Christmas in the Park is a community-focused non-profit organization dedicated to the celebration of the holiday season by producing a free Christmas event. Our displays, trees, and entertainment, along with special programs and festivities serve the interests of the community.
This annual holiday tradition takes place in the heart of Downtown San José at the Plaza de Cesar Chavez. For over 44 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 50-foot 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 that is supported through fundraising efforts and is free to the public. Children can have their photograph taken with Santa, watch nightly entertainment and enjoy holiday themed refreshments, all free of charge.
More than 90% of our budget comes from fundraising. We are grateful for the in-kind support from the City of San José.
