The Most Festive Christmas Activities and Events in San Jose
The holiday season is a magical time of year, and there are so many ways to celebrate in San Jose. The South Bay Area has dazzling light displays and festive events perfect for the whole family. This guide covers some of the best Christmas activities and events in San Jose California for getting into the holiday spirit.
1. Ice Skating at Downtown Ice
One of the quintessential holiday activities is ice skating, and you can lace up your skates right in the heart of downtown San Jose at Downtown Ice. Located at Circle of Palms Plaza, this outdoor ice rink offers holiday fun in the heart of the city. Skaters can glide across the ice while taking in panoramic views of the surrounding highrises decorated with sparkling lights. Downtown Ice is a perfect Christmas activity for date night or family time.
Admission includes a skate rental, and you can warm up with hot beverages and food from onsite concessions. With both open skate sessions and lessons available, Downtown Ice is a magical way to celebrate the season.
Cost: $35 per skater
2. Historic Holiday Fun
For a blast from the past, head to History Park in Kelley Park and experience Christmas from the 1880s to the 1930s. History Park will transport you back in time with heritage homes decorated for the holidays as they would have been during different eras. The Christmas in the Park non-profit organization sponsors the illuminated Christmas in the Park light display featuring thousands of twinkling lights.
The holiday lights display costs $25 and each car requires a reservation to enter the park. Cars creep slowly throughout History Park San Jose at about 5 mph and can listen to the holiday music that is timed perfectly with the festive decorations. This is one of our very favorite Christmas activities in San Jose because it’s affordable and usually has tickets available throughout December.
3. Breakfast with Santa
Several businesses also get into the Christmas spirit with their Breakfast with Santa events on weekends in December. Kids can meet Santa and share their wish lists while enjoying a hearty breakfast and taking photos.
Places like Maggianos and Hayes Mansion have events where tickets can be purchased. The Hayes Mansion event is our favorite because they offer activities like cookie decorating, letter writing, and a Santa photo op for all guests. Breakfast with Santa provides holiday magic that the entire family will love.
4. Snap a Santa Selfie
Capture some Christmas magic with a selfie alongside Santa himself! Bass Pro Shops at Almaden Plaza provides free photos with Santa in an area of the store that has festive Christmas decorations. Kids can share their Christmas lists while parents snap pictures of the memorable moment. The backdrop makes for a perfect holiday photo to print or share online.
Visitors can also browse the elaborate decorations and animatronic wildlife throughout Bass Pro while taking in the Christmas spirit. Photos with Santa are a great way for families to spread some free holiday cheer and the best part? Bass Pro Photos with Santa is one of the best events in San Jose because it is free!
The Westfield Oakridge malls also offer free visits and photos with Santa perfect for little ones. Kids can chat with Santa and share their wish lists before posing for a picture. Photos packages are available for purchase to take home a festive keepsake.
Additionally, the San Jose Public Library system offers special Santa Story Time events where kids can listen to Santa read a Christmas tale. Kids can sip on complimentary hot chocolate and get into the holiday spirit during this cozy Christmas activity. Visiting Santa provides a magical experience sure to bring joy to children.
5. Christmas in the Park
For an enchanting display, walk through the annual holiday tradition of Christmas in the Park at Plaza de Cesar Chavez. This decades-old San Jose tradition transforms the plaza into a glittering winter wonderland. The holiday village display features whimsical lights, animated vignettes, and the 60-foot Community Giving Christmas Tree. Gather the family and stroll through the magically lit forest, candy castle, and twinkling tunnels while browsing unique gift ideas at the artisan boutiques.
Stop for a photo with Santa or grab some hot chocolate and cookies to warm up as you take in the sights and sounds of the season. Christmas in the Park has delighted families for generations, making it an iconic Christmas activity.
While visiting this whimsical walk-thru event, make sure to check out the annual Christmas in the Park tree lighting ceremony. Held in November, this free event marks the opening of Plaza de Cesar Chavez’s enchanting holiday display. The event takes place near the center of the Park where staff holds a ceremonial lighting of the towering Community Giving Tree.
After the countdown, visitors can stay to sample treats, enjoy live music, watch local entertainment, take pictures with Santa, and be among the first to explore the park’s Christmas village. The sounds of carolers and the smell of food fill the air during this treasured tree-lighting tradition. Christmas in the Park is one of the best places in San Jose to enjoy the Christmas spirit.
Cost: Free admission
6. The Nutcracker Ballet
For many families, no Christmas season is complete without enjoying a performance of The Nutcracker ballet in the heart of downtown San José. In San Jose, you can take in this magical holiday show presented by Ballet San Jose at the San Jose Center for the Performing Arts.
Watch young Clara’s gorgeous journey with exquisite dancing, costumes, and Tchaikovsky’s iconic score performed live. With both matinee and evening showtimes, there are plenty of opportunities to share this festive performing arts classic with your family. Enjoy a graceful winter wonderland brought to life through dance and end your night with a meal at one of the nearby local restaurants!
Cost: Tickets start at $25
7. Snow Showers and Holiday Performances
The sounds of carols and seasonal favorites fill concert halls across San Jose during the Christmas season. Enjoy festive symphony shows like Santan Row’s weekday musical performances by local artists. There are also short chorus and choir holiday concerts to catch the spirit with cherished songs.
Santana Row also has snow showers right in front of Maggiano’s on certain days of the week and this is perfect for bringing young children who have never experienced “snow” before!
Broadway San Jose usually offers a holiday show like “The Grinch Who Stole Christmas” or “A Christmas Story.” The first time we caught a holiday show in downtown San Jose, we dressed up as a family for the event. The Grinch Stole Christmas is a fantastic show to see during the holiday season and tickets for Broadway San Jose usually start at $35.
8. Christmas Light Displays
No Christmas is complete without a trip to look at Christmas lights! San Jose has several places to roam around and watch gorgeous light displays.
Check out the historic neighborhood of Willow Glen (Glen Harbor and Glen Eryie Streets) or the brightly lit Sunset Glen Street in South San Jose near the foothills.
9. Heritage Holiday Tea
Take a trip to Dickensian Christmas with good food, tea, and cheerful company at History San Jose! Enjoy a beautiful festive Holiday Tea experience on the second floor of the Empire Firehouse, which oversees the History Park grounds.
Spend some time reconnecting with friends and loved ones while enjoying a delicious and fresh seasonal assortment of pastries, treats, sandwiches, tea, and coffee.
10. Winter Wonderland at Paseo de San Antonio
Each December, the pedestrian walkway of Paseo San Antonio in downtown San Jose is transformed into a magical winter wonderland as part of the annual Winter Wonderland special events. In addition to the dazzling lights of Christmas in the Park and holiday festivities, Winter Wonderland offers a festive arcade area filled with rides and attractions for visitors of all ages to enjoy.
A 60-foot tall Ferris wheel lights up the night sky and provides panoramic views of San Jose during the winter season. Kids and kids-at-heart can also take a spin on the vibrant, classic carousel with hand-painted horses circling up and down (tickets cost $5 per ride).
According to the San Jose website: “Amusement rides are located on Paseo de San Antonio and Park Ave. between Market St. and Almaden Blvd. The rides on Park Ave. bring the bigger thrills, suitable for kids, teens and adults. They include:
- Century Wheel: Towering nearly 70 feet, this ride offers passengers a view of the entire fairgrounds.
- The Alien Invasion: This ride will energize thrill seekers into the 21st century. Spinning at 24 RPM, this ride uses centrifugal force to float the passengers off the floor, giving them the feeling of weightlessness.
- The Rock Star: The Rock Star is a platform ride with two-tiered stadium-style seating. The ride moves up and over in a circular fashion, having riders rock on in a full-fledged cyclical motion!
- The Tilt-a-Whirl: An all-time favorite to thrill seekers. The Tilt a Whirl rotates on a center axle, traveling up and down hills, while the tub whips around on its own axle. Get ready for a swirling whirlwind!
- The Dragon Wagon: With a delighted dragon leading the way, the Dragon Wagon is an exciting coaster ride for children and parents alike. On a circular track, the dragon travels on a curvy route, finally ending where it began.”
If you are in the mood for Christmas lights, festive craft fairs, holiday performances, or Breakfast with Santa, San Jose offers limitless ways for families to celebrate the holiday season. These treasured Christmas activities create lasting memories of the most wonderful time of the year. So bundle up with hot cocoa and embrace the Christmas magic across this diverse, vibrant city.
