Symphony San Jose presents HOLIDAY SPECTACULAR “Christmas at the California” December 7 and 8, 2024

Celebrate “The Most Wonderful Time of the Year” at the majestic and beautifully decorated California Theatre with Symphony San Jose, Symphony San Jose Chorale, Cantabíle Youth Singers, New Ballet, and special guests! Fun for the whole family. 

 

Rejoice in holiday classics including carols, audience sing-alongs, and the ever-popular 12 Days of Silicon Valley. Share this unforgettable part of the holiday season with your family and friends.

 

Who: Symphony San Jose presents

 

What: HOLIDAY SPECTACULAR “Christmas at the California”

 

When: Saturday, December 7, 2024 at 7:30pm and Sunday, December 8, 2024 at 2:30pm

Where: The California Theatre, 345 South First Street, downtown San Jose, 95113. Convenient, inexpensive parking is available at a city-owned garage one-and-a-half blocks from the theater at San Carlos Street with entrances on Second and Third streets. 

SINGLE TICKET PRICES: $35 - $115  

($41.50 to $121.50 with City and order fees).  Note: fees detailed below.

TICKETS: Phone: 408.286.2600  

Website: www.symphonysanjose.org  

Email: jmeyers@symphonysanjose.org

Walk-Up Box Office: 325 South First Street, San Jose, 95113. Located between San Carlos and San Salvador Street next to the California Theatre. Ticket Office Hours: Monday through Friday, 10am to 5pm.

City Fees – There is a mandatory Theatre Preservation Fee and Facility Fee of $2.50 applied to every single ticket sold.

Handling Fees – Handling fees vary depending on how tickets are purchased. For online orders, there is a $4 per ticket handling fee. For phone orders, there is a $5 per transaction handling fee. There are no fees for in person purchases.

THE PROGRAM:

J.S. Bach: Jauchzet, frohlocket (from “Christmas Oratorio”)

M.Torme/R.Wells: The Christmas Song

G.F. Handel: See, the Conqu’ring Hero Comes! (from “Judas Maccabbaeus”)

 

Alan Silvestri: Polar Express Suite

G.F. Handel: That Trumpet Shall Sound (from “The Messiah”)

Albert Hague: You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch

Traditional: 12 Days of Silicon Valley

 

ARTISTS:

Elena Sharkova, Conductor

Nathan Stark, Bass-baritone

Symphony San Jose

Symphony San Jose Chorale

Cantabíle Youth Singers

New Ballet

 

Pre-concert Festivities begin one hour prior to the concert.

SAY “HELLO” TO SANTA. Join us before the concert for a jolly good time with Santa Claus himself. Capture the holiday spirit and create lasting memories as you take pictures and share “Christmas Wishes” with Santa. But keep a lookout for the mischievous Grinch who may be lurking around, trying to steal some Christmas cheer. (You’re a mean one, Mr. Grinch!)

DECORATE A GINGERBREAD COOKIE! Join the fun one hour before curtain and unleash your inner pastry artist by decorating your own gingerbread cookie with royal icing. The festivity is open to everyone. Come hungry and make some sweet and delicious memories. (Note: Cookies are NOT gluten-free.)

Photo courtesy of Symphony San Jose. Photos by Fontejon Photography.

Culture Night Market at Paseo de San Antonio in Downtown San Jose

Winter Wonderland presents: Culture Night Market at Paseo de San Antonio in downtown San Jose! This exciting event will take place over two weekends, from November 29th to December 8th, right next to the beloved Christmas in the Park at Cesar Chavez Plaza. 

The event runs from 5-10 PM and includes a festive holiday market featuring 38 local small businesses, artists, and artisans offering unique gifts.

Shop Small in Downtown San Jose

The San Jose Downtown Association is running a holiday promotion to encourage people to visit local restaurants and businesses in Downtown San Jose. If you spend $150 at Downtown San Jose businesses between November 20th and December 24th, you'll receive a $50 gift card to a Downtown business. There is also a mysterious Grand Prize drawing. 

Included in the spend are boutiques, cafes, bars, restaurants, and galleries. Each person can submit up to two entries and there are a total of 100 people that can qualify for this reward. There are some exclusions and rules, which you can find over here.

Downtown Ice is back!

San Jose's famous Downtown Ice rink is located at 120 S. Market Street in the Circle of Palms Plaza, nestled between the San Jose Museum of Art and the Signia by Hilton Hotel. 

Visit ParkSJ.org to find free 90-minute parking and a live look at parking availability.

Downtown Ice is a result of a lot of amazing people and a great partnership between SJDA and Special Ice along with with support from the City of San Jose and various local partners.

Tickets are $21 for each two-hour window of skating and you can purchase them over here.

Winter Wonderland 2024/25

It's almost that time of year! Winter Wonderland is coming back to Downtown San Jose on November 29th and runs until January 1st, 2025. This year there will be quite a few changes based on feedback from Downtown stakeholders.

There will be a new Winter Wonderland Night Market on November 29 and 30 as well as December 1st and 5th-8th. The Night Market runs from 5-10pm and features handmade ornaments, holiday-themed goods, and seasonal treats. On December 13th, several family-friendly rides and games will join the giant Ferris Wheel. 

In order to minimize unpermitted vendors, there will be a curated section for Food Trucks and Food Booths from November 29th to January 1st. These will be placed next to the Ferris Wheel on Market Street and along Paseo de San Antonio.

There will also be more seating areas to relax and enjoy a meal this season. For more info head over to the Winter Wonderland website. 

World's largest Christmas light maze

The holidays are getting nearer and Enchant is coming back to San Jose's PayPal Park later this month. The world's largest Christmas light maze will be available from Friday, Nov 22nd to Sunday, Dec 29th. You can find more info and tickets over here.

Source: SJtoday

Last chance to see the holiday projections at St. Joseph's Basilica this season

Right next to Christmas in the Park is a really cool projection-based light show at St. Joseph's Basilica. You can get a gist of it from the video below, but I was watching it for a solid 10 minutes. Lots of families taking photos in front of it. If you haven't seen it yet, there are still a few days before it's taken down until the 2024 holidays.

I'm hoping to see more art projects like this throughout San Jose. It really adds to the holiday atmosphere Downtown, which is already at an 11 out of 10.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

We hope that you and your family have the best holidays this year!

If you feel like driving through neighborhoods to find the best decorated homes in San Jose, there is a handy website for that over here. Some of the homes have been featured on TV shows and even have light shows synced to music.

Happy Holidays! 🎄🎅

Spirit of the Row in San Jose

Every Tuesday leading up to Christmas, Santana Row is hosting free holiday performances featuring local community groups in Santana Row Park. There will also be photos with Santa in the Oak Tree Lounge by Blue Bottle and snow showerers in Park Valencia.

Below is the full lineup of performers:

Tuesday, December 12

The New Ballet performing The Nutcracker

Sarah Bylsma Soloist

Fantasy Dance

Presentation High School Choir & Dance

Santa Clara Elite Dance

Melissa Marielle Vocalist

Los Laurales performing Feliz Navidad

West Valley Dance Company

Tuesday, December 19

The New Ballet performing The Nutcracker

Sarah Bylsma Soloist

Nor Cal Dance Arts

PNC Music Management 

Joy of Dancing Competition Team

Castillero Middle School Choir

Almaden Spirit Athletics Cheer & Hip Hop

Santa Run Silicon Valley is coming to San Jose on Dec 17th

Are you ready to join thousands of Santas, elves, reindeer, and other festive characters for a fun and charitable event in Downtown San Jose? If so, mark your calendars for December 17th, when the 12th Annual Santa Run Silicon Valley will take place.

The Santa Run Silicon Valley is a 5K run/walk that benefits Christmas in the Park and the Downtown Streets Team, two local organizations that work to make San Jose a safe, clean, and vibrant place for everyone. The event is organized by the Silicon Valley Leadership Group Foundation, which also produces the Silicon Valley Turkey Trot and the Lam Research Heart & Soles Run.

The Santa Run Silicon Valley is not just a race, it's a celebration of the holiday spirit. Participants are encouraged to dress up as their favorite holiday character or tradition, and enjoy the festive atmosphere at the start and finish lines. There will also be a costume contest, a kids reindeer dash, and a virtual run option for those who can't make it in person.

The race starts at 8 AM at W Santa Clara Street and Almaden Avenue, and follows a scenic route through Downtown San Jose. The finish line is at Christmas in the Park, where you can enjoy the beautiful displays and attractions. You can also visit the nearby Winter Wonderland for some ice skating and carnival rides.

If you want to be part of this merry event, you can register online at https://www.santarunsv.com/ until December 16th, or on race day at the San Jose Chamber of Commerce. The registration fee is $45 for the 5K Santa Run and $25 for the Kids Reindeer Dash (ages 2-7). You can also sign up as a Holiday Hero for $500 or $1000 and get extra perks like VIP parking, a private tent, and recognition on the website. All proceeds go to support Christmas in the Park and Downtown Streets Team.

Don't miss this chance to have some fun, get some exercise, and give back to our community. The Santa Run Silicon Valley is a San Jose tradition that you won't want to miss!

Winter Wonderland is officially open in Downtown San Jose 🎡🎄

A holiday carnival is now in full swing adjacent to San Jose's Christmas in the Park. Rides include a nearly 70-foot tall Ferris Wheel, a Carousel, an Alien Invasion centrifuge, Tilt-a-Whirl, a Dragon Wagon coaster, and many smaller rides for younger children. Tickets are $5 a ride for the major attractions.

After three years of street closures on Park Avenue (and the whole COVID thing), Winter Wonderland is back in full force! You'll find rides both on Park Avenue and Paseo de San Antonio. The Park Avenue rides will be oriented for older kids, teens, and adults while the Paseo will have rides ideal for younger children.

Winter Wonderland Ride Hours

• November 25 - 26: 12pm - 11pm

• November 27 - 30: 3pm – 10pm

• December 1 - 3: 12pm – 11pm

• December 4 - 7: 3pm – 10pm

• December 8 - 10: 12pm – 11pm

• December 11 - 14: 3pm – 10pm

• December 15 - January 1: 12pm - 11pm

SJMADE Holiday Fair 2023 - Largest Holiday Craft Fair in Silicon Valley

SJMADE's flagship event is back on Nov 24th and Nov 25th (Black Friday and Small Business Saturday). This free event has over 425 vendors, mostly made up of artists, makers, and local entrepreneurs. This year there isn't a single empty space, every booth is spoken for. Last year it took me over two hours just to quickly walk through and look at every vendor.

Concessions are available outside Halls C & D and additional on-site food and drink concessions can be found near the main entrance outside Hall A. The first 1,000 attendees each day will also get a door giveaway, which is always an item not available for purchase.

Admission is free, parking is free, it's open to all ages and runs from 11am to 7pm each day at the Santa Clara Convention Center (5001 Great America Parkway). There is also a VTA Light Rail stop right outside the event. To see the full vendor lineup and a map--which you'll probably need--head over here.

San Jose Downtown Ice prepares for busy skating season starting Nov 17

Downtown Ice is back this year with one of the most unique ice rinks in the US. You can skate on two concentric circles surrounding palm trees across from San Jose's famous Christmas in the Park event. It officially starts on November 17th with a grand opening celebration on November 20th. For all of the details, the full press release is below.

SAN JOSE – San Jose Downtown Ice opens Nov. 17 for families from throughout the Bay Area who have made ice skating at the iconic rink a holiday tradition.

“This is Downtown Ice’s 26th season since its debut in 1994,” said Alex Stettinski, CEO of event partner San Jose Downtown Association.  “Children whose parents took them to skate downtown years ago are now moms and dads bringing their kids to enjoy our rink and all that downtown San Jose has to offer during the holidays.”

The circular rink located in and around the Circle of Palms plaza at 120 S Market St. will be open daily through Jan. 15. Ninety-minute sessions will occur every two hours.  Tickets can be purchased online at sjdowntownice.com.

 

Special Ice, the largest operator of seasonal outdoor rinks in California, will produce this year’s skating experience.

“Downtown Ice is an iconic event that leaves a lasting impression,” said Emery Lykins, president of Special Ice.  “We’re excited to be a part of the rink’s history, to contribute to this amazing city and hopefully usher in a revitalized future for the rink.”

Downtown Ice organizers hope for a second consecutive season of local and out-of-town guests surpassing pre-pandemic levels of 2019.  A recent report shows that the period between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day is downtown San Jose’s busiest, with almost 20 percent of last year’s 2.8 million visitors to the center city spending several hours within a three-block radius of the ice rink.  

Downtown Ice is nestled in the Circle of Palms plaza between the San Jose Museum of Art and the Signia by Hilton San Jose hotel.  The rink will join the rejuvenated Christmas in the Park displays as well as the popular Winter Wonderland amusement rides in the center of downtown’s major seasonal attractions.

Adding to downtown San Jose’s vibrancy and appeal as a weekend destination during the season are stage performances including two versions of The Nutcracker, concerts, Sharks hockey, museums and galleries, restaurants and shopping. Visit sjdowntown.com for events and downtown details, and parksj.org for parking information.

Downtown Ice has exciting skating promotions planned this season including:

• Sunday Show Tunes, presented by Broadway San Jose, where skaters can vote for their favorite Broadway songs; 

• Learn-to-Skate sessions;

• Family Skate packages; 

• The Grinch will be at the rink from 4:30-5:30 p.m. Nov. 25 to greet skaters and promote Broadway San Jose’s Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas - The Musical in town Nov. 28-Dec. 3; 

• The Ice Queens will entertain skaters Dec. 8 with a  performance, meet-and-greet and photo opportunity; 

• Signia by Hilton offers a Shopping and Champagne package for stays between Nov. 17 and Dec. 31 that includes two tickets to Downtown Ice; round-trip transportation with Lyft to Westfield Valley Fair; and a Bottle of Veuve Clicquot Champagne.

 

In addition, check sjdowntownice.com for a limited number of special $10 tickets for Opening Day Nov. 17 and the Grand Opening Celebration Nov. 20.  On both days, skaters are encouraged to look their best or be in costume for possible social media and television news coverage. The Opening Celebration at 5:30 p.m. Nov. 20 features emcees  Sandra Cervantes from Telemundo 48 and NBC Bay Area's Mike Inouye.

San Jose Downtown Ice sponsors include Jay Paul Co., Kaiser Permanente, Creekside Socials, Adobe, Broadway San Jose, City of San Jose Environmental Services Department, San Jose Earthquakes, LS Power Grid, NBC Bay Area and Telemundo 48.  The City of San Jose funds the event as well.

“It takes a lot of support and work behind the scenes to build and operate this rink, but it’s so worth it when you see the laughter of the kids and the joyful moments and memories shared by all the families,” said Lykens, whose business also has Northern California rinks this winter in Walnut Creek, San Ramon and Folsom .

 ###

Event Snapshot

San Jose Downtown Ice - Nov. 17, 2023-Jan. 15, 2024 

Downtown Ice is a traditional seasonal event for families and friends who twirl and skate amid concentric circles of 32 palms, under a canopy of stars on an iconic skating rink in the heart of downtown San Jose’s biggest attractions.

Information and tickets :  sjdowntownice.com.

Direct ticket link: sanjose.ticketspice.com/san-jose-downtown-ice-23-24

Instagram:  instagram.com/sjdowntownice

Hours:  90-minute sessions start every 2 hours: 11 a.m.; 1 p.m., 3 p.m., 5 p.m., 7 p.m.

• Open 11 am - 9 pm from November 17 - December 15

• Open 11 am -11 pm from December 16 - January 1 (9 p.m. session added)

• Open 11 am - 9 pm from January 2 - January 15

Location: 120 S. Market St., Downtown San Jose – between the San Jose Museum of Art and Signia by Hilton San Jose

Opening Celebration: Monday, November 20; 5:30 p.m.

Co-Emcees:  Sandra Cervantes from Telemundo 48 and NBC Bay Area's Mike Inouye 

Willow Glen Christmas Trolley Rides

It's getting to be that time of year again! Willow Glen is doing a holiday trolley ride through both the commercial and residential parts of Willow Glen to view all of the holiday decorations. The trolly is an old fashioned cable car that seats up to 32 people.

The rides take place from December 7-10 and December 14-21 from 5:15pm to 9pm. Each ride takes about 30 minutes and costs $20 for kids and $40 for Adults. The trolley boards in front of Bank of America at 1245 Lincoln Avenue. There is also plenty of free public parking in the Bank of America lot, courtesy of the Willow Glen Business Association.

If you're wondering why I'm posting this so early, well many of the dates have already sold out. Now would be the time to book your holiday trolly ride over here.

Downtown Ice is returning to San Jose this holiday season

After a one-year hiatus, outdoor ice skating between two concentric circles of LED-lit palm trees is back this year. Last year there was a switch to roller skating, but it's just not the same feeling as ice skating at Christmas in the Park.

Downtown Ice will run for it's 26th season from November 17th to mid-January. It's part of a holiday experience that brings over a half million people to Downtown San Jose during Christmas time. All of the details are below.

SAN JOSE – For the 26th time, outdoor Ice skating will return to downtown San Jose’s annual holiday celebration.

Special Ice, which has the largest portfolio of seasonal ice rinks in the western U.S., has agreed to produce and operate the downtown San Jose skating rink in the Circle of Palms plaza this season. The rink will be open Nov. 17 through mid-January.

“Downtown Ice is an iconic event that leaves a lasting impression,” said Emery Lykins, president of Special Ice, based in Livermore.  “We’re excited to be a part of the rink’s history, to contribute to this amazing city and hopefully usher in a revitalized future for the rink.”

Since starting business in 2011, Special Ice has been involved in California rinks including Embarcadero Center in San Francisco, Walnut Creek, San Ramon, Sacramento, Santa Monica, Great America in Santa Clara and Sea World in San Diego. Special Ice locations across the country have included Fenway Park in Boston and Dollywood near Knoxville, Tenn.

“I am thrilled to have our iconic ice rink back alongside all the many fun holiday-related activities in downtown San Jose that enrich families and people of all ages,” said Alex Stettinski, San Jose Downtown Association CEO. “More and more, families are looking for things they can experience together.  We’re in good hands having the largest producer of seasonal ice rinks in the state on board with us.”

Rink organizer San Jose Downtown Association pivoted to keep the skating tradition alive downtown during the holidays in 2022 when the previous ice rink producer did not renew and Aloha Skate owner Liz Ruiz stepped up to host a circular roller-skating rink under the palms for the holidays.

“People enjoyed roller skating, but we heard loud and clear that families and friends from all parts of Northern and Central California missed their tradition of coming to skate at our ice rink,” said Tricia Lee McNabb, who has managed rink operations since 1997.

“It’s increasingly important that Downtown Ice keeps coming back, especially in the wake of Raging Waters’ recent closing,” McNabb said, noting Great America in Santa Clara is also slated to shut down its operations in less than 10 years.

Added Lykins:  “Events like Downtown Ice carry the torch by providing true family experiences at the time of year when people are starved for them. Yes, it’s a business and it can be tough, but that all goes away when you're at the rink hearing the music and the kids laughing.  Plus, you find the big burly dad on skates who isn’t afraid of anything, and he falls in front of the family and kids and gets up smiling. Those are great experiences to see and be a part of – and makes the whole event worthwhile.”

Up to a half million people come to downtown San Jose to enjoy Downtown Ice, Christmas in the Park holiday displays, Winter Wonderland amusement rides, plus performing arts, concerts, Sharks hockey, museums and galleries, restaurants and shopping from Halloween through mid-January. Visit sjdowntown.com for events and downtown details, and parksj.org for parking information.

Downtown Ice is located at 120 S. Market Street, nestled between the San Jose Museum of Art and the Signia by Hilton hotel in the Circle of Palms plaza. Construction of the rink begins Oct. 2.  Details including tickets, dates, hours and sessions will become available at sjdowntownice.com.

Downtown Ice is supported by the City of San Jose. 

Aloha Downtown Skate roller rink opens Nov. 19 in Downtown San Jose

The holiday rink that has been a staple of Christmas in the Park for years is returning--with a big twist. Instead of ice skating, it's a roller rink. It will still be wrapped around the Circle of Palms but there will be retro elements to give it a "roller disco" theme. There will also be new areas to sit and rest between the two concentric skating circles. 

It all starts November 22nd. For all of the details, check out the press release below.

Downtowners are changing skates this holiday season in San Jose

Aloha Downtown Skate opens Nov. 19 and daily through the holidays

 

SAN JOSE – Aloha Downtown Skate roller rink will replace Downtown Ice this holiday season beginning Nov. 19 at the same Circle of Palms plaza on Market Street next to the San Jose Museum of Art and Signia by Hilton. 

The downtown anchor holiday attraction is produced by Aloha Fun Center in partnership with San Jose Downtown Association and with funding from the City of San Jose.  Google is presenting sponsor.

Downtown Skate manager Tricia Lee McNabb, who has worked at the downtown rink each of  its 26 years, thinks the switch from ice skating to roller skating is a good move.  “Like a lot of people, my sister and I were looking for something fun to do together during the COVID lock-down and we both had loved roller skating as kids,” she said.  “Every year I would get a new pair of skates for my birthday and now I’m continuing the tradition.”

Apparently, McNabb and her sister are not alone.  A roller-skating page on social media platform TikTok has received more than 8 billion views after shelter-in-place mandates started in spring 2020, and now roller skating has had a resurgence in popularity.

“I used to skate recreationally in the Circle of Palms area and always thought it would be a great spot for a roller rink,” said Downtown Skate producer Elizabeth Ruiz, who also operates the Aloha Fun Center at Eastridge and was a former member of the Silicon Valley Roller Girls roller derby team.  Ruiz says she is honored to have an opportunity to activate this high-profile urban space and bring her style of roller-skating fun to downtown San Jose.

The design of inner and outer rings around 32 palm trees lit with programmable LED lights will be familiar to anyone who skated previously at the ice rink.  There will be two areas for skaters to rest on benches between the palms and retro design elements to play off a “roller disco” theme.  The popular Snowman Hot Chocolate cabin is again next door to the rink.

McNabb pointed out that the most noticeable change will be the fact that the rink will be at plaza level rather than on a raised platform. 

“Not only will skaters be able to rest on benches right between the palm trees, but the trees themselves will appear taller and more majestic,” she said.  

Construction started Oct. 31 and will take less than three weeks, a reduction by four weeks compared to the ice rink build.  Basic construction includes a Sport Court laid over a plywood base plus “Jersey barriers” – also known as “K-rail” – providing the walls of the rink.    

McNabb said she looks forward to working with the rink’s neighbors at the San Jose Museum of Art, 50 West office building and especially the Signia by Hilton hotel this season. 

“Last year, the rink was open but the hotel was still closed, and it definitely felt like there was something missing,” McNabb said.

The cost to skate on the downtown rink will be $20 for 90 minutes, including skate rental.  Tickets can be purchased online in advance or at the rink.  

The roller rink will be open daily from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. weekends and from Dec. 17-Jan. 7.  Weekdays before Dec. 17, the rink will be open from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., closing at 9 p.m. on Sundays and 11 p.m. on Friday nights and the night before Thanksgiving.  The Opening Ceremony will be at 6 p.m. Nov. 22.

Ruiz stepped in to ensure the Circle of Palms will be busy during the holidays after last year’s ice rink operator opted not to return this year. The location just across the street from Christmas in the Park is ideal for a fun family-oriented activity, she said. 

“Christmas is my favorite holiday and I love skating, so this is a great combination of two things I am very passionate about,” Ruiz said.

The rink will stay open through Jan. 8.  Rink information, hours and tickets are available at alohadowntownskate.com or through sjdowntown.com.

San Jose Holiday Drive Through Light Show 2022

During peak COVID the folks behind Christmas in the Park came up with a novel drive through concept so that families could enjoy the holiday decorations while staying safe. This year we have Christmas in the Park AND the Holiday Drive Through. Best of all, ticket purchases help fund the traditional Christmas in the Park event Downtown, still the largest Christmas event in California.

Tickets cost $30 per car (not per person) and the event now takes place at Lake Cunningham Park from November 26th to January 1st. The main entrance is on Tully. 

For tickets to the Holiday Drive, click here!

CA Great America Winterfest 2021

(SANTA CLARA, CA) Nov. 23, 2022 - The Bay Area’s most immersive holiday event returns this season, beginning November 26 and sparkling brighter than ever before. Running select dates until January 9, 2022, this magical outdoor experience has been extended to include additional operating days in the new year.

“We’re so pleased we could bring safe, fun and amazing experiences back into people’s lives this holiday season,” said Barb Granter, general manager. “WinterFest is one of Northern California’s most spectacular winter events and gives our guests the opportunity to enjoy time with friends and family, while making new holiday memories.”

About WinterFest
WinterFest features holiday fun for the entire family, including:

• Ice Skating on Snow Flake Lake*: Glide down Snow Flake Lake as it glistens in front of Carousel Columbia, the tallest carousel in the world, providing the most picturesque ice rink in the South Bay.
  
  
• Holiday Lights and décor: Great America has once again been transformed with millions of festive lights and stunning holiday décor. From the North Pole Outpost, to Charlie Brown’s Christmastown and Tinsel Town Fair, the entire park has been themed to the holidays.
  
  
• Live Shows:  Experience more than 10 live holiday shows during your visit to WinterFest.  From our spectacular nightly Tree Lighting Ceremony to the high energy Cool Yule Christmas, you won’t be able to resist singing along.
  
  
• Festive Activities: Have you ever wanted to see Charlie Brown’s Christmas Tree or make cookies with Mrs. Claus*?  At WinterFest, you can do just that and more with your friends and family.
  
  
• Holiday Themed Food:  Treat your taste buds to a delectable menu of holiday fare. From Gourmet Hot Chocolate to Gingerbread Churros, WinterFest features a wide variety of savory holiday meals and homemade snacks prepared by the Great America culinary team. 
  
  
• Rides: A trip to WinterFest would not be complete without a spin on your favorite family rides.  With more than 30 rides open for WinterFest, including both big and little thrills, Great America has fun for the whole family waiting.

*Additional charge activity.

For complete information on WinterFest, including a full list of shows and attractions, operating hours and tickets, please visit https://www.cagreatamerica.com/winterfest

 About California’s Great America

California’s Great America is a 100-acre theme and waterpark located in Santa Clara, California. As Northern California’s premier amusement park, featuring thrill rides, live entertainment, and in 2020 the new South Bay Shores waterpark, California’s Great America is the top destination for thrill-seekers and families alike. 

 About Cedar Fair Entertainment Company

California’s Great America is owned and operated by Cedar Fair Entertainment Company (NYSE: FUN), a publicly traded partnership and one of the largest regional amusement-resort operators in the world. The Company owns and operates 11 amusement parks, four outdoor water parks, an indoor water park and resort accommodations totaling more than 2,300 rooms and more than 600 luxury RV sites. For more information, see www.cedarfair.com.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

We hope that you and your family have the best holiday season possible this year!

Even though Christmas in the Park has temporarily moved for 2020, Downtown is still decked out for the holidays with tens of thousands of lights. New this year are holiday projections like the one below at St. Joseph's Cathedral.

If you feel like driving through neighborhoods to find the best decorated homes in San Jose, there is a handy website for that over here. Some of the homes have been features on TV shows and even have light shows synced to music. It's a fun thing to do with the family and completely covid-safe!

Happy Holidays! 🎄