San Jose, California, transforms into a festive wonderland during the holiday season, offering a variety of Christmas markets that capture the spirit of the holidays. From traditional light displays to artisan fairs, these markets provide unique experiences for all ages. For a festive experience at an iconic location, check out the Christmas Market at Petco Park in San Diego.
1. Christmas in the Park
A cherished San Jose tradition for over 40 years, Christmas in the Park is a free, annual holiday event held in the heart of downtown. The two-acre Plaza de César Chávez is transformed into a winter wonderland featuring over 40 musical and animated exhibits, a 50-foot Community Giving Tree, and an enchanted forest of decorated trees by local schools and community groups. Visitors can enjoy live entertainment, festive foods, and a variety of holiday-themed activities suitable for all ages. The event is organized by a non-profit organization and relies on community support to continue this beloved tradition.
Address: Plaza de César Chávez, 1 Paseo de San Antonio, San Jose, CA 95113
Dates: November 29, 2024, to January 1, 2025
Opening Times: Daily from 9:00 AM to midnight
Entrance Fee: Free admission; donations are appreciated and visit christmas in the park for more event details.
Nearest Transit Stations
- VTA Light Rail: Paseo de San Antonio Station
- Caltrain: San Jose Diridon Station
Events
- Tree Lighting Ceremony: Kick off the holiday season with the lighting of the Community Giving Tree.
- Live Performances: Enjoy local bands and choirs performing holiday classics.
- Santa’s Photo Booth: Capture memories with Santa Claus.
Famous Shops or Stalls to Visit
- Hot Cocoa Stand: Warm up with a cup of rich hot chocolate.
- Artisan Ornament Booth: Find unique, handcrafted ornaments.
- Gourmet Food Trucks: Sample a variety of festive treats.
Special Spots Not to Miss
- Lima Train Display: A nostalgic miniature train exhibit.
- Melting Snowman Exhibit: A whimsical animated display.
- Elf Woodcrafters Workshop: Watch elves crafting toys.
Parking and Fees
- Parking: Available at nearby garages; rates vary.
Nearby Hotels
- The Fairmont San Jose
- Hotel De Anza
- Hyatt Place San Jose
Nearby Restaurants
- Original Joe’s
- The Grill on the Alley
- La Victoria Taqueria
2. Enchant Christmas
Enchant Christmas brings the world’s largest Christmas light maze to San Jose’s PayPal Park. This immersive experience features over 80,000 square feet of dazzling light sculptures, an ice-skating trail, and a Christmas market filled with artisan vendors. The 2024 theme, “Reindeer Games,” invites guests to embark on a magical adventure to find missing bells needed to help Santa’s reindeer fly. With live entertainment, visits from Santa and Mrs. Claus, and festive food and drink options, Enchant offers a memorable holiday outing for families and friends.
Address: PayPal Park, 1123 Coleman Ave., San Jose, CA 95110
Dates: November 22 to December 29, 2024
Opening Times: Monday–Thursday: 4:30 PM – 10:30 PM; Friday–Sunday: 4:30 PM – 11:30 PM
Entrance Fee: Tickets start at $25; prices vary by date and availability
Nearest Transit Stations
- VTA Light Rail: Gish Station
- Caltrain: Santa Clara Station
Events
- Light Maze Adventure: Navigate through a maze of illuminated sculptures.
- Ice-Skating Trail: Glide along a scenic ice path.
- Live Music Performances: Enjoy festive tunes from local artists.
- For more details: Visit Here
Famous Shops or Stalls to Visit
- Artisan Craft Vendors: Shop for unique holiday gifts.
- Gourmet S’mores Station: Indulge in custom-made s’mores.
- Holiday Beverage Booths: Sip on seasonal drinks like mulled wine.
Special Spots Not to Miss
- 100-Foot Lighted Pine Tree: A towering centerpiece perfect for photos.
- Santa’s Landing: Meet Santa in a beautifully designed setting.
- Enchanted Forest: A whimsical area filled with light displays.
Parking and Fees
- Parking: On-site parking is available; fees apply.
Nearby Hotels
- Hyatt House San Jose Airport
- Sonesta Select San Jose Airport
- SpringHill Suites by Marriott San Jose Airport
Nearby Restaurants
- Smoking Pig BBQ
- Vito’s Trattoria
- Izakaya Restaurant
3. Santana Row Holiday Market
The Santana Row Holiday Market is a luxurious open-air shopping experience featuring festive décor, artisan vendors, and live holiday performances. Located in the heart of Santana Row, this holiday market offers a blend of boutique shopping and holiday festivities. Visitors can enjoy live carolers, seasonal treats, and a beautifully lit Christmas tree in the center of the shopping plaza. Perfect for families and couples, the market combines the joy of holiday shopping with a vibrant atmosphere.
- Address: Santana Row, 377 Santana Row, San Jose, CA 95128
- Dates: December 2 – December 23, 2024
- Opening Times: Daily from 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Entrance Fee: Free admission
Nearest Transit Stations
- VTA Light Rail: Winchester Station
- Caltrain: Diridon Station
Events
- Tree Lighting Ceremony: Witness the grand illumination of the Christmas tree.
- Holiday Movie Nights: Free outdoor screenings of holiday classics.
- Live Carolers: Enjoy festive performances by local choirs.
Famous Shops or Stalls
- Luxury Boutiques: High-end stores like Gucci and Tesla offering holiday specials.
- Artisan Food Stalls: Seasonal treats like gingerbread cookies and roasted chestnuts.
- Handmade Jewelry Vendors: Unique, locally made holiday gifts.
Special Spots Not to Miss
- The Giant Christmas Tree: A central photo opportunity.
- The Elf Workshop: A crafting area for kids.
- Santana Row Fountain: Beautifully decorated for the holidays.
- Santa’s Grotto: Meet Santa and take photos.
- Outdoor Dining Areas: Cozy up with holiday drinks.
Parking and Fees
- Parking: Free parking garages available; valet services at $10.
Nearby Hotels
- Hotel Valencia Santana Row
- Aloft San Jose Cupertino
- Hilton San Jose
Nearby Restaurants
- Left Bank Brasserie: French cuisine with holiday specials.
- LB Steak: Perfect for a holiday dinner.
- Meso Modern Mediterranean: Seasonal Mediterranean dishes.
4. Evergreen Village Square Holiday Market
The Evergreen Village Square Holiday Market is a community-focused event celebrating local artisans and holiday traditions. This market is perfect for families and shoppers looking for handcrafted gifts, holiday decorations, and delicious food. With its charming village-like setting, the market creates a cozy and welcoming environment. Live entertainment, food trucks, and family-friendly activities make this a must-visit spot during the festive season.
- Address: Evergreen Village Square, 4075 Evergreen Village Square, San Jose, CA 95135
- Dates: December 9 – December 17, 2024
- Opening Times: Saturdays and Sundays, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Entrance Fee: Free admission
Nearest Transit Stations
- VTA Bus Stop: Line 39 Evergreen College Station
- Caltrain: San Jose Diridon Station
Events
- Holiday Music Performances: Live bands and choirs performing festive songs.
- Kid’s Ornament Workshop: Craft your own ornaments to take home.
- Gingerbread House Contest: A fun competition for all ages.
Famous Shops or Stalls
- Handcrafted Wooden Toys: Unique gifts for children.
- Artisan Candle Makers: Scented candles perfect for holiday gifting.
- Gourmet Hot Drinks Stand: Serving spiced cider and hot chocolate.
5 Special Spots Not to Miss
- Santa’s Sleigh Photo Spot: Capture memories with a life-sized sleigh.
- The Giving Tree: Donate gifts to local charities.
- Holiday Food Trucks: A variety of festive treats.
- Live Ice Sculpture Demo: Watch artists create intricate sculptures.
- Snow Play Zone: A fun area for kids to play with artificial snow.
Parking and Fees
- Parking: Free street and lot parking available.
Nearby Hotels
- The Westin San Jose
- Hyatt Place San Jose
- Aloft San Jose Evergreen
Nearby Restaurants
- Pho Saigon Garden: Vietnamese cuisine.
- Evergreen Indian Cuisine: Authentic Indian dishes.
- Wingstop: Quick and casual dining.
5. Willow Glen Holiday Market
The Willow Glen Holiday Market is a quaint neighborhood event featuring local vendors, live music, and festive decorations. Located along Lincoln Avenue, the market highlights the charm of this historic district with holiday-themed booths, unique gifts, and delicious street food. It’s an excellent spot to shop for handcrafted goods while enjoying the holiday lights that line the avenue.
- Address: Downtown Willow Glen, Lincoln Avenue, San Jose, CA 95125
- Dates: December 1 – December 20, 2024
- Opening Times: Thursdays to Sundays, 12:00 PM – 7:00 PM
- Entrance Fee: Free admission
Nearest Transit Stations
- VTA Light Rail: Fruitdale Station
- Caltrain: San Jose Diridon Station
Events
- Willow Glen Light Walk: Stroll through streets adorned with festive lights.
- Holiday Carriage Rides: Enjoy horse-drawn carriage rides along Lincoln Avenue.
- Children’s Storytime: Festive tales read aloud by local storytellers.
Famous Shops or Stalls
- Vintage Christmas Décor Stalls: Beautiful retro ornaments and decorations.
- Baked Goods Booths: Freshly baked pies and cookies.
- Local Craft Vendors: Handmade art and jewelry.
5 Special Spots Not to Miss
- Lincoln Avenue Light Display: A dazzling light installation.
- Santa’s Corner: Meet and take photos with Santa.
- Holiday Wreath-Making Station: Create your own festive wreath.
- Willow Glen Fountain: A seasonal photo spot.
- Live Music Stage: Enjoy holiday tunes performed by local bands.
Parking and Fees
- Parking: Free street parking; some lots may charge $5.
Nearby Hotels
- Hayes Mansion San Jose
- Four Points by Sheraton San Jose Downtown
- Holiday Inn San Jose – Silicon Valley
Nearby Restaurants
- The Table: Farm-to-table dining.
- Yard House: American cuisine with a wide beer selection.
- Opa!: Greek cuisine with seasonal specials.
Conclusion
San Jose’s Christmas markets offer a delightful variety of festive experiences, from luxurious open-air markets at Santana Row to community-focused events in Willow Glen. Whether you’re shopping for unique gifts, enjoying seasonal treats, or spending quality time with family, these markets bring holiday magic to life. Plan your visits and make the most of the holiday season in San Jose.
