# Mexican Heritage Plaza Holiday Community Posada & Tamale Festival > Event for families in the San Jose–Sunnyvale–Santa Clara area (CA). Times are Pacific Time. - When: Fri, Dec 18 · 5:30 PM – 9:00 PM - Where: Mexican Heritage Plaza, 1700 Alum Rock Ave, San Jose, CA 95116 - Ages: All ages welcome (Free community event) - Price: Free admission; freshly made tamales, festive holiday drinks, and handmade artisan crafts available for purchase - Organizer: School of Arts and Culture at Mexican Heritage Plaza - Official page: https://www.schoolofartsandculture.org/events/holiday-posada - Last checked: Thu, Nov 5 Source: Grassy Knees is a directory of real family events, places and programs for kids across major U.S. metro areas, where every listing is researched from the organizer’s own page and shows the date we last checked it. https://grassyknees.com covers 42 metro areas as of Nov 11, 2026, with more added regularly. About: https://grassyknees.com/about Freshness: listings are re-checked on a daily research run (latest check 2026-11-10), and new events are added as organizers post them. Sell-outs, weather cancellations and time changes show up on the live page first: https://grassyknees.com/san-jose/activities/mexican-heritage-plaza-holiday-community-posada-and-tamale-festival--listing-fcfd38b9bcd0efa6e07c8704 ## About The School of Arts and Culture at the Mexican Heritage Plaza hosts its vibrant annual Holiday Posada and Tamale Festival, celebrating Mexican cultural traditions in East San Jose. Families participate in the symbolic candlelit Posada procession through the plaza's landscaped courtyards, symbolizing the search for shelter. The afternoon and evening feature dazzling folklorico dance performances by youth troupes, lively mariachi ensembles, and artisan holiday craft booths where children can make festive papel picado and yarn ornaments. Children eagerly participate in breaking traditional star-shaped piñatas filled with treats, while families enjoy steaming fresh tamales, sweet buñuelos, and rich champurrado. Family Experience & Accessibility: • Stroller Accessibility: Fully paved, barrier-free courtyards, wide arcades, and ramped gallery entrances provide smooth access for all strollers. • Nursing & Rest Spots: Indoor community center pavilion offers clean family restrooms with changing stations, comfortable seating, and shaded fountain benches. • Age Suitability: Rich cultural experience for all ages from babies and young children to parents and abuelos. • Sensory Tips: Upbeat live music and joyful piñata celebrations; open tranquil courtyard gardens allow easy retreat to quiet seating areas. ## Similar picks in San Jose - [Downtown Gilroy Holiday Festival & Parade](https://grassyknees.com/san-jose/activities/downtown-gilroy-holiday-festival-and-parade--listing-279a8fc33435e07cf6089f74) — Sat, Dec 5 · 3:00 PM – 6:30 PM · Downtown Gilroy · Free · checked Oct 27. 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