This is Wayfair’s biggest (and best) Black Friday sale to date. | Photos provided by Wayfair
We asked, and you answered: The key to impressing guests is “setting the perfect vibe.” Before welcoming family and friends into your home this holiday season, consider these five tips to enhance the vibe in your spaces — at up to 80% off.
Now until Sunday, Dec. 1, you can snag the lowest prices of the year during Wayfair’s extended Black Friday sale. Psst... Check back on Dec. 2 for Cyber Monday deals, too.
Pro tip: Warm lighting makes for an extra-cozy atmosphere. These dimmable Edison light bulbs will do the trick.
3. Minimize clutter
Storage doesn’t have to be an eyesore. You can tuck away miscellaneous items (think: books and games) in this extendable coffee table and store shoes in this natural rattan shoe storage cabinet that always seems to be trending online.
SJ Made Holiday Craft Fair | 11 a.m.-6 p.m. | Santa Clara Convention Center, Santa Clara | Price of purchase | Shop small and local at this market featuring goodies from 350+ makers, artists, designers, curators, food producers, and small businesses.
Bay Ballet Academy: “The Nutcracker” | Saturday, Nov. 30 | 12:30 p.m. + 3:30 p.m. | Historic Hoover Theatre | $25+ | The local ballet company performs their take on the classic holiday tale.
San Jose Barracuda vs. Abbotsford Canucks | 6 p.m. | Tech CU Arena | $22+ | Celebrate Hispanic heritage as the Barracuda become the Tigres Del Mar for this fun match on the ice.
Gimme Gimme Disco | 8 p.m. | The Ritz | $20+ | Join this glitzy, 21+ dance party celebrating disco.
Sunday, Dec. 1
The Sun Messengers | 7-9 p.m. | Good Karma Fine Ales Food & HiFi | Free | Grab a drink while listening to smooth jazz.
Tuesday, Dec. 3
Spirit of The Row | 6-8 p.m. | Santana Row | Free | Enjoy holiday performances featuring local community groups, plus “snow showers” in Park Valencia and Santa photos in Oak Tree Lounge.
Wednesday, Dec. 4
Comedians and Empanadas | 6-8 p.m. | Casa Guzmania | Free | Grub on empanadas while sharing laughs with talented Bay Area comedians at this monthly event.
Thursday, Dec. 5
“A Motown Christmas with The Best Intentions” | 7-9 p.m. | Sunnyvale Theatre, Sunnyvale | $40+ | The Bay Area group brings their soulful voices and smooth choreography to this festive show filled with holiday classics.
Friday, Dec. 6
“Beautiful: The Carole King Musical” | Through Sunday, Dec. 15 | Montgomery Theatre | $36+ | Children’s Musical Theater leads this production about the life + career of Carole King featuring her iconic hits like “So Far Away” and “You’ve Got a Friend.”
Saturday, Dec. 7
Winter Wonderland | 10 a.m.-1 p.m. | Milpitas Christian School | $5+ | Enjoy a pancake brunch, holiday crafts, karaoke, face painting, and bounce houses, plus shopping at the Makers & Market Corner.
Have you been eyeing our guide to 30+ volunteer opportunities in San Jose? You’re not alone. According to a new study by AmeriCorps, formal volunteering and informal helping (think: helping your neighbor rake the leaves) are on the rise again after dipping in 2021 due to COVID-19.
Civic
There will be at least 56 women serving in the California Legislature next year — up by six people compared to 2024. They will be part of the 2,450 women in state legislatures nationwide (or ~33%), setting a new record. (AP News)
Shop
Sunday, Dec. 1 is Secondhand Sunday. Created by secondhand marketplace Poshmark, the day encourages shoppers to purchase pre-owned items for gifting like records, clothing, jewelry, and home decor. In case you need vintage store inspo, check out our local guide.
Number
$9.63. According to an airport beer price study, that’s the average cost of a domestic beer at San Jose International Airport — the No. 13 most expensive beer across the 50 busiest US airports. Check out our airport guide before you board.
Seasonal
Plan a holly, jolly good time for your friends and family this holiday season at the all-new world’s largest Christmas light maze experience. Now through Sunday, Dec. 29, San Joseans can get lost in a dazzling display of lights and holiday magic at PayPal Park. Grab tickets.*
Finance
This leading card is one of the best-kept secrets for managing debt. The key: Transfer your existing balance and pay it down as much as possible during the intro period (this one offers 0% interest until 2026).*
Holiday Pick
For a limited time, you can give the gift of a lifetime of languages for less. Think: Forever access to all of Rosetta Stone’s immersive + engaging lessons at more than 60% off. Snag the deal.*
Try This
You know how awesome your business is, but do our readers? Visit our self-service ad portal to learn how SJtoday can help connect your business with our local audience — no long-term contract required.
Health
Remember all the scammy weight loss ads from the 90s that promised “magical results” (but never delivered)? Well, thanks to Hers and GLP-1s — the ingredient behind Ozempic® and Wegovy® — we’re not that far off. Start your weight loss journey. Read website disclaimers for important consumer information.*
Category (Paid)
Shop
Exclusive access: Shop 40% off Harlestons site-wide
Presented by Harlestons
Harlestons has opened their 40% site-wide sale exclusively for our readers. | Video by Harlestons
Cyber Monday came early: Harlestons is giving our readers exclusive access to shop their products at 40% off, site-wide, with code HOLIDAY40.
Treat your husband, kid, or favorite golfing buddy to the quality and craftsmanship Harlestons is known for, from the lightweight performance polos to the stylish layering pieces, wearable throughout every season. (Plus, free shipping and free exchanges on every order.)
Bonus: Spend $150+ to get a free mystery polo, or spend $300+ to get a free mystery pullover.
War Fitness Bay Area — small business, big gains. | Photo via @warfitnessbayarea
Small Business Saturday, an initiative dedicated to celebrating and supporting small and locally-owned businesses + the impact they have in our communities, is on Saturday, Nov. 30.
The day falls between two of the biggest shopping days of the year — Black Friday and Cyber Monday — and has become an annual shopping tradition for many since its establishment by American Express in 2010.
If you’re looking to join in on the festivities this year (or really, shop local year-round), try these small businesses recommended by SJtoday followers:
War Fitness Bay Area | This veteran-owned fitness center offers nutrition consultation, group classes, and 1:1 personal training. “Best gym and coaches in San Jose,” said @realgzstaylowkey.
Woofboard | With locations in San Pedro Square + Campbell, this shop specializes in dog charcuterie treat boards and pet products.
TTP Fitness | Locals rave about this personal trainer’s services. “He goes above and beyond for his clients,” @laura_rosas_ said.
Betty Moon | This SJ-based business is lit — it specializes in hand-poured candles made with 100% soy wax.
StatikBlendzz | Need a fresh cut? We hear this local barbershop is a cut above the rest.
Academic Coffee Co. | As @noel_huh puts it, “There’s no wrong answer [when it comes to SJ’s great small businesses], but the correct answer is @academiccoffeeco.”
Want to share some more small business love? Make sure to tag your favorite local businesses in the comments of our post.
Reminder: Shopping + supporting small isn’t limited to just this day — we love letting our local businesses shine all year long in our collection of City Guides.
The Buy
The Buy
Yourfavorite thing on Oprah’s Favorite Things list for 2024. We’re seeing goodies like fluffy mittens and paint-by-numbers portraits. Psst — Oprah’s also picked finds from small businesses, like a hot chocolate collection made by Asheville, NC’s French Broad Chocolate.
San Jose is home to 60,000+ small businesses so your chances to support local are plentiful, always. Check out the city’s Holiday San Jose campaign for more than 300 businesses and experiences across 12 shopping districts from Calle Willow and Japantown, to The Alameda and downtown.
