Christmas in the Park | Through Wednesday, Jan. 1 | Times vary | Plaza de Cesar Chavez | Free | It’s back — the 2-acre park has been transformed into a holiday wonderland with 40+ musical and animated exhibits, twinkling lights, and a 65-ft Christmas tree.
Carol of Lights Celebration | 4 p.m. | Downtown Campbell | Free | This annual winter fest includes a petting zoo, bounce houses, dance performances, carolers, free snacks, and a visit from Santa.
San Jose Barracuda vs. Coachella Valley Firebirds | 6 p.m. | Tech CU Arena | $22+ | Tonight’s game will feature the annual Teddy Bear Toss — bring teddy bears to throw onto the ice that will then be donated to local kids in need.
Symphony San Jose presents “Holiday Spectacular” | Saturday, Dec. 7-Sunday, Dec. 8 | 7:30 p.m. + 2:30 p.m. | California Theatre | $35+ | Rejoice in holiday carols, audience sing-alongs, and the ever-popular “12 Days of Silicon Valley.”
Philharmonic Orchestra Season Opener Concert | 7:30-9:30 p.m. | Mexican Heritage Theater | $10+ | The San Jose Youth Symphony’s Philharmonic Orchestra presents its first show of the 2024-2025 season.
Sunday, Dec. 8
San Jose Punk Rock Flea Market | 12 p.m. | The Ritz | $5 | This is gonna rock — browse cool vendors, listen to punk DJs, enjoy a full bar, and try to win raffle prizes at this 21+ event.
“The MeshugaNutcracker!” | Thursday, Dec. 12-Sunday, Dec. 29 | Times vary | 3 Below Theaters and Lounge | $25+ | Expect dancing dreidels, fun surprises, and original lyrics that celebrate Hanukkah in this musical comedy adaptation of the classic tale.
Saturday, Dec. 14
Open Air Artisan Faire: Makers Market | 11 a.m.-5 p.m. | Santana Row | Price of purchase | It’s this market’s final run of the year — shop 60+ NorCal creators while listening to live music.
These were SJPL’s most checked-out titles of 2024 — but “Dog Man” was the No. 1 pick overall among all ages, genres, and formats. | Photo via San Jose Public Library
San Joseans really turned the page in 2024 — the San Jose Public Library (SJPL) released its list of its most checked out titles of the year, and we can conclude that locals have a lot of interests.
According to SJPL, 7.6 million items were borrowed over the past year — that checks out, since SJPL serves 760,000+ library cardholders.
ICYMI: Over the summer, SJPL eliminated late fines on all materials in hopes of removing barriers and encouraging San Joseans to visit their local library.
News Notes
News Notes
Civic
The old ranger station at downtown’s Guadalupe River Park is no more. As part of ongoing revitalization efforts, the city started demolishing the station to “open up river views and improve public safety” — and even Mayor Matt Mahan got in on the action. A new plaza will take its place.
Edu
Due to a $20 million budget deficit, the Board of Trustees approved a plan for the Alum Rock School District to close six schools and consolidate three ahead of the 2025-2026 school year. Here’s the list of impacted elementary and middle schools. (ABC 7)
Development
San Jose officials want public input on a 17-story housing development proposed for North Winchester Boulevard near Santana Row. The project includes 100+ apartments and 15,000 sqft of ground floor commercial space across two towers. Chime in during a Zoom webinar on Monday, Dec. 16 at 6 p.m. (The Mercury News)
Opening
“Next Level Chef” champion Tucker Ricchio will helm the kitchen at Lira, a fine dining restaurant opening on Sunday, Dec. 18 in Campbell. The biz is co-owned by San Jose native Faisal Gowani and Zak Smith. The menu will feature American cuisine, cocktails, 20+ craft beer taps, and zero-proof drinks.
History
It looks like SJ’s historic Eiichi Sakauye Farmhouse will be preserved. The structure — which sits on the Seely Avenue development site — will be temporarily relocated in February 2025. In the meantime, History San Jose will continue its fundraising efforts to permanently move the farmhouse to History Park. (The Mercury News)
Pets
San Jose Animal Care Services has opened its first-ever pet adoption “PAWp-up” in downtown SJ. The location — 93 E. San Carlos St. — is open Friday-Sunday, 12-6 p.m., through Jan. 6, 2025, and features adoptable cats, dogs, and rabbits. All adoption fees are waived if you adopt from here.
Civic
The city’s BeautifySJ Grant Program is accepting applications for $300 to $5,000 grants for projects like community clean-up efforts, garden or park beautification, or neighborhood-led events. Applications are due by 4 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 9.
The Word
Oxford University Press announced its pick for Word of the Year — “brain rot.” Other finalists included “lore,” “dynamic pricing,” and “slop.” Counter the brain rot by going on a local hike or heading to one of these museums in San Jose. (Time Magazine)
Try This
H-O-T-T-O-G-O. The Ritz will host its Hot to Go dance floor party on Friday, Jan. 10, a 21+ shindig featuring the music of the Midwest Princess, Chappell Roan. Tickets are on sale now – good luck, babe.
Fun Fact
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Plan Ahead
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Shop
Looking for a last-minute gift? We found one that’s more than 60% off, can be delivered instantly + will last forever. That’s speaking our language. Shop the sale.*
Tech
Want to turn four-hour tasks into 15-minute wins? Download your free ChatGPT mastery guide for 100 battle-tested prompts you can copy/paste ASAP — no coding required. Plus, the guide explores how to use AI ethically at work.*
City Guide
City Guide
🌧️ It’s a winter-ful life
What will the winter in San Jose hold? | Photo via @thevacantroom
We know the question on your mind — how is our weather looking this winter in San Jo?
Thanks to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Climate Prediction Center, we already know what temperatures and precipitation trends to expect in our city for December, January, and February. While exact weather conditions typically can’t be predicted more than a week in advance, here’s a seasonal outlook to help you prepare for what winter will bring.
Reminder: The first day of winter is on Saturday, Dec. 21.
Temperature
The great 408 is expected to experience typical winter temps for the area. We’ve got one hand on our favorite jacket, just in case.
Precipitation
It’s been sprinkling a bit lately, but SJ is predicted to experience ordinary amounts of precipitation this winter season.
Drought
Drought conditions are looking pretty good this winter — 56.13% of Santa Clara County is currently categorized at D0, aka “abnormally dry.” January-October 2024 was the 26th wettest year in the last 130 years in our county, but October 2024 was our 16th driest October on record.
That December drop
OK, OK, we’ll grab our coat. This month’s temps range from an average low of 43° to an average high of 56.5°. It’s one of SJ’s rainiest times of the year, with an average of 7.6 rainfall days.
My favorite thing to do in San Jose in the winter is...
A. Attend seasonal festivals or attractions B. Shop at local holiday markets C. Go hiking or visit local parks D. Browse local bookstores for my next read
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Kevin! There’s some mischief and merrymaking happening over at O’Flaherty’s Irish Pub. The downtown bar debuted its “Home Alone holiday spectacular” this week — a pop-up complete with festive cocktails (and maybe a booby trap or two). We spy drinks inspired by the holiday flick including the Old Fashioned McCallister and The Wet Bandit.
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