San Jose’s Brightest Season: Holiday Lights and Festive Fun
The holiday season has officially arrived in San Jose, illuminating our city with spectacular new displays and cherished traditions. From dazzling light shows transforming local parks to community gatherings and charitable initiatives, there’s a vibrant energy filling the air across the Bay Area. Get ready to explore the festive spirit with our guide to all things bright and joyous this November and December.
Downtown San Jose Glows Brighter Than Ever
San Jose Holiday Lights at Discovery Meadow
Step into a world of wonder with the brand-new San Jose Holiday Lights, a ticketed event that has transformed downtown’s five-acre Discovery Meadow Park into a luminous wonderland. Located next to the Children’s Discovery Museum, this immersive experience features huge illuminated sculptures spread across six unique themed areas. Wander through festive Christmas scenes, a captivating Mexican-inspired desert landscape, a whimsical candy land, and an enchanted garden boasting a giant caterpillar, towering plants, and even a couple of delightful dinosaurs!
San Jose Holiday Lights opened on Friday, November 22, and will run through January 4. For more information and to purchase your tickets, visit www.docafestival.com.
Christmas in the Park at Plaza de Cesar Chavez
No San Jose holiday season is complete without a visit to the beloved Christmas in the Park. Celebrating its 45th year, this iconic, free attraction at Plaza de Cesar Chavez kicks off its festivities with the much-anticipated tree-lighting ceremony on Friday night. Festivities are scheduled to begin at 6:30 p.m., but arriving early is always recommended to grab a warm hot chocolate and soak in the festive atmosphere before the big switch is flipped.
More Holiday Fun Across the South Bay
Blinky’s Drive Thru Light Show
For another enchanting light experience, make your way to the Santa Clara County Fairgrounds for Blinky’s Drive Thru Light Show. This ticketed event, which also opened on Friday, November 22, runs through January 1. Not only does it offer a magical journey through dazzling displays from the comfort of your car, but your participation also helps keep the beloved downtown Christmas in the Park free for everyone. Find more details at www.christmasinthepark.com.
Comparing San Jose’s Top Light Events
| Event Name | Type | Location | Dates | Cost/Entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Jose Holiday Lights | Walk-through display | Discovery Meadow Park, Downtown San Jose | Nov 22 – Jan 4 | Ticketed |
| Christmas in the Park | Walk-through display & attractions | Plaza de Cesar Chavez, Downtown San Jose | Starts Friday (Tree Lighting 6:30 PM) | Free |
| Blinky’s Drive Thru Light Show | Drive-thru display | Santa Clara County Fairgrounds | Nov 22 – Jan 1 | Ticketed |
Community & Celebration Beyond the Lights
Thanksgiving Donations: Sacred Heart Community Service
As we approach Thanksgiving, Sacred Heart Community Service in San Jose has issued an urgent call for donations to ensure 3,000 local families can enjoy a holiday meal. They are specifically requesting donations of frozen turkeys, chickens, and hams. Each 50-pound holiday food box provides nonperishable goods, fresh produce, bread, and a choice of meat.
Donations can be dropped off at 1381 S. First St. until 6 p.m. on November 25 or from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on November 26. You can also contribute online or sign up to volunteer at www.sacredheartcs.org/holidays25 and www.sacredheartcs.org/volunteer, respectively.
Big Bone Bash: A San Jose Tradition Continues
Though the Big Bone Game itself has shifted, the spirit of the pre-Thanksgiving Big Bone Bash lives on! Now in its 33rd year, this lively party organized by Bill Kleidon takes place on November 26 at 6:30 p.m. at the Courtyard by Marriott San Jose Airport hotel on North Fourth Street. Kleidon emphasizes, “Now it’s a Thanksgiving party, and it’s open to everybody — not just San Jose High — and it’s free.”
“A Broadway Christmas” with Emmet Cahill in Los Altos
Experience the magic of the season with Irish tenor Emmet Cahill, formerly the lead singer of Celtic Thunder, as he returns to St. William Catholic Church in Los Altos for his solo show, “A Broadway Christmas.” This cherished annual performance, happening this Saturday, features a delightful mix of Broadway, Christmas, and traditional Irish songs. A pre-show featuring the Greene Academy of Irish Step Dancers begins at noon, followed by Cahill’s performance at 1 p.m. Tickets are $45 and can be purchased at the door or online at www.emmetcahill.com.
Silicon Valley Turkey Trot: Running “Wicked” Style
Lace up your running shoes for the 21st Applied Materials Silicon Valley Turkey Trot, taking over downtown San Jose on Thursday morning. The Silicon Valley Leadership Group Foundation, known for its pulse on pop culture, has themed this year’s race shirts in pink and green – a nod to the popular new movie “Wicked: For Good.” Choose between the 8:30 a.m. 10K run or the 5K run/walk, both supporting vital local charities including the Healthier Kids Foundation, HomeFirst, Second Harvest of Silicon Valley, and Second Harvest Food Bank of Santa Cruz County. Details on registration and street closures are available at www.svturkeytrot.com.
Frequently Asked Questions About San Jose’s Holidays
- When can I visit San Jose Holiday Lights?
The new San Jose Holiday Lights event at Discovery Meadow runs from November 22 through January 4. - Is Christmas in the Park free to attend?
Yes, Christmas in the Park at Plaza de Cesar Chavez remains a free public event, though donations to Blinky’s Drive Thru Light Show help keep it that way. - How can I donate to Sacred Heart Community Service for Thanksgiving?
You can drop off frozen turkeys, chickens, or hams at 1381 S. First St. on Nov 25 (until 6 p.m.) or Nov 26 (8 a.m. – 3 p.m.), or donate online at www.sacredheartcs.org/holidays25. - What charities does the Silicon Valley Turkey Trot support?
The Turkey Trot supports Healthier Kids Foundation, HomeFirst, Second Harvest of Silicon Valley, and Second Harvest Food Bank of Santa Cruz County. - Where can I find tickets for Emmet Cahill’s “A Broadway Christmas”?
Tickets for Emmet Cahill’s concert in Los Altos on Saturday are $45 and can be purchased at the door or online at www.emmetcahill.com.
From captivating light displays to heartwarming community events and invigorating races, San Jose truly lights up during the holiday season. Embrace the festive spirit and make the most of these diverse local offerings!
San Jose Holiday Season Illuminated
