Once you see the palm trees, you’re there. | Photo via @sjdowntownice
The coolest seasonal San Jose attraction is back: Downtown Ice, the ice skating rink that sits beneath the palm trees at Circle of Palms Plaza.
The downtown rink is now open for its 30th season — running from Thursday, Nov. 21 to Jan. 20, 2025. Glide through some tips before you hit the ice:
General admission for all ages costs $21, and includes skates rental + 90 minutes of skating; reserve your ticket + time slot online.
Downtown Ice is open daily — times vary, but most weekday sessions start at 4 p.m. and weekend sessions start at 12 p.m.
Parking gets busy in the area, but visit ParkSJ to check out spot availability and find free, 90-minute parking options.
Follow the rink on Instagram for updates + other fun happenings.
Pro tip: If you visit after Friday, Nov. 29, check out Christmas in the Park across the street at Plaza de Cesar Chavez and keep those festive vibes going strong.
Events
Events
Saturday, Nov. 23
San Jose Sharks vs. Buffalo Sabres | 5 p.m. | SAP Center at San José | $75+ | It’s Joe Thornton’s jersey retirement night at SAP (we love you, No. 19), complete with the Jumbo Joe Magic Art Puck giveaway.
“Truce: A Christmas Wish from the Great War” | Through Sunday, Dec. 22 | Times vary | City Lights Theater Company | $43+ | Set in the trenches of France, this story follows soldiers on both sides who embrace a spontaneous ceasefire to celebrate Christmas in 1914.
“A Christmas Carol” feat. CMT Rising Stars | Saturday, Nov. 23-Sunday, Nov. 24 | 7 p.m. | Montgomery Theatre | $20+ | This adaptation of Charles Dickens’ classic holiday tale features a cast of talented performers ages 11 to 15.
Monday, Nov. 25
Friendsgiving Trivia | 7:30-9 p.m. | Jack Holders Restaurant & Bar | Free | Could this be any more fun? Test your knowledge about all things “Friends” with a focus on the show’s Thanksgiving episodes.
Tuesday, Nov. 26
Mannheim Steamroller Christmas by Chip Davis | 7:30 p.m. | San Jose Center for the Performing Arts | $70+ | The long-running holiday spectacular features 15 musicians playing 20+ instruments against the backdrop of dazzling, multimedia effects.
SJ Made Holiday Craft Fair | Friday, Nov. 29-Saturday, Nov. 30 | 11 a.m.-6 p.m. | Santa Clara Convention Center, Santa Clara | Cost of purchase | Shop small + local at this two-day market featuring goodies from 350+ makers, artists, designers, curators, food producers, and small businesses.
Hammer Presents: “Merry-Achi Christmas” | 2 p.m. + 6:30 p.m. | Hammer Theatre | $40+ | José Hernández leads Mariachi Sol de Mexico in this festive musical tribute to Mexico’s Christmas traditions.
Bay Ballet Academy: “The Nutcracker” | Friday, Nov. 29 -Saturday, Nov. 30 | Times vary | Historic Hoover Theatre | $25+ | The local ballet company performs their take on the classic holiday tale.
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The rainy season has entered the chat. The first atmospheric river of the season pummeled the Bay Area this week, bringing the wettest weather in nine months. Rain is expected to continue today and tomorrow, and into next week — keep one hand on the umbrella. (The Mercury News)
Biz
Vallarta Supermarkets — a Mexican supermarket + retail chain founded in SoCal — will expand to San Jose, opening a 65,000-sqft store at The Plant shopping center in 2026. Vallarta will take over the former Toys ‘R Us and Babies ‘R Us sites, which have sat vacant since 2018. (The Mercury News)
Civic
San Jose leaders may permanently close vehicular traffic on Post Street to create another downtown pedestrian mall. The idea is to support foot traffic to small businesses and recreate the success of areas like San Pedro Square and Paseo de San Antonio. City officials will make a decision in February 2025. (San Jose Spotlight)
Open
Eos & Nyx — a sleek new restaurant specializing in Mediterranean and wood-fired flavors — has debuted on South Second Street in downtown San Jose. It’s open Tuesday-Thursday, 5-9 p.m., Friday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. + 5-10 p.m., and Sunday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Snag a reservation.
Traffic
The Department of Transportation is launching a pilot program to address safety and accessibility issues caused by 900+ oversized and live-in vehicles parked on San Jose’s streets. The agency plans to create 30 temporary and 10 permanent tow-away zones in highly impacted communities so that the streets can be cleaned.
Concert
Latin superstar J Balvin — aka the “Prince of Reggaeton” — will bring his “Back to the Rayo” North American tour to the SAP Center on May 10, 2025. Tickets are now on sale, starting at $65.
Sports
Penelope Hocking is here to stay. Bay FC signed the forward to a three-year contract extension through 2027, with options for 2028 + 2029. Hocking — who hailed from the Chicago Red Stars — joined Bay FC in August and played eight regular season matches during the team’s inaugural season.
Number
$9.63. According to an airport beer price study, that’s the average cost of a domestic beer at San Jose Mineta International Airport — No. 38 among beer prices across the 50 busiest US airports. Check out our airport guide before you board. (Financebuzz.com)
Seasonal
Enchant Christmas is back at PayPal Park, featuring an all-new world’s largest Christmas light maze experience. The San Jose community can once again immerse themselves in a ballpark field full of larger-than-life light sculptures, an ice skating trail + countless other festive attractions now through Sunday, Dec. 29. Grab tickets.*
Finance
When this card hit the market, it became the do-it-all card that took the top spot in thousands of peoples’ wallets. Perks include a significant first-year bonus, up to 5% cashback on everyday purchases, no annual fee, and 0% intro APR on purchases + balance transfers into 2026.*
Coming Soon
Did this catch your eye? That’s because locals (like you) are excited about new happenings in the city. Spread the word about your business, services, big news, or event coming soon to San Jose.
Home
Don’t risk a busted washer or drier in the middle of winter — get American Home Shield Home Warranty. For a limited time, they’re offering $150 off some of their most comprehensive plans.(Think: Peace of mind, for less.)Claim the discount. Read website disclaimer for important consumer information.*
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Collaborate with other community members for a good cause. | Photo via Rebuilding Together Silicon Valley
Have extra time on your handsor in the giving spirit? There are more than enough great causes in San Jose to support with your time. Here are a few ways to get involved + give back to your community in the great 408.
For the handy individuals
Rebuilding Together Silicon Valley | Participate in minor home repairs, team builds, make earthquake + fire preparedness kits, or help unload + sort project materials at the warehouse.
The artsy types
San Jose Museum of Art | Guide visitors through galleries or volunteer in the museum store.
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