Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Christmas in the Park?

Christmas in the Park is located in the heart of downtown San José, California at Plaza de Cesar Chavez. It is bordered by Market Street on the east and west side, San Fernando on the north and San Carlos on the south. Get driving directions and free parking and VTA information.

When is Christmas in the Park open?

The display will open with the Community Giving Tree lighting ceremony at 5:30 p.m. on November 28, 2008. The event, open everyday including Christmas from 9 a.m. until 12:00 a.m. will remain open through January 1, 2009.

How can I donate to Christmas in the Park?

You can make a donation right here on our web site. Click on the Donate Now button at the top of our web pages to help us continue this free event.

If everyone who visited the Park donated $1, we would be funded every year. Donation boxes are available throughout the exhibit and at the Information Booth.

And there are several other ways to support the Park while the annual event is open: Buy raffle tickets and souvenir items at the Information Booth, donate cash at any one of the donation boxes placed by "needy" displays, take photos with Santa and support the Kiwanis Food Booth who return a large portion of their profits to the Park.

Another way to support the Park is by joining our "Friends Program." Application forms are available at the Information Booth. The easiest way to support Christmas in the Park is by using the Donate Now button at the top of this page. Your donation is made on a secure site and will be acknowledged within minutes. Other ways to support the Park include decorating a sponsored tree to sponsoring a display. Contact us if you’d like to have one of our board members call you regarding a donation or sponsorship.

Are restaurants nearby?

There are many restaurants within a short walking distance. Stop by the Christmas in the Park Information Booth to pick up a list of places to eat, ranging from a quick hamburger to fine dining. Look at the following web sites for more information: San José Downtown Association, www.sjdowntown.com and the San José Convention & Visitors Bureau, www.sanjose.org.

Is food available in the Park?

The Kiwanis Club has a food booth at the north end of the Park. They serve hot dogs, popcorn and a variety of drinks. We also have a food and drink area at the south end of the Park, serving a variety of snacks and fast foods.

Does the Park have an ATM?

Yes, there is an ATM machine located by the Kiwanis Food Booth at the north end of the Park and one located at the South end near the food court.

How do you volunteer to work in the Park?

Contact us through our web site and tell us what you'd like to do. We have a variety of projects ranging from a few hours to several weeks. Christmas in the Park is a popular project for local school's community service programs, community volunteer programs and corporate team building programs. To learn more about volunteering to work in one of the booths when the park is open, download the flyer.

How old do you have to be to volunteer?

We request that an adult supervisor accompany all students under the age of 16. All students under the age of 18 must have a Minor Consent Form signed by a parent or guardian to participate in the student volunteer program. Download the consent form. All volunteers, regardless of age, must sign a volunteer service form.

What is the Community Tree Program?

The Community Trees are located at the south end of the Park and are donated free to qualifying non-profit organizations such as Scout Troops, pre-schools and local charities, to decorate. Request forms are mailed out in late summer and awarded by raffle in October. Go to our Forms Page to download an application form.

What is the Sponsored Tree Program?

The Sponsored Tree Program offers local businesses the opportunity to support the park by purchasing a tree to decorate. The businesses often buy or make decorations that represent their company. Christmas in the Park provides a sign with the business name on it. With an audience of 450,000+, this is a wonderful way to support one of the most popular traditions in San José and show your company's community involvement. Call (408) 793-4170, send an e-mail to sponsoredtrees@christmasinthepark for more information or download the forms to get started now!

What is the High School Tree Program?

This program encourages local high school clubs and art classes to compete for scholarships by entering the High School Tree Decorating Contest. Call (408) 995-NOEL for more information and decorating criteria. Go to our forms page to download the necessary forms to participate.

When will Santa be in the Park?

Santa Claus arrives on a decorated float in the San José Holiday Parade. This year the parade will take place on Sunday, December 7. Santa is available to see children (and adults) on weekends from noon to 3 p.m., 3:30 to 6:00 p.m. and 6:30 to 9 p.m. and on weekdays from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. and 6:30 to 9 p.m.

Can I take my child's picture with Santa Claus?

This year we will not be taking pictures with Santa. We've found that most parents bring their own cameras to take a photo with Santa and we encourage you to do so. If you wish to take a photo, we’d appreciate a donation for the visit. We will have disposable cameras available for purchase. All children may visit with Santa at no charge, but donations are appreciated and are used to bring this annual tradition back each year.

How can my company renovate/sponsor a display?

The first step is to contact a member of our board of directors or send us an e-mail, info@christmasinthepark.com. We'll be happy to match your interest and skill level to a variety of on-going projects. Or you can donate funds to pay for a two-year sponsorship and we'll find willing volunteers to do the renovation work.

Is there entertainment in the Park?

Daily entertainment kicks off on November 24. The programs begin at 1:00 p.m. on weekends and at 6:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, is provided by local organizations.

How do I volunteer to entertain at the Park?

Download the application, submit it online. Returning groups are usually awarded first choice on entertainment dates. New groups may be asked to audition or provide tapes of previous performances. If you have questions, please call our office at (408) 793-4170..