Christmas in the Park
San Jose’s Beloved Holiday Tradition Since 1980
Experience the Christmas holiday magic with over 45 years of community tradition, featuring spectacular Christmas light displays, family entertainment, and unforgettable memories.
Blinky's Drive Thru
- Coming soon!
A Community Tradition Since 1980
What started as one man’s passion for bringing holiday joy to his community has grown into the Bay Area’s most beloved free Christmas celebration.
Our Story
In the 1950s, Don Lima borrowed $300 to build the first holiday display in San José. His single Nativity scene on his lawn sparked such community enthusiasm that it grew year after year, eventually becoming too large for his property.
Don donated his displays to the City of San José, and in the early 1980s, Christmas in the Park found its permanent home at Plaza de Cesar Chavez. Today, we’re a community-driven non-profit organization dedicated to keeping this magical tradition free and accessible to all.
More than 90% of our budget comes from fundraising and our Drive Thru Light Show, ensuring that families from all backgrounds can experience the wonder of Christmas in the Park without cost barriers.
Community Driven
Powered by volunteers, local businesses, and community partnerships
Free to All
Committed to keeping our downtown event completely free for every family
Magical Experience
Over 40 animated displays, live entertainment, and unforgettable memories
Bay Area tradition
A cherished tradition that brings together diverse communities each holiday season
Two Magical Experiences
Choose your adventure: stroll through our enchanted downtown park or cruise through our spectacular drive-thru light show.
Downtown Park Experience
FREE EVENT
- Nov 27, 2026 - Jan 1, 2027
- Plaza de Cesar Chavez
- Daily 12:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Walk through our enchanted forest of decorated trees, marvel at over 40 animated displays including the famous Lima Train, and step inside our 50-foot Christmas tree. Enjoy free photos with Santa, nightly entertainment, and holiday refreshments.
40+ Displays
Live Entertainment
Free Santa Photos
Enchanted Forest
Blinky's Drive Thru
TICKETS REQUIRED
- Nov 21-23 & Nov 28 - Dec 31, 2025
- Santa Clara County Fairgrounds
- Mon-Thu: 5-9 PM | Fri-Sun: 5-10 PM
Cruise through over a mile of dazzling light tunnels, festive buildings, and giant candy canes—all perfectly synchronized to your favorite holiday music. Experience over 200,000 twinkling lights from the comfort and warmth of your car.
1+ Mile Route
200K+ Lights
Music Sync
Family Friendly
No Limos Allowed
Get Involved in the Magic
Be part of our community tradition through tree sponsorship, stage performances, and volunteer opportunities.
Enchanted Forest
Sponsor and decorate a tree in our magical forest.
Tree reservations open in August for the upcoming season.
Community Tree
$200
Corporate Sponsor
$1000
Tavern Tree Sponsor
$2500
Create a lasting holiday tradition while supporting a beloved San Jose nonprofit.
Families, schools, and businesses bring their creativity to life in the heart of downtown.
Jingle Bell Stage
Perform for our community audience during the Christmas season.
50-minute time slots on our 20×30 ft stage.
Applications open each fall.
Prime Time Performance
$200
Non-Prime Time Performance
$175
Volunteer
Help make the magic happen
Volunteer Opportunities
From workshop support to seasonal event roles, volunteers play a vital part in bringing Christmas in the Park to life.
Whether you’re earning service hours or giving back to the community, there’s a place for you here.
Parking
We recommend booking convenient and affordable parking in advance through SpotHero, the nation’s leading parking reservations app.
To reserve your parking spot for Christmas in the Park San Jose, visit the Plaza de Cesar Chavez SpotHero Parking Page.
What Our Community Says
“The history park looks great in lights and my kids enjoyed it. Also the money goes into supporting Christmas in the park downtown so I’m going to do both.”
Local Family
“We should continue supporting it so it comes back each year. We hardly have events going on in this city it’s great to see efforts being placed in hosting more family friendly events.”
Community Supporter
“My grandma loved the show so it was worth it for us, she even danced in the car and sang along. Such a fond memory.”
Multi-Generation Visitor
Frequently asked questions
What is Christmas in the Park?
Each year, the two-acre Plaza De Cesar Chavez is transformed into a holiday fantasy with over 40 musical and animated exhibits, glittering lights and the 60-foot Community Giving Tree. Some of the original displays are housed in one of the largest exhibits, the Lima Train, include a melting snowman, caroling mice and elf woodcrafters.
We are a 501 (c3) non-profit organization that brings this free community event through sponsorships, donations, grants, and programs. Each summer, we host “Christmas in July,” a fundraiser under the stars, where guests dine and dance in support of the event. Throughout the rest of the year, Santa and his elves work long and hard to clean, spruce and fix up the displays, work with companies to develop sponsorships, find grants, and raise the necessary dollars to bring this magical holiday experience to you every year.
How much does it cost to go to Christmas in the Park?
Admission is absolutely free! It costs nothing to visit Christmas in the Park with your friends and families. Donations are greatly appreciated and can be made online, in the Information Booth or Santa Visit Area.
When is the park open?
Christmas in the Park opens the day after Thanksgiving every year. Opening night begins with the Community Tree Lighting Ceremony. The event is open every day through January 1, from noon to 10pm, including Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
Where is Christmas in the Park?
Christmas in the Park takes place in the heart of Downtown San José at the Plaza de Cesar Chavez on Market St. between San Fernando and San Carlos St.
How can I donate to Christmas in the Park?
Simply choose the “Get Involved” tab on our home page and follow the simple donate instructions. There are also donation boxes in the Information Booth and Santa Visit Area.
To be put on Santa’s Good List, Leave a Donation! For Sponsors, please visit the sponsors page to learn more about the benefits of being a Christmas in the Park sponsor.
Are there restaurants nearby?
Of course there are! Christmas in the Park is located in the heart of downtown and is surrounded by multiple restaurants all within walking distance.
Are there hotels nearby?
Plenty of hotels border Christmas in the Park, but Santa’s home away from home is Signia by Hilton.
Is there live entertainment in the Park?
Daily entertainment kicks off on opening night. Check out our schedule of events!
Is food available in the Park?
The Christmas in the Park Food Court is located at the south end of the park near San Carlos St. Located in the north end of the park is “Santa’s Snack Shack” presented by the Downtown Kiwanis organization.
How do I become a vendor at Christmas in the Park?
Visit our vendor page for information on how to become a vendor.
How can I sign up to perform on the stage?
To be a part of the live entertainment, all acts must register online. All performances and costumes must be family-friendly and exhibit good taste. We welcome all kinds of acts, from singing, and dancing, to other unusual and fun talents.
Forgot cash! Is there an ATM in the Park?
Yes, there is. There is an ATM located at both the north and south ends of the park as well as at the crosswalk on the Signia Hilton side of the park and the crosswalk on the Tech Museum side of the Park. Remember, there is a fee for using the ATM.
When will Santa be in the Park?
Santa’s House hours will be posted on our Events page and within the Park. You can visit and take photos for free. Donations are always welcome.
I want to help! How do I volunteer?
It takes thousands of volunteer hours to make Christmas in the Park a reality. We offer a variety of volunteer opportunities ranging from a few hours a day to several weeks. Christmas in the Park is a popular choice for people in need of community service hours and students wanting to get more involved in the community. Choose the “Get Involved” link from our homepage for more information.
How old do you have to be to volunteer?
All volunteers under the age of 18 must have a Minor Consent form signed by a parent or guardian to participate in the student volunteer program. An adult supervisor is needed to accompany all students under the age of 16. All volunteers, regardless of age, must sign a volunteer service form before the start of the event.
Are dogs allowed at the park?
Dogs are allowed in the Park when on a leash and well tended to by their humans. Keep in mind weekend nights are very busy and may not be safe for your pets.
Don’t forget to check out our social media sites!
Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for up to date information and special announcements.
What about the ice rink, rides
The ice rink and carnival rides are not produced nor managed by Christmas in the Park. Downtown Ice is a program of the San Jose Downtown Association. The rides that stretch along Paseo de San Antonio are known as Winter Wonderland and is a private business. Together, all three of us make up Downtown for the Holidays. We help bring business, entertainment, and fun to Downtown San Jose each year.
Are limos allowed in the Drive-Thru?
For safety and navigation reasons, limousines are not permitted in the Blinky’s Drive Thru experience.
