Christmas in the Park is made possible by strong community support. With leadership from the Board of Directors and support from our partner, the City of San José, Parks, Recreation, and Neighborhood Services, the community is invited to participate in a number of exciting and rewarding ways.

Preparation for the annual holiday event begins long before the last weekend in November. Here’s how you can get involved:

Join the Super Volunteer Program.

Christmas in the Park depends on adult volunteers to help maintain and renovate displays, assist with set-up at the park and serve on committees.

Volunteers work on special projects, renovate displays, make costumes for the animated figures, assist the Volunteer Committee by supervising students at workshops and other events, work in the Information Booth, or help the Entertainment Committee introduce local performers. Go here to download an application or more information on how you can help, call (408) 995-NOEL or e-mail us at info@christmasinthepark.com.

The Board of Directors created the Super Volunteer of the Year Award Program to recognize those people who donate their time and to take on major projects for Christmas in the Park.

Student Volunteers.

Christmas in the Park is a favorite for students required to serve Community Service Hours to meet graduation requirements. Our Work Days this year are from October 4 to November 8 from 9 a.m. to noon. Students working at the Display Shop will clean displays and fences, remove staples and old decorations, organize and repack holiday lights, wrap packages, paint walls, etc. All student volunteers must be at least 15 years old. Younger students may participate if accompanied by one adult for every five students. Please call ahead to reserve a place. Everyone under the age of 18 is required to have a consent form signed by a parent or guardian. Please visit our forms page for more information and to download the form. Bring the signed consent form with you to the first work party and we’ll keep it on file for the balance of the season. Volunteers are asked to wear old clothes suitable for painting and closed-toe shoes.

To volunteer, call (408) 995-NOEL or e-mail info@christmasinthepark.com. Be sure to leave your name, phone number, the date you wish to volunteer and how many students will be coming.

On November 22 our work shifts to Plaza de Cesar Chavez, one week before the Park officially opens. Adult and student volunteers will decorate the displays with lights, garland, packages, etc. The workday is from 9 a.m. to noon.

Adult Volunteers.

We encourage adults to join our volunteer workshops as project leaders, overseeing the work of the students or taking on a project of their own. When Christmas in the Park opens on November 28, we'll need additional adult volunteers to help staff the Information Booth, Santa Booth and the Entertainment/Stage area. You can volunteer for the season or just one evening. Form a group from work or neighbors and staff the park for one night! Download the Adult Volunteer flyer for more information or call (408) 995-NOEL (6635).