Christmas Activities in Downtown SJ
Image by Mimi Doyle ‘26
San Jose knows it’s wintertime when the sunny blue sky fills with gray clouds, temperatures drop below its usual 80 degrees, and it gets dark at 5:30 p.m. And while we don’t have the typical snowfall like other cities in the United States, downtown knows how to celebrate the holiday season. There are plenty of options if you are looking for some fun festivities in Downtown San Jose!
If you are looking for some nuts to crack, some carols to sing, or enjoy being a patron of the arts, look no further than Downtown San Jose's numerous theaters. You can get tickets to see ballerinas perform “The Nutcracker,” say “Bah humbug” along with Scrooge in “The Christmas Carol,” or experience both! The choice is yours. The venues where these shows perform are breathtaking and certainly showcase the holiday spirit. From the Hammer to the Center for Performing Arts, they will satiate your cravings for the Christmas spirit.
If theater is not to your liking, and you’re hoping for more activity, ice skating should go on your list. And just like the performing arts, downtown has numerous skating locations. If you follow hockey, you might be familiar with the San Jose Sharks, whose home arena is right down the street. The SAP Center is not just for enthusiastic hockey fans but also for ice skating! If you're looking for a more cozy spot, just in the heart of downtown, right next to the Cathedral Basilica is Downtown Ice, a very whimsical place to be. Both options allow participants to rent skates, and food service is nearby if they get hungry.
And right across the street from the skating rink is Santa's headquarters. Christmas in the Park wishes merry and goodwill to all who pass by! From the farm of Christmas trees crafted by people across the city, the food stands of tasty churros and warm hot chocolate, to music and dance performances from Notre Dame’s programs, Christmas in the Park has it all.
If you want more information about these festivities, all the links contain more information. If none of this will do for you and the family, you could head up to Saint Nick and see what he can do about it. However you celebrate the holiday season, Downtown San Jose has it all.
