole Foods Market.

Source: The Mercury News

Sweet New Arrivals at Santana Row: Gelato and Doughnuts on the Horizon

Santana Row continues to draw crowds with its mix of shopping and dining options, and now two new dessert destinations are set to join the lineup. Bacio di Latte, a gelato brand originating from Brazil, plans to open its doors in early February, bringing authentic flavors to the retail hub that straddles San Jose and Santa Clara. This addition complements the area's growing collection of international tastes, giving locals another spot to indulge in creamy treats made with care.

Johnny Doughnuts, known for its handcrafted selections, is also preparing to launch at Santana Row, expanding its Bay Area presence from locations in San Francisco, Larkspur, Santa Rosa, and San Rafael. The chain has garnered recognition from outlets like the Food Network as one of the top doughnut spots nationwide and from the San Francisco Chronicle for its standout offerings in the region. While an exact opening date remains unconfirmed, this move signals more variety for San Jose visitors seeking fresh baked goods.

Source: SVBJ

Five Below Opens New Store in San Jose

On June 13, this trend-right, extreme-value retailer opened its doors, offering a shopping experience that promises affordability for kids, tweens, teens, and anyone young at heart. Located at 352 N Capitol Ave, the store is perfectly positioned to become a go-to spot for locals looking to score amazing deals on everything from candy and toys to tech and beauty products.

What sets this location apart is the addition of a Party Shop, complete with helium balloons, décor, and favors. Planning a birthday bash or a spontaneous celebration? You’ll find everything you need right here, blending convenience with the store’s signature low prices. Beyond the party supplies, the shelves are stocked with goodies across eight unique categories: Style, Room, Sports, Tech, Create, Party, Candy, and New & Now. It’s a treasure trove of trendy finds that won’t break the bank.

The store is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Five Below makes it easy to drop in and explore their wide range of products, most of which are priced between $1 and $5, with some standout items going slightly higher for even more value.

Tanishq Unveils a Gem of a Store in Santa Clara

San Jose’s South Asian community—and jewelry lovers across the Bay Area—have something special to explore with the arrival of Tanishq’s flagship store in Santa Clara. The 5,100 sq. ft. showroom, located at 3406 El Camino Real, opened its doors earlier this year and celebrated its official grand opening on May 8. The event brought a slice of Indian tradition to Silicon Valley with a lamp-lighting ceremony, a ribbon cutting, and a musical performance. Santa Clara’s mayor joined even local leaders and enthusiastic visitors.

The showroom dazzles with thousands of gold and diamond pieces, each one a testament to Indian craftsmanship with a modern twist. Collections like Rhythms of Rain and Tales of Mystique stand out, offering designs that tie into cultural heritage while marking life’s big moments such as weddings, festivals, or even a just well-deserved treat. 

What makes this opening exciting for the San Jose metro is how it adds to the city’s growing reputation as a hub for culture and creativity. The store’s luxurious vibe and focus on heritage invite everyone to discover something unique. 

Westfield Valley Fair Welcomes Exciting New Retailers to San Jose

San Jose’s retail landscape continues to level up, and Westfield Valley Fair Mall seems to be ground zero. This iconic shopping hub, already a go-to for fashion, dining, and entertainment in Silicon Valley, is adding a slew of new stores that are sure to turn heads. Whether you’re a San Jose native or just visiting, these fresh arrivals give you plenty of reasons to stop by and see what’s new.

Here’s a look at some of the standout retailers joining the lineup:

• RH Outlet: Known for its upscale furniture and home decor, RH (formerly Restoration Hardware) is bringing its blend of luxury and affordability to fill a once-empty space with style.
• Dolce & Gabbana: This Italian fashion powerhouse promises high-end glamour, adding a touch of international flair to the mall’s offerings.
• Mango: A global favorite for trendy, accessible clothing, Mango’s arrival makes it easier than ever to refresh your wardrobe.
• Kiehl’s: Skincare fans rejoice—Kiehl’s is setting up shop with its premium products, perfect for a little self-care.
• Nespresso: Coffee lovers can look forward to grabbing their favorite brews and machines from this sleek, modern outpost.
• Columbia: Outdoor enthusiasts will find top-notch gear for their next adventure, courtesy of this trusted activewear brand.
• Asia Live: From the creators of San Francisco’s China Live, this two-story culinary spot will showcase diverse Asian flavors starting in fall 2025.

The mall isn’t stopping there—plans call for 25 new stores by the end of 2025, covering everything from luxury brands to innovative dining experiences.

Source: SVBJ

Rivian is officially coming to Santana Row

Santana Row has played a pretty significant role in the history of electric cars. It had the very first of hundreds of Tesla stores, which has been significantly expanded due to popularity. It's considered a flagship store and is usually the first location to get previews of new products such as the Robotaxi, Cybertruck, and many others. Porsche also has a presence on the Row, often highlighting their EVs such as the Macan Electric. There have even been numerous pop-up events featuring electric cars along the Santana Row park.

Now Rivian is jumping in on the action. They are going to launch a new electric vehicle gallery on the 300 block of Santana Row. This is right in the front near Yard House. They will likely be featuring their newest SUV, the R2. The vehicle launches next year and is designed for the mass-market with a starting price around $45k, putting it right in line with the Tesla Model Y.

Unlike Tesla, Rivian is not planning to do test drivers from the Santana Row location. However, they do have a service and demo center at 660 North King Road in San Jose.

Across the street, Valley Fair also has two EV stores: Lucid and Polestar. The general area has become quite the hotspot for electric cars.

Source: SVBJ

Almaden Plaza in San Jose is getting a couple new stores

Tomorrow will be Barnes & Noble's last day at Almaden Plaza in South San Jose. That space along with the former spaces for Buy Buy Baby, Compass Real Estate, and Tuesday Morning will be merged into a single 81,000 SQFT anchor space. Sports Basement is planning to take that anchor spot later this year.

Tillys is also leaving its 10,500 SQFT store at the end of the month. That was actually the first Northern Californian location of that brand. However, the space is already destined to be replaced by Sephora sometime this summer.

Source: SVBJ

Shopping in San Jose

Visit San Jose has just released a video promoting shopping in San Jose  It's less than 90 seconds long, and highlights Santana Row, Valley Fair, Downtown San Jose, and Japantown. 

Santana Row and Valley Fair have become shopping ground zero for the entire Bay Area. While many malls around the country are closing, "Uptown" continues to reel in exclusive brands and experiences. Anyway, check out the short video embedded below.

San Pedro Holiday Market today

There are only a few days left until Christmas, but there are still many opportunities to buy gifts--especially from local entrepreneurs. The San Jose Downtown Association, City of San Jose, and SJMADE are hosting a holiday market at 60 N. San Pedro Street today in the heart of San Pedro Square. There will be over 20 vendors including:

• Ceramics By Jane
• Maco Decor
• Kyla Camille Candles
• Genevieve Inspired
• AJNA California
• Voyager Leather Crafts
• Yours Truly, Mary Anne
• The Hungry Sloth
• Kawaii Glass Co
• Charlotte Truffles
• SoyFeliz
• Love Through Letterpress
• Jale
• Peachisekai
• Thousand Skies
• A Jar of Pickles
• The Herbal Alchemist
• Dandekie

The event will run from noon to 6pm and you also get 90 minutes of free parking at the Market & San Pedro Garage, conveniently located next to the event.

For more info, head over here.

Shop local this Black Friday

Before you head to Amazon for holiday shopping this year, why not start with local businesses and entrepreneurs? You'll be able to find more unique gifts with local character right in your backyard. The San Jose Office of Economic Development has created handy shopping guides for twelve different neighborhoods across San Jose.

Some have special promotions, like a $50 gift card if you spend more than $150 in Downtown San Jose stores. The featured neighborhoods are The Alameda, Alum Rock, Alum Rock Village, Calle Willow, Downtown SJ, East Village, Japantown, Little Saigon, Luna Park, Tully, Willow Glen, and Winchester. To get started on your hyperlocal Black Friday, head over here.