2019 Christmas in the Park Kick Off: Annual Parade & Tree Lighting | San Jose

Submitted by the Event Organizer

San Jose’s 2024 “Christmas in the Park” (Nov. 29 – Jan. 1)

Christmas in the Park is an annual holiday tradition that takes place in the heart of Downtown San José at the Plaza de Cesar Chavez. For over 45 years, this whimsical walk-thru event has brought people from all over the Bay Area together during the holidays. It is a place of community.

Each year the two-acre park is transformed into a holiday fantasy with over 40 musical and animated exhibits, glittering lights and the 65-foot illuminated Community Giving Tree. Some of the original displays housed in one of the largest exhibits, the Lima Train, include a melting snowman, caroling mice and elf woodcrafters. Guests enter a winter wonderland of lights, songs and local entertainment while strolling through an enchanted forest of trees decorated by San José schools, community groups and businesses.

Christmas in the Park is a non-profit organization supported by fundraising efforts and the community. It is and always will be free. Children (young and old) can visit with Santa, watch nightly entertainment and enjoy holiday themed food and refreshments from our vendors.

2024 Dates & Details

• Christmas in the Park’s opening night is on Friday, November 29 at 6pm
• Christmas in the Park is open from Nov. 29 – Jan. 1 from 12 noon -10 pm
• Address: Plaza de Cesar Chavez, Downtown San Jose, 1 Paseo de San Antonio, San Jose, CA 95113
• Admission is FREE

Opening Night Tree Lighting Ceremony November 29 at 6pm
We thank PG&E for being the sponsor of our 65ft tree in the center of Plaza de Cesar Chavez.
Join us for our traditional tree lighting ceremony starting at 6pm.

Sunday, December 1, 10am to 2pm – Paws in the Park
We thank SAGE Veterinary Centers for sponsoring Paws in the Park.
– Pet visits with Santa
– Pet costume contest at 1 pm on the Jingle Bell Stage
– Pet resource fair in the Park Tavern from 10 to 2pm

Saturday, December 7, 4pm to 9pm – SJSU Spartan Day
– Visit the Spartan Table by the stage for give-aways
– Performances by SJSU entertainers from 5pm to 9pm

Sunday, December 8, 10am to 2pm – Accessible Sunday
Made possible by a generous gift from Valeta and TJ Rodgers
– A free event by invitation only for families with different needs

Saturday, December 14
– Toys for Tots Stuff the Bus, with generous support

Friday, November 29, 2019
San Jose’s 2024 “Christmas in the Park” (Nov. 29 – Jan. 1)

The 40th year kicks off at 5 pm on November 29 with the return of the Christmas in the Park Parade followed by the annual tree lighting.

Join the fun as the “Parade of Neighbors” circles Christmas in the Park showcasing how special and creative the city can be.

Before the San Jose Holiday Parade and before the annual tree lighting ceremony, the start of Christmas in the Park was marked with a night-time parade that circled the park and in 2019, they are bringing the Christmas in the Park Parade back as they celebrate their 40th year. Join in on Friday, November 29th at 5:00pm for this very special event.

Then at 6 pm, the official opening night starts by honoring a few special individuals that have made Christmas in the Park so special over the past 40 years. The kids from Dancyn Studio and Cirque Dreams Holidaze perform just before the official arrival of Santa Claus himself.

2019 Christmas in the Park Opening
Friday, November 29, 2019 | 5 pm to 9 pm
Plaza de Cesar Chavez, San Jose
FREE

Join as Santa, the special guests and Mayor Sam Liccardo perform the first tree lighting presented by San Jose Clean Energy as their brand new 50 foot pixel lighted tree takes center stage for all to enjoy.

The evening concludes with an amazing set of your holiday favorites performed on the excite Credit Union Community Stage by the Mary Ellen Duo.

Disclaimer: Please double check event information with the event organizer as events can be canceled, details can change after they are added to our calendar, and errors do occur.