In a region as diverse as Santa Clara County, not everyone will celebrate the holidays in the same way. But it’s still a season when time collectively seems to slow down.
Days are shorter, making it feel like there’s more time to relax at night, and to ease the darkness with holiday lights. And the annual calendar cycle is winding to a close, with days off from the daily grind before the new year arrives and all the bustle of ordinary life resumes.
But a time as sweet as this can’t go by slowly enough, given all the fleeting pleasures that only come once a year. So it’s important to plan ahead and savor the season.
For some, the holidays deliver lavish meals and seasonal treats. Others anticipate the joy of shopping for loved ones. Lovers of tradition want to see various annual spectacles, including the beloved Christmas in the Park. Families look forward to their child’s first Nutcracker experience, and another chance to enjoy light-hearted holiday theater productions.
We’re here to help our readers find the seasonal treats they crave. After a tough election season, can’t we all use some tidings of comfort and joy?
Get Lit!
For many, the best thing about the holidays are the lavish displays of twinkling lights that illuminate the dark days leading up to the winter solstice. Some of the biggest in the region can be found in San Jose.
Christmas in the Park—Nov 29–Jan 1 at Plaza de Cesar Chavez in downtown San Jose. Talk about tradition. This annual holiday ritual has been pleasing locals of all ages with its whimsical displays for more than four decades, with more than 40 musical and animated exhibits and a 65-foot yuletide tree. The event kicks off with a Tree Lighting Ceremony at 6pm on Nov 29; hours are Mon–Thu 5–10pm, Fri 5–11pm and Sat–Sun noon–10pm. In addition to the regular exhibits, every year companies partner with Habitat for Humanity East Bay/Silicon Valley to compete in the annual Playhouse Competition, donating $3,000 each to both Habitat for Humanity and Christmas in the Park—which also helps to keep admission free for this local treasure. christmasinthepark.com
Winter Wonderland—Nov 29–Jan 1 in downtown San Jose. The third part of DTSJ’s holiday trifecta, Winter Wonderland joins Christmas in the Park and Downtown Ice, expanding the yuletide cheer. Attractions include weekend rides on a giant Ferris wheel on Park Avenue through Dec 8, with other arcade rides operating Dec 13–Jan 1. A Culture Night Market Holiday Gift Fair will be held on Paseo de San Antonio 5–10pm Nov 29–Dec 1 and Dec 5-8, and food vendors will line Market Street. winterwonderlandsj.com
Enchant Christmas: Reindeer Games—Through Dec 29, PayPal Park, 1123 Coleman Ave, San Jose. Returning again to San Jose, this sprawling light show boasts “the world’s largest Christmas light maze,” and with 80,000 square feet of illuminated sculptures, there’s plenty to explore for those following this year’s game, which tasks visitors with finding the missing bells the reindeer need to fly Santa’s sleigh. Ice skating, seasonal treats, shopping and sessions with Santa also divert the little ones. $28–$41. enchantchristmas.com
Christmas in the Park Drive Thru—Through Jan 1 at History San Jose Park, 799 Phelan Ave, San Jose. Since 2020, the Drive Thru Light Show at History Park has not only delighted locals with its light tunnels, decked-out historic buildings, and giant candy canes; it’s also an important fundraising source for the popular downtown Christmas in the Park. Book tickets in advance at fareharbor.com/christmasinthepark/items
Fantasy of Lights—Dec 10–Jan. 5, 6–10pm, Vasona Lake County Park, 333 Blossom Hill Rd, Los Gatos. Now in its 26th year, Fantasy of Lights makes the holidays sparkle in the West Valley, and it’s bigger and brighter than ever before thanks to its environmentally friendly LED lighting. More than 50 themed displays and a 90-foot twinkling tree line the 1.5-mile route. $32.34+. eventbrite.com
Merry Music
Merry-Achi Christmas—Nov 29, 6pm, Hammer Theatre Center, 101 Paseo de San Antonio, San Jose. Read more here. vbotickets.com
You-Sing-It Messiah—Dec 2, 7:30pm, Hammer Theatre Center, 101 Paseo De San Antonio, San Jose. Grab a score at the entrance—available for $10, or BYO—and join the audience to sing along with the San Jose Symphonic Choir, led by Maestro Leroy Kromm and featuring San Jose Baroque Orchestra. Everyone is welcome. $27. hammertheatre.vbotickets.com
Cool Yule—Dec 3, 7:30pm, Hammer Theatre, 101 Paseo De San Antonio, San Jose. San José State University Jazz Orchestra, featuring top SJSU music majors, performs a concert of swinging holiday classics. $25 (student discounts). vbotickets.com
Winter World of Love—Dec 4, 8pm, at the San Jose Civic, 135 W San Carlos St. For those who regretted missing Tom Jones’ stop in San Jose, a singer of even earlier vintage—88-year-old Engelbert Humperdinck—sings holiday classics as well as his hits which began in 1967 with “Release Me.” $52–$158. sanjosetheaters.org
Every Christmas—Dec 5, 7:30pm, at the San Jose Civic, 135 W San Carlos St. Michael W. Smith, a singer-songwriter with hits on the Christian music charts, presents a holiday program. $68–$256. sanjosetheaters.org
Festival of Lights—Dec 6–7, 7:30pm, at Mission Santa Clara de Asís, 500 El Camino Real, Santa Clara. In a 20-year tradition, the Santa Clara University Chamber Singers and Concert Choir fill the Mission Santa Clara with blended voices in a candlelit concert. scupresents.scu.edu
Holiday Spectacular—Dec 7, 7:30pm and Dec 8, 2:30pm, California Theatre, 345 S 1st St, San Jose. Symphony San Jose celebrates the holidays with help from the Symphony San Jose Chorale, Cantabile Youth Singers, New Ballet and other guests. Holiday music ranges from the classics (music from Handel’s Messiah and Bach’s Christmas Oratorio) to newer favorites (Mel Torme’s “Christmas Song” and Alan Silvestri’s “Polar Express Suite”), as well as the crowd-pleasing “12 Days of Silicon Valley.” $41.50–$121.50. symphonysanjose.org
Golden State Youth Orchestra—Dec 8, 7:30pm, California Theatre, 345 S 1st St, San Jose. The youth orchestra rings in the season with its Holiday Concert, with dances, overtures and suites by Mendelssohn, Deussen, Saint-Saens and Delius. Violinist Ashley Huang, a senior at Lynbrook High School, is in the spotlight. $15–$25.
Befana: A Christmas Tale—Dec 8, 7:30pm, at Church of the Ascension, 12033 Miller Ave, Saratoga. Get festive with a mix of classical and contemporary holiday music with Nova Vista Symphony, joined by guest artists Vivace Children Chorus and Resounding Accord Choir, directed by Kristina Nakakawa. The program includes pieces by Fauré, Kirke Mechem, the Trans-Siberian Orchestra and (naturally) selections from Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker. $25 (senior and youth discounts). novavista.org
Ren’s Winter Wonderland—Dec 8 and 15, City Lights Theater, 529 S 2nd St, San Jose. Jazz-blues-Americana singer Ren Geisick returns to City Lights Theater Company with her band for her 10th annual seasonal concerts featuring holiday tunes along with some original music. $30-$42. cltc.org/event/rens-tenth
A Big Band Holiday Revue—Dec 10, 7:30pm, at City Lights Theater, 529 S 2nd St, San Jose. In a benefit for City Lights Theater Company, seven City Lights actors from the company’s productions (including Kinky Boots and Richard O’Brien’s The Rocky Horror Show) sing with Nineteen, a San Jose big band, in a concert of holiday favorites. $25–$90. cltc.org/concerts-special-events
Chanticleer—Dec 12, 7:30pm, Memorial Church, 450 Jane Stanford Way, Building. 500, Stanford. The San Francisco men’s vocal ensemble brings a new Christmas program to Memorial Church. $15–$95. live.stanford.edu
Fiesta Navideña—Dec 14, 5:30–9:30pm at Mexican Heritage Plaza, 1700 Alum Rock Ave, San Jose. Celebrate the holiday season with an array of performances, activities and festive treats. This year, those include performances by Grupo Bella, Los Lupeños de San José and Teatro Alebrijes. There are also craft workshops, Mexican-inspired foods and warm drinks, and a vendor market showcasing local artisans and businesses. Free event, but registration encouraged: fiestanavidena.eventbrite.com
Sarah Brightman—Dec 14, 8pm, at the San Jose Civic, 135 W San Carlos St, San Jose. Every year, the famed vocalist shares her holiday show with audiences across the U.S. This year she’ll perform in 13 cities in the western United States and one show in Mexico. Accompanied by an orchestra, choir and special guests, Brightman presents many of her holiday classics and greatest hits. $75–$297 (VIP packages also available). sanjosetheaters.org
Holidays with Cantabile—Dec 14, 6pm, at St. Joseph’s Cathedral, 80 S Market St, San Jose. Cantabile’s annual winter production features the Aria, Vocalise, Bravi, Avanti and Intermezzo choirs celebrating holiday traditions from around the world. cantabile.org
Winter Concert—Dec 14, 2pm, at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1100 Shasta Ave, San Jose. Vivace Youth Chorus singers will “discover their spirit of creativity through the beauty of song.” $20 (student discounts). vivaceyouthchorus.org
Christmas at the California—Dec 16–19 at California Theatre, 345 S. 1st St, San Jose. Valley Christian Schools presents holiday programs over four weeknights. $6.50–$17.50. vcs.net/conservatorychristmas
Sounds of the Season Holiday Bash—Dec 17, 7:30pm, at San Jose Stage, 490 S 1st St. Adrienne Herro, Allison F. Rich, Will Springhorn Jr. and Jonathan Rhys Williams perform with the Nineteen Jazz Orchestra. A benefit for San Jose Stage Company and Caroline Davis Intermediate School. $69 (student and senior discounts). thestage.org/tickets
Holiday Gospel Concert—Dec 20, 7:30pm, at Center for the Performing Arts, 500 Castro St, Mountain View. Under the direction of Terrance Kelly, the Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir performs his signature gospel arrangements of traditional Holiday favorites. $55 (senior and student discounts). tickets.mvcpa.com
Winter’s Gifts—Dec 21, 7:30pm, at Valley Presbyterian Church, Portola Valley; Dec 22, 7:30pm, at Mission Santa Clara, Santa Clara University. San Jose Chamber Orchestra and the Choral Project come together for a 20th annual holiday concert. $45 (student and senior discounts). sjco.org
Nutcrackers, Snow Queens and More
Pacific Ballet’s Nutcracker—Nov 29–30 at Center for the Performing Arts, 500 Castro St, Mountain View. Mountain View’s Pacific Ballet Academy presents its 33rd Nutcracker in two evening shows at 6pm and two matinees at 1pm, plus an “autism/sensory friendly show’ of Act II only on Nov 29 at 2pm. Tickets are $34, with student and senior discounts available. tickets.mvcpa.com
Grand Kyiv Ballet’s Nutcracker—Dec 4–5, 7:30pm, at Hammer Theatre Center, 101 Paseo de San Antonio, San Jose. It doesn’t get more traditional than this production by touring Ukrainian dancers, who bring to life the ballet based on Hoffman’s tale, Petipa’s libretto and Tchaikovsky’s tunes. $39–$100. hammertheatre.vbotickets.com
The Christmas Ballet—Dec 5–8, at Center for the Performing Arts, 500 Castro St, Mountain View. Smuin Contemporary Ballet performs five shows featuring choreographer Michael Smuin’s work set to holiday music, from classics by Bach, Handel and Schubert to traditional folk tunes. $31–$117. tickets.mvcpa.com
San Jose Dance Theatre’s Nutcracker—Dec 6–8 and 13–15 at the Center for the Performing Arts, 255 S Almaden Blvd, San Jose. For more than five decades, this local ballet company has performed this Christmas classic. Once Upon a Nutcracker, the abbreviated version aimed at very young children, is already sold out, but tickets remain for the full production, with accompaniment provided by the Cambrian Symphony. $39.50–$115. sjdt.org/the-nutcracker
Western Ballet’s Nutcracker—Dec 13–15 at Center for the Performing Arts, 500 Castro St, Mountain View. This ballet company performs four shows of its ever-popular Nutcracker holiday fare. Audience members are invited to Sweet Tea after each performance, when they can meet the dancers, take photos and see the costumes up close. $42–$47. tickets.mvcpa.com
New Ballet’s Nutcracker—Dec 14–23 at California Theatre, 345 S First St, San Jose. In The San Jose Nutcracker, the tale of Clara and the Nutcracker is set in 1905 San Jose, with traditional imagery augmented by local landmarks, including San Jose’s electric tower. This year for the first time, Symphony San Jose joins New Ballet to reproduce Tchaikovsky’s beloved score. Catch the spectacle in three evening performances and five matinees. And the youngest ballet-goers can attend two performances of New Ballet’s My Very First Nutcracker (Sundays at 11am). Tickets: $31.50–$121.50. 408.286.2600 or newballet.com/nutcracker.
Los Gatos Ballet’s Nutcracker—Dec. 16-19, 7pm, at the McAfee Center, 20300 Herriman Ave, Saratoga. Join Clara as she vanquishes the Mouse King and travels with her Nutcracker Prince through the magical realm of the Snow Queen to the palace of the Sugar Plum Fairy. losgatosballet.org
The Snow Queen—Dec 20–22 at the Visual & Performing Arts Center, 21250 Stevens Creek Blvd, Cupertino. Inspired by one of Hans Christian Andersen’s tales, this version of The Snow Queen was choreographed by Inna Bayer for the Bayer Ballet in 2014 and has become a Silicon Valley tradition since then. Four shows are scheduled. $58.07. bayerballet.com
Derek Hough: Dance for the Holidays—Dec 22, 8pm, at the San Jose Civic, 135 W San Carlos St. Emmy-winning choreographer Derek Hough, whose show at the Venetian Resort explores styles ranging from ballroom and tap to salsa and hip-hop, presents a seasonal program. sanjosetheaters.org
Family Attractions
Zoppé Italian Family Circus—Through Dec 1 in the Main Library Parking Lot, 1044 Middlefield Rd, Redwood City. For one last weekend this Old World family circus brings acrobats, trapeze artists, jugglers, equestrian acts and more to downtown Redwood City. redwoodcity.org
Downtown Ice—Through Jan 15 at Circle of Palms Plaza, 120 S Market St, San Jose. Back again this year and bringing icy cheer, this skating circle right next to the San Jose Museum of Art and Signia by Hilton offers yet another great reason to go downtown during the holidays. $21 for a 90-minute session. sjdowntown.com
Polar Play Days—Through Jan 5 at the Tech Interactive, 201 S. Market St, San Jose. The museum offers a blend of activities, experiments and adventures, from Imax movies about the Arctic to a Sock Skating Rink (no ice-skates required), that capture the spirit of the season. thetech.org
WinterFest—Nov 29–Jan 5 California’s Great America, 4701 Great America Pkwy, Santa Clara. The park is transformed into a winter wonderland, with ice-skating in front of the Carousel Columbia. Guests can take in the dazzling sights, sip on hot chocolate and enjoy live shows and a Christmas tree adorned with thousands of twinkling lights. cagreatamerica.com
Hometown Holidays 2024—Dec 7, 10am–6pm at Courtyard Square, 2200 Broadway, Redwood City. Take the Caltrain Holiday Train to downtown Redwood City and enjoy a parade, live entertainment, food and holiday vendors. Raise holiday spirits with carnival rides, and a petting zoo, and grab a photo with Santa Claus in front of the Fox Theatre. The parade kicks off at 4:30pm. Free, except for petting zoo admission, rides and food. hometownholidays.org
Children’s Heritage Holiday—Dec 14, 11am–3pm at History Park, 635 Phelan Ave, San Jose. History Park will transform into a winter wonderland, with activities, crafts, seasonal treats, and cultural performances. $6-$11. historysanjose.org
Shopportunities
SJMADE Holiday Fair—Nov 29–30, 11am–6pm, at the Santa Clara Convention Center, 5001 Great America Parkway. More than 350 artists, designers, food producers and creative makers of all types flock to this two-day spotlight on local creativity. In addition to the wares for sale at this huge holiday craft fair, other attractions include a “winter themed” photo booth, a holiday DIY booth, and a Mini Cat Town Kitten Lounge where visitors can meet adoptable felines, Free. sanjosemade.com
Yuletide Oddities Show—Saturdays, Nov 30–Dec 28, at Winchester Mystery House, 525 S Winchester Blvd, San Jose. This gift show of “weird and strange purveyors selling extraordinary wares” returns to San Jose’s oddest abode. Entry included with Winchester Mystery House admission, or tickets to the show only can be purchased separately. winchestermysteryhouse.com
Celebrations of Light—Dec 3–30 at Gallery 9, 143 Main St, Los Altos. Members will have their art on display, including painting, photography, ceramics, jewelry, and more. The opening reception will be held on First Friday, Dec 6, from 5 to 8pm. gallery9losaltos.com
Holiday Maker Market—Dec 7, 11am–5pm, at Maker Nexus, 1330 Orleans Dr, Sunnyvale. Bay Area craftspeople, from fiber artists to woodworkers, present their wares, accompanied by holiday music by the Joint Venture Churches Bell Choir, snacks and hot mulled cider. eventbrite.com
Herbal Holiday Gift Workshop—Dec 7, 1–3:30pm at La Herbalista, 1618 Willowhurst Ave, San Jose. Make natural scented soaps, candles, and other herbal items for friends and family. $30. laherbalista.biz
International Fetê—Dec 7, 11am–4pm at 6th Street Studios & Art Center, 64 W 6th St, Gilroy. Shop local handmade goods and crafts while the young family members are entertained by craft projects, face painting, pony photos ($15) and sweet treats (plus wine for the adults). Free. eventbrite.com
Creative Communal Holiday Market—Dec 8, 10am–4pm at Cityline Sunnyvale, 241 S Taaffe St. A day of holiday shopping featuring wares by local artisans, with live music in a pet-friendly space. Free. eventbrite.com
San Jose Winter Wonder Market—Dec 14-15, 11am–6pm, South Hall, 435 S Market St, San Jose. In its second year now, the Winter Wonder Market brings more than 250 makers, artists, designers, culinary creatives and independent entrepreneurs together to put their best wares forward, just in time for holiday shopping. Free. sanjosemade.com
Seasonal Stage
Truce: A Christmas Wish—Through Dec 22 at City Lights Theater. Read an interview with the director.
The Agitators—Through Dec 15 at Pear Theatre. See page 18. Read an interview with the director.
A Sherlock Carol—Through Dec 15 at The Stage, 490 S 1st St, San Jose. Two monumental literary figures—Sherlock Holmes and Ebenezer Scrooge—are brought together in this play by Mark Shanahan. As company Artistic Director Randall King says, A Sherlock Carol is “a fresh, thrilling, and touching take on a beloved holiday classic. The themes of forgiveness and redemption resonate deeply with our mission, offering a powerful reminder of the human capacity for change.” $34–$74. thestage.org
A Christmas Story—Through Dec 22 at Bus Barn Theater. Read more here.
Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley—Dec 4–29 at Lucie Stern Theatre. Read more here.
A Christmas Carol—Dec. 5–21 at Villa Montalvo, Saratoga. Silicon Valley Shakespeare’s roving production group brings the Dickens story to life. Shows start at 8pm, with matinees at 2pm on Dec. 8 and 21. Tickets: $40–$70. montalvoarts.org
Neighborhood Festivities
Holiday Wine Stroll Experience—Nov 29, 6–9pm, in Saratoga Village along Big Basin Way. The Saratoga Chamber of Commerce toasts the new year as winemakers and Saratoga Village merchants welcome shoppers with live music, horse-drawn carriage rides and sips from local winemakers, including Kathryn Kennedy, House Family Vineyards, Domaine Eden, Thomas Fogarty, Cinnabar, David Bruce Winery, Roudon-Smith and Cooper-Garrod. $65 (day of event). saratogachamber.org
Los Altos Festival of Lights Parade—Dec 1, 6–8pm in downtown Los Altos along Main and State streets. The Stuart Highlanders Pipe Band, Festival of Lights Banner Guard and Los Altos High School Marching Band and Cheerleaders and three decked-out toy soldiers will accompany various floats, including those bearing the regal Snow Queen and a cheery teddy bear. losaltosparade.org.
Cupertino’s Community Tree Lighting—Dec 6, 6–7:30pm at Quinlan Community Center, 10185 N Stelling Rd. A local choir offers holiday harmonies as the city’s tree comes alive with hundreds of twinkling lights, filling the air with a magical glow. Free. cupertino.org
Annual Winter Celebration—Dec 6, 5–7pm, at Town Plaza Park, Los Gatos. Kick off the winter season with the annual tree-lighting ceremony, accompanied by a Winter Wonderland Light Show, a visit from Santa, and holiday music. losgatoschamber.com
Holiday Workshop—Dec 6, 5–9pm, at ICA San Jose, 560 S 1st St. During First Friday, visitors can drop in for ornament decorating, coloring pages and DIY card-making projects. Free. icasanjose.org
Breakfast with Santa—Dec 7, 8:30–11:15am at Quinlan Community Center, 10185 N Stelling Rd, Cupertino. Families must pre-register for one of the three seatings at this annual celebration featuring Old Saint Nick and North Pole Pancakes. $18 ($22 nonresidents). cupertino.org
Carol of Lights Celebration—Dec 7, 4pm, in downtown Campbell. Amid the promised holiday lights and caroling, expect kid-pleasing entertainment, including a petting zoo, donkey rides, bounce houses, craft tables and face painting. Will there be snow? Only the Downtown Campbell Business Association knows for sure. Free. downtowncampbell.com
Los Gatos’ Children’s Christmas/Holiday Parade—Dec 7, 11am. Rain or shine, the city’s 68th annual parade will start on North Santa Cruz Avenue and head toward Main Street. Free. lgsrecreation.org
Holiday Festival & Parade—Dec 7, 3pm in downtown Gilroy. In addition to the marching and the floats, there will be the Trail of Treats, with goodies for the kids and a petting zoo, and two stages with live entertainment. Free. downtowngilroy.com
Cupertino Holiday Craft Fair—Dec 8, 1–3pm, at Cupertino Library, 10800 Torre Ave. sccl.bibliocommons.com
Willow Glen Trolley Rides—Dec 8–19, starting at Bank of America, 1245 Lincoln Ave, San Jose, Riders take 30-minute rides aboard old-fashioned cable cars around this festive neighborhood filled with holiday lights. $22.13-$43.14. simpletix.com.
Community Tree Lighting Celebration—Dec 9, 5:30–8pm at Civic Center Plaza, 500 Castro St, Mountain View. As the city lights up the communal evergreen, there will be local performances, free refreshments, a train ride, arts and crafts, and face time with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Bring a new, unwrapped toy or canned food to donate to Cops that Care and CSA. mountainview.gov
Holiday Kickoff—Dec 14, 11:15am–12:30pm at Gilroy Library, 350 W Sixth St. Santa will be on hand to give out books and pose for photos while kids enjoy hot cocoa and other fun activities. sccl.bibliocommons.com
Santa Visits—Old Town Dec. 12–14, 4–7pm and Dec. 15, 1–4pm. Get a photo with Saint Nick and make a donation to benefit Jacob’s Heart Children’s Cancer Support Services. oldtownlosgatos.com
Magical Holiday Celebration—Dec 14, 2–5pm at the Magical Bridge Playground, 171 W. Edmundson Ave, Morgan Hill. A holiday event featuring music and other performances, a visit with Santa in his Magic Ship, face painting, balloon figures, and information on community resources. Free. morganhill.ca.gov
Los Gatos Holiday Market—Dec 14–15, 10am–4pm at Civic Center Lawn, 110 E Main St. Live music, gourmet food and wines, and works by regional and local artists. Find holiday gifts and support Live Oak Senior Nutrition & Services Center. lgkiwanisgives.org
Family Storytime: Holidays!—Dec 15, 11:30am–12:30pm at Woodland Branch Library, 1975 Grant Rd, Los Altos. sccl.bibliocommons.com
Holiday Hullabaloo—Dec 21, 11am–12:30pm, at Milpitas Library, 160 N Main St. sccl.bibliocommons.com
