Lunar New Year Celebrations at Valley Fair in San Jose

Celebrate the Year of the Snake at Valley Fair with a community day that is free and open to the public. They welcome all to come enjoy the family-friendly performances today from 12pm-4pm.

• Enjoy performances of Traditional Lion Dances, Ribbon Dancers, Folk Dance, and so much more. Traditional red envelopes containing chocolate coins and retailer promotions will be passed out during the Lunar New Year performances.
• The traditional lion dance will open the celebration at Grand Court, on Level 1 near Gucci.
• The dragon dance and main stage performances will be held from 1pm-4:15pm at Grand Court.
• Plus, shop the Luxury Collection on Saturday, February 1, 2025 then stop by the redemption lounge from 11am-6pm with your receipts to receive an American Express gift card up to $800. 

SCHEDULE OF MAIN STAGE EVENTS (Located near Gucci, Level 1) *schedule of events subject to change

• LION DANCE | 12:00PM - 12:20PM | by Rising Phoenix
• DJ/MC + ambient performers | 12:20PM – 12:30PM
• CHINESE FAN DANCE | 12:30PM – 12:40PM | by Fengye Dance Studio
• CHINESE OPERA | 12:45PM – 12:50PM | by Cathy Pan
• DRAGON DANCE | 1:00PM - 1:20PM | by Rising Phoenix
• DJ/MC + ambient performers | 1:20PM – 1:30PM
• VIETNAMESE DANCE GROUP | 1:30PM – 1:40PM | by Viet Steps
• DJ/MC + ambient performers | 1:45PM – 2:00PM
• BLESSED SNAKE WELCOMES SPRING | 2:00PM – 2:10PM | Full Ensemble
• DJ/MC + ambient performers | 2:15PM – 2:30PM
• GUZHENG SOLOIST | 2:30PM – 2:40PM | by Bei Bei
• TAEKWONDO | 2:45PM – 3:00PM | by Team M
• KOREAN DRUMMING ENSEMBLE | 3:00PM – 3:20PM | by Urisawe
• DJ/MC + ambient performers | 3:15PM – 3:30PM
• MONGOLIAN DANCE | 3:30PM – 3:35PM | by Fengye Dance Studio
• FASHION SHOWCASE | 3:45PM – 3:55PM 
• BLESSED SNAKE WELCOMES SPRING | 4:00PM – 4:10PM | Full Ensembl

DJ & MC: Tigermom Toy

TIGERMOM TOY, Allyson Toy, is a Bay Area born DJ and music tech professional who came of age between NYC and Shanghai. Toy is a classically trained pianist and has been DJing for 15 years, lending her skills to brands including W Hotels, Alexander McQueen, Nobu, and Samsung and performing globally in Tokyo, Paris, Bangkok, Shanghai, and many more. Toy is the co-founder of LIONS SHARE, a creative community and music podcast on a mission to empower emerging Asian artists, and by day works at Twitch leading music community initiatives and the company’s Asian employee resource group. Toy’s greatest passion is bringing people of different backgrounds together through music. 

Source: Westfield Valley Fair

Welcome to 2025!

We're officially in the future! 2025 sounds like a year where we should be driving flying cars and vacationing on Mars. It seems like we are well on our way to that kind of future, even if it's later than we expected decades ago.

We hope you all have a great start to the New Year with your family and friends!

Now let's have a quick look to see what AI think San Jose will look like in 2050.

New Year's resolutions in San Jose

It's almost that time and SJ Today has some great food for thought on how to achieve your New Year's resolutions in San Jose. They list out ideas for everything from spending more quality time with your family to getting active and nurturing creativity. Check it out at the source link below.

Source: SJ Today

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! 🎄🎅

The Historic San Jose (Holiday) Trolley is back

A 96-year-old trolley filled with holiday spirit will be running on weekends before and after Christmas. Rides on the 32-seat trolley are free. It's the VTA's gift to the community.

I have ridden it several times and it feels more like an amusement attraction than public transportation. It's a fun experience, especially combined with Christmas in the park.

The trains will run from Diridon Station to the Civic Center, on December 21, 22, 28, and 29.

Source: San Jose Spotlight

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.

Happy Thanksgiving 2024!

Hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving! Warm wishes to you and your family from your friends at The San Jose Blog! 🦃

Turkey Trot 2024

The annual Turkey Trot in San Jose has become a Thanksgiving tradition that not only kicks off the holiday with a burst of energy but also underscores the community spirit of giving and wellness. This year, the 2024 Silicon Valley Turkey Trot, held on November 28, continues to be America's largest Thanksgiving Day race, attracting thousands of participants eager to run or walk through the heart of Silicon Valley.

Event Overview:

• Date: Thanksgiving Day, November 28, 2024.
• Location: Downtown San Jose, starting at Santa Clara Street and 1st Street.
• Distances: Participants can choose between a 5K run/walk, a 10K run, or join in on the fun with the Kids Fun Run for those aged 2-7.

Highlights of the Trot:

• Community Engagement: The Turkey Trot isn't just about the race; it's a community event where local residents, families, and friends gather to celebrate the start of Thanksgiving. The event fosters a sense of togetherness, with many dressing up in turkey costumes or festive Thanksgiving attire, adding a playful vibe to the proceedings.
• Charitable Impact: One of the standout features of the Silicon Valley Turkey Trot is its commitment to charity. All proceeds from the race benefit local organizations like Second Harvest of Silicon Valley, The Health Trust, Healthier Kids Foundation, and Second Harvest Food Bank Santa Cruz County. This year marks the 20th anniversary, where the Trot has significantly contributed to these causes, improving lives by providing food, clothing, shelter, and education.
• Course and Experience: The course through downtown San Jose is both flat and fast, ideal for runners looking to set a personal best or for those who prefer a leisurely walk. The route takes participants through diverse neighborhoods, showcasing the city's vibrant urban landscape and historic areas like Japantown and The Alameda.
• Post-Race Festivities: After crossing the finish line, runners and walkers are greeted with a festival atmosphere. This includes a costume contest, post-race snacks, live entertainment, and an awards ceremony for top finishers. The event also provides a swag bag to participants, which includes a long-sleeve tech shirt, a finisher medal, and a reusable water bottle.
• Inclusivity: The Turkey Trot is inclusive to all fitness levels. Whether you're an elite runner or someone who enjoys a brisk walk, there's a place for you. The Kids Fun Run adds an element of fun and encourages the younger generation to participate in healthy, community-based activities.

The last day to register is tomorrow, November 28th, at 8:30am. If you're interested and still haven't gotten your tickets, head over here! 

Thanksgiving Feast at Scott's Ballroom in Downtown San Jose

Thanksgiving is just a week away. If you don't feel like cooking this year, Scott's Seafood is doing a Thanksgiving Brunch and Dinner Buffet in a ballroom overlooking Downtown San Jose. It'll feature all of the classics plus prime rib and shellfish. You can make reservations on OpenTable.

Happy Veterans Day San Jose!

San Jose has hosted a Veterans Day Parade since 1919, and this year is no different. This event is the largest Veterans Day Parade in Northern California and honors all who have served or are currently serving our country.

The pre-parade ceremony begins today at 11am in Plaza de Cesar Chavez and is followed by the parade itself at 12pm.

Below is a handy map of the parade route which starts near Highway 87 on Santa Clara Street and then ends in front of the San Jose Marriott past Plaza de Cesar Chavez. You can also find more information about the parade over here.

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

Dia de los Muertos San Jose

Dia de los Muertos is a celebration of life, family, and culture. San Jose's Dia San Jose Festival & Oldies Never Die Concert is a two day event featuring live music, food, and art. 

It takes place at Plaza de Cesar Chavez in Downtown San Jose on Friday, October 18th and Saturday, October 19th. You can find tickets and more information over here.

Happy 4th of July! 🎆

This year, the big news is a new fireworks show in East San Jose centered around Lake Cunningham. This will be the first official fireworks show on the East Side.

There are already even more ambitious plans for next year to include carnival rides. This could be a great new tradition for an area that has been underserved when it comes to cultural events.

Stay safe and have a great 4th!

Source: NBC Bay Area

Rose, White & Blue Parade and Festival

San Jose's 4th of July "Rose, White & Blue" Parade and Festival is a beloved tradition along the Rose Garden neighborhood and The Alameda. The parade itself starts at 9:45am on Dana Avenue and then goes down Naglee and turns onto The Alameda. After the parade is a huge party near the end of the route.

The festival is wrapped around the Westminster Presbyterian Church and goes from 11am-3pm. The event includes dancing, pro wrestling, skateboarding lessons, live music, and a kids play area. The entertainment is accompanied by food trucks and vendors.

In addition to being patriotic, this event represents the multicultural diversity of San Jose and the amalgamation of many different communities. It's a beautiful event and a great way to start off the 4th of July!

Easter Brunch in Downtown San Jose 🐣🥂

As usual, the San Jose Downtown Association has a list of all the great brunch options in Downtown San Jose for Easter weekend. They also have a brief history of brunch in America.

I'll call out Rollati specifically since they have a special Easter Menu with a Cocoa Pappardelle (lamb ragu, pistachio, and mint gremolata) and Italian Easter Bread pictured below. However, you can't go wrong with any of the restaurants below. I've been to all but one.

For your convenience, here is the entire DTSJ brunch list with links to the restaurant in the title:

Rollati

Brunch at Rollati is best enjoyed with a group of friends, so you can order the Aperol Spritz Tower for four, which is their featured Brunch Cocktail.  Brunch entrees include Italian Toast (Sweet Batard, Nutella, Maple Syrup) and Buttermilk Pancakes with Huckleberry, plus the entire lunch menu.  Brunch served Sat. & Sun. 11am to 3pm.

The FAB

The FAB brunch menu includes Egg Machaca, Pozole, and their hearty loaded dirty fries, served “breakfast-style” with a soft over-easy egg.  Brunch served Sat. & Sun. 11am to 3pm.

The Club on Post

The brunch menu at The Club includes Berry Waffles, Chilaquiles, Crab Cake Benedict, or a Club Burger, served brunch-style, with an egg on top of the Wagyu patty.  There’s a full bar and specialty cocktails, but the Fever Tree Sparking Sicilian Lemonade is worth a try.  Brunch served Sat. & Sun 11am to 3pm.

SP2 Communal Bar  & Restaurant

The Sourdough Machi Waffle, Tri-Tip Hash, Smoked Salmon Scramble (to name just a few) pair perfectly with imaginative cocktails that include an Elderflower Spritz, Passionfruit Bellini, and a drink called Corpse Reviver No. 2.  SP2 also has a preset Brunch menu that allows you to choose an entree, side and a salad for the fixed price of $45.  Brunch served Sat. & Sun. 11am to 2pm.

The Farmer’s Union

The Chuy’s Michelada at Farmer’s Union is practically a meal, but you will want to try the Chicken Fried Chicken & Eggs or the Huevos Motulenos with turkey, peas, cojita cheese, and friend plantain.  Brunch served Sun.11am to 3pm.

Mama Kin

Brunch at Mama Kin includes the usual brunch staples, along with Cajun Creole specialties of the house, but it’s mostly about the vibe.  On Saturday, the R&B Brunch and Day Party, features R&B tunes from the 80s to the 2000s.  Sunday is the Boom Box Brunch and Day Party, with a DJ playing music from the golden era of Hip Hop.  Brunch served Sat. & Sun. 10am to 3pm.

Poor House Bistro

Jambalaya Scramble, Pecan pancakes, New Orleans-style Beignets, and Pain Perdu (New Orleans French Toast) are just a few choices on the brunch menu at PHB. Doors open 10 am, but the live Blues on the Patio entertainment doesn’t start until noon.  Brunch served Sun. 10am to 2pm.

Whispers Cafe & Creperie

The sweet and savory crepes at Whispers are offered all day every day, but it’s a very popular place for brunch on the weekends. It’s also the longest hours for Brunch in the downtown, for early risers who don’t want to wait until 10 a.m. to eat.  Brunch served Sat. & Sun. 8am to 3 pm.

Fountain Restaurant

Located inside the Signia by Hilton San Jose, next to the Circle of Palms, offers a weekend brunch that includes Lobster Benedict served atop fresh artichoke hearts, generous Avocado Toast and Trout Toast, Pancakes, and Belgian Waffles. The weekend brunch menu also adds lunchtime go-tos like the tasty Fountain Burger with balsamic onion jam and gruyere, plus salads, sandwiches, and a crowd-pleasing kid’s selection with Mac n’ Cheese, Chicken Tenders and Sliders.

Rollati's Cocoa Pappardelle (lamb ragu, pistachio, and mint gremolata) and Italian Easter Bread

Downtown San Jose is St. Patrick's Day Central 🍀

The Downtowner has a list of some of the St. Patrick's Day festivities happening in Downtown San Jose this weekend. Get out there an have a great time!

Saint Patrick’s Day celebrations in Downtown San Jose include a leprechaun hunt, a leprechaun chase, a 5K race, lots of live music, and a lot of green beer. Whether you’re Irish, or just love a good party, here’s some celebrations taking place this weekend:

The South Bay’s Biggest Celebration - Friday-Sunday @ O’Flaherty’s Irish Pub

The Shamrock Run & Leprechaun Chase - Saturday @ San Pedro Square Market

Shamrock Stroll Bar Crawl - Saturday, starts @ The Rec Room

Paddy Hard Bar Crawl - Saturday & Sunday

Shenanigans & Sushi - Sunday @ Sushi Confidential

St. Patrick’s Day Celebration - Saturday & Sunday @ Five Points

Qmunity District’s St. Patty’s Pre-Game Vendor Market - Saturday on Post Street

St. Patty's Day Club and Music Festival - Sunday @ Myth Lounge