Christmas in the Park

Christmas in the Park is a Winter event that takes place each year in downtown San Jose, California, roughly from the last week of November to January 1. During this time, more than five hundred Christmas trees decorated by local schools and other groups are displayed in Plaza de César Chávez Park. There are also more than 50 Christmas-related musical and animated exhibits,^[1] a 55-foot high Community Giving Tree, and many souvenir and treats shops.^[2]

The event is attended by more than 700,000 visitors each year, and has been taking place in Plaza de César Chávez for more than 30 years. It is described as "San Jose's biggest production."^[3] The event brings an estimated $13 million in visitor spending to the city.^[4] It is free to the public, although donations to help offset its costs are suggested.^[5]

Next to the park there is an ice rink and about a dozen rides for children during this time, which include a ferris wheel, merry-go-round and train ride.