This year San Jose’s Christmas in the Park celebrates its 30th year bringing holiday magic and joy to the young and young at heart. The city’s Plaza de Cesar Chavez becomes a two acre forest of Christmas trees, over 300 of which are wonderfully decorated by Scout troops, kindergartens and pre-schools, service groups, local businesses and global corporations. Santa arrived Dec. 6 with the season’s kick-off Christmas Parade. He is available for local children to share their holiday gift wishes and for photos as well.

As is so often the case, this very special Christmas setting began with the generosity of one dedicated citizen, Don Lima, a long-time community leader and businessman. In 1970, Lima donated to the City of San Jose the decorations that had made his business a seasonal landmark. Since that time countless volunteers have preserved and expanded his holiday vision, truly making a wonderland of our city center. Stop by on a winter evening to see the Lima Train in action, elves hard at work, and a Victorian Village decked for the holidays. Twinkling lights, whispers of man-made ‘snow,’ chorale groups and other entertainment fill out the picture. Donations and volunteers keep this super family event free to one and all.

Across the street you can even ice skate at San Jose’s own signature Skating Under the Palms.

This is but a snapshot of the holiday Season in San Jose, the heart of Silicon Valley.

Images source: christmasinthepark.com

Posted By: Colleen Badagliacco