San Jose Other Christmas Activities 2026

Participants dress in Santa suits and holiday gear while visiting multiple bars and nightlife venues across downtown San Jose. Event wristbands provide venue entry and access to exclusive holiday drink specials throughout the crawl. Attendees can also participate in an...

History Park transforms into a winter wonderland celebrating San José's diverse traditions. Visitors can take part in festive activities and crafts, enjoy seasonal treats, and watch cultural performances. Guests also have the chance to meet Santa during the celebration.

Guests can meet the Grinch and take festive photos together. The community gathering brings visitors together to celebrate the holiday season.

Held inside the charming Empire Firehouse at History Park, this evening workshop invites guests to create their dream gingerbread house designs. Admission includes your very own gingerbread house along with all the sweet supplies needed for decorating. Guests can also...

Guests can enjoy a live holiday show highlighting performances from local arts and community groups. The celebration also features festive snow showers in Park Valencia, photo opportunities with Santa, and balloons.

Santana Row brings the North Pole to San Jose with festive outdoor snow showers. Visitors can gather with family and friends outside Maggiano's to watch the falling snow. The experience is accompanied by holiday tunes throughout the evening.

Participants search for elves hidden in shops and restaurants throughout Santana Row. Players carry a passport listing participating locations and collect a stamp from a store associate at each sighting. Turning in a completed passport rewards hunters with a gift...

Spectators gather along downtown sidewalks and street intersections to watch a procession of lighted floats make their way through town. Viewing takes place from designated curbside spots along the route from First and State Streets toward the parade finish.

Visitors gather along downtown streets to watch a parade of floats and performances presented by local businesses, bands, schools, and community clubs. Santa arrives with an escort from the local fire department and is welcomed by a children's choir for...

Visitors can watch a festive parade down Main Street featuring floats, marching bands, and community groups, as well as an official Santa and Mrs. Claus. Following the parade, a tree lighting ceremony takes place in front of the Museum on...

Visitors can wander along the downtown street to experience festive light displays, falling snow, and a variety of family-friendly arts and crafts. Entertainment includes live holiday shows and musical acts ranging from youth theater to tap dancing Christmas trees. Guests...

The parade travels down Monterey Road featuring floats and Santa's Magic Ship of Christmas, concluding with the Mayor and Santa lighting the community tree. Spectators can hear parade entrants described from announcer trucks and enjoy musical entertainment from The Peninsulaires...

Visitors gather to watch Santa arrive in his personal helicopter. The West Bay Community Band performs live Christmas carols during the celebration. Children can also meet directly with Santa to share their holiday wishes.

Visitors gather at Civic Center Plaza to kick off the holiday season with the illumination of the city tree. The celebration features live festive music, hands-on crafts, and sweet treats for attendees.

Visitors can gather near Market Broiler to count down to the lighting of the holiday tree while enjoying holiday music. Families can also take part in a meet-and-greet photo opportunity with Santa Claus, get face painting and balloon art, and...

Families gather for a breakfast celebration featuring North Pole pancakes prepared by elves. Santa poses for pictures with visitors throughout the morning. Children can also explore the elves' workshop for holiday crafts and entertainment.

Visitors can explore the museum's art and history exhibitions during an evening open house. Activities include holiday-themed craft making, listening to music, and enjoying light refreshments. The venue also serves as a stop along downtown's scenic trolley loop.

Participants explore holiday enchantment through creative arts and crafts activities, including designing ornaments and decorating cookies. Children can also write a letter to Santa, enjoy hot cocoa, and take home handmade keepsakes.

Serving as the official kickoff for the winter holiday season, the parade brings together more than a thousand participants and thousands of spectators. The procession highlights Santa Cruz County schools, youth-based organizations, and local nonprofits. The community tradition takes place...

Celebrate the holiday season at the beach surrounded by festive decorations and enchanting light shows. Guests can enjoy rides, play arcade games, and indulge in seasonal holiday treats. The festivities also include opportunities to take photos with Santa.

Spectators can watch a procession of 50 decorated power and sailboats glide through the harbor waters. Viewing spots include harbor pathways, the Murray Street bridge, the East Harbor launch ramp, or from charter boats. Refreshments such as hot drinks and...

Visitors can skate on an outdoor rink featuring 11,000 square feet of real ice in Central Park. Skaters of all experience levels can glide under the daytime sunshine or skate beneath the stars at night. Ice skate rentals are included...

Visitors can watch live musical performances by local school choirs and bands leading up to the illumination of a 30-foot tree. The festivities include arts and crafts, Letters to Santa, and the Clover Express. Guests can also visit a cozy...

Visitors can take to the ice and glide into the festive spirit at City Center Bishop Ranch. The outdoor holiday rink welcomes skaters throughout the winter season.

Guests gather to celebrate the start of the holiday season with the lighting of the holiday tree. The celebration features musical performances by the Monte Vista Band and a group of singers. The evening builds up to a special grand...

Visitors take a two-mile self-guided hike through scenic landscapes, exploring trails normally accessible only during private hikes. Along the route, participants can stop at three refreshment stations to enjoy an alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverage served in a souvenir cup. The...

Participants learn the art of wreath crafting under the guidance of Filoli's floral designers, weaving together fresh greens, dried accents, and seasonal flair. All materials are supplied to create a custom handmade holiday piece. Attendees can also enjoy a curated...

Get ready for the 69th Annual Children's Christmas/Holidays Parade! This cherished event brings the community together for a festive celebration. Witness a dazzling procession featuring marching bands, creatively decorated floats from local organizations, and enthusiastic participants. It's a perfect way...

California's Great America transforms into a winter wonderland for WinterFest, offering a magical holiday experience. Guests can enjoy thrilling rides, festive decorations, and the unique Pacific Gliders attraction. The park also features the South Bay Shores waterpark, making it a...

Experience the magic of the holiday season as Santa Claus arrives to lead the community in a festive countdown, illuminating Milpitas's 30-foot holiday tree. Enjoy enchanting performances by local talent, including the Milpitas Community Concert Band, and savor warm hot...

Experience the enchantment of downtown Pleasanton's Magical Holiday Evening. This festive community gathering offers a delightful hot cocoa bar and a chance to contribute to a local toy drive. Stroll through the beautifully decorated streets and soak in the holiday...

Join the City of Palo Alto for a magical evening at Lytton Plaza to celebrate the holiday season. This festive event features enchanting live music from local performers and delightful winter treats. It's the perfect way to gather with family...

Discover the joy of the holiday season at the Pleasanton Holiday Youth Music Festival. This event showcases the impressive talents of young musicians, filling the air with festive melodies and a vibrant community spirit. It's a heartwarming celebration of music...

Join the Hillsdale Shopping Center for their annual Rockin' Holiday Show and Tree Lighting event. This festive celebration marks the official start of the holiday season with a spectacular tree illumination and a special holiday show featuring live music and...