Christmas is around the corner, but many people who don’t want to travel far might still want to do something special for the holidays. There are many fun local events and memorable times to be had in Santa Clara County over the winter break. If you don’t want to spend a lot of money, want flexible planning, and don’t want to get so exhausted from the stress of being away from home, then these are the perfect places to go during the holiday season.
Christmas In The Park: Christmas in the Park is located outdoors at the Plaza de Cesar Chavez in downtown San José. The celebration includes “over 40 musical and animated exhibits, glittering lights, and a 65-foot illuminated Christmas tree,” according to Christmas in the Park’s official website. Walkways are lined with trees decorated by families and local schools and organizations. In addition, Christmas in the Park features a very popular hot chocolate stand along with other warm snacks and drinks for sale. Entrance to Christmas in the Park is free, and the celebration is a winter wonderland of lights, music, and Christmas spirit—all filled with joy for the whole family.
Downtown Ice: Every winter, downtown San José unveils an outdoor ice skating rink located near Christmas in the Park. Families are required to pay admission, including the cost of rental skates, but the prices are relatively affordable. The downtown Ice rink is a family-friendly environment, which also makes it perfect for friends and couples who want to spend a night out and enjoy the holiday season. The rink limits the amount of time people are allowed on the ice, so it’s never overcrowded.
DOCA Festival tour: The DOCA (Discovery of Creative Art) holiday light tour, also known as the San José Holiday Lights, is a grand festival full of holiday lights and decor located in San José, just next to the Children’s Discovery Museum. According to the festival’s official website, docafestival.com, the festival features six magical zones, iconic Christmas trees, and over 40 photo-worthy attractions. Ticket prices are on the more expensive side, with general admission priced at $30 on the weekend. However, the festival has numerous special events, including a Christmas cosplay day on Dec. 25 and a celebration on New Year’s Eve, according to the festival’s website. This stunning display of lights is an enchanting 10-minute walk from Christmas in the Park and the ice rink. So, a trip to the holiday lights can be perfectly combined with the other two festivals in San José.
Willow Glen neighborhood: Part of central San José, the Willow Glen neighborhood is filled with glittering lights and props around the winter holiday. The neighborhood is known for its numerous streets filled with elaborate decorations ranging from gigantic reindeers to families that pass out candy canes to encourage the holiday spirit. You can bring your friends and family to the neighborhood and enjoy beautiful holiday lights and absorb yourself into a Christmas wonderland.
San Francisco Botanical Gardens: For the first time, the San Francisco Botanical Gardens is hosting its own winter splendor: Lightscape. According to the Botanical Garden’s website, gggp.org, the event is a “mile-long trail of light and color.” Lights are woven throughout the garden’s stunning displays of nature, which serve to highlight the garden’s natural beauty. Pricing is more expensive than other local holiday events, but prices vary depending on when you schedule your visit to the gardens. Going on the off-peak hours saves you money while still delivering a stunning light show for you and your family to enjoy.
Overall, there are plenty of local events where you and your close friends and family can go to celebrate the holiday season and enjoy the holiday ambience in the air.
