Christmas in the Park in Downtown San José
Through Jan 1Nov 27 – Jan 1 · 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM · Daily 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM, Nov 27, 2026 – Jan 1, 2027; free Santa photos nightly Nov 28 – Dec 24
Plaza de Cesar ChavezPlaza de Cesar Chavez, Market St. between San Fernando and San Carlos St., San José, CA 95113Directions
All ages
Free
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About this adventure
San José's free holiday tradition since 1980 fills the two-acre Plaza de Cesar Chavez downtown with an enchanted forest of trees decorated by local schools, community groups and businesses, more than 40 musical and animated displays, and a giant illuminated Christmas tree that visitors can step inside. Many of founder Don Lima's original displays, such as the melting snowman, caroling mice and elf woodcrafters, ride in the Lima Train exhibit. Santa poses for free photos every night from opening night through Christmas Eve, and there is nightly entertainment on stage plus holiday food at the south-end food court. Open daily noon to 10 p.m., including Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year's Day. Parking is not included; downtown garages and SpotHero reservations are suggested.
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