Willow Glen isn’t the only neighborhood in San Jose to show off during the holidays. | Photo by SJtoday staff
‘Tis the season for cheesy holiday movies and that got us thinking, what would the plot be to a Hallmark movie set in San Jose?
Cue ChatGPT. We asked the popular artificial intelligence tool to drum up a Hallmark-style holiday movie set in the great 408, inspired by stories from our website.
Here’s the masterpiece, aptly titled “Christmas in the Park":
Plot: “Claire, a successful but workaholic event planner in San Francisco, is tasked with organizing a last-minute corporate holiday event. Her boss insists she partner with Liam, a laid-back but creative artisan from San Jose, to incorporate authentic Bay Area holiday traditions into the festivities.
The duo heads to San Jose’s Christmas in the Park at Plaza de César Chávez, where Claire is mesmerized by the over 40 magical displays and the warmth of the community, including a high school group selling cocoa for charity and families enjoying a light show synchronized with an FM radio station...”
History Park Children’s Heritage Holiday | 11 a.m. | History Park | $6+ | Celebrate the spirit of the season with festive activities, crafts, treats, and live performances — plus, check out the display of lights via the drive-thru experience.
Open Air Artisan Faire: Makers Market | 11 a.m.-6 p.m. | Santana Row | Cost of purchase | It’s this market’s final run of the year — shop 60+ NorCal creators while listening to live music.
Fight Night San Jose | 5 p.m. | Tech CU Arena | $88+ | MMA, Muay Thai, and kickboxing pros will duke it out in the arena — the headline fight is Daniel Compton vs. Joaquin Lopez.
Fiesta Navideña | 5:30-9:30 p.m. | Mexican Heritage Plaza | Free | This festive celebration will feature music, dance, arts, a vendors market, and Mexican-inspired treats for sale; registration is encouraged.
Helen Hong | Saturday, Dec. 14-Sunday, Dec. 15 | 7 p.m. | Rooster T. Feathers Comedy Club, Sunnyvale | $25 | The actress, comic, and host of the “Go Fact Yourself” podcast performs her stand-up act.
Sunday, Dec. 15
“The Nutcracker” | Saturday, Dec. 14-Sunday, Dec. 15 | Times vary | San Jose Center for the Performing Arts | $57+ | San Jose Dance Theatre and The Cambrian Symphony lead this enchanting ballet production of the classic holiday tale that has delighted SJ for the past 59 years.
“The San Jose Nutcracker” | Through Monday, Dec. 23 | California Theatre | Times vary | $32+ | This unique take on the classic tale of Clara and the Nutcracker is set against the backdrop of 1905 San Jose, including our city’s famous electric tower.
Tuesday, Dec. 17
“Shrek the Musical” | Tuesday, Dec. 17-Sunday, Dec. 22 | Times vary | San Jose Center for the Performing Arts | $58+ | Fall in love with this play — with original direction + choreography by Danny Mefford — based on the movie about a brave ogre and his friends.
Friday, Dec. 20
“Mírame” | Through Friday, March 7 | 12-5 p.m. | MACLA/Movimiento de Arte y Cultura Latino Americana | Free | This painting + mixed media exhibition features the works of five female artists reflecting on how cultural beliefs have shaped and constrained women’s roles — donations welcome.
San Jose has approved permits for Caltrain to build two “transit-oriented” commercial towers near Diridon Station. The project includes 1.1 million sqft of commercial space for offices, retail, and entertainment — plus, one acre of open space and a plaza designed to make it easier for commuters to access the station. (The Mercury News)
Coming Soon
Alamo Drafthouse — a movie theater chain known for its strict no talking/texting policy — plans to open two new locations in the South Bay by summer 2025. One theater will be at Westfield Valley Fair in Santa Clara and the other at the Village at San Antonio Center in Mountain View. (The Mercury News)
Civic
The city opened a brand-new pocket park off Senter Road between Serenade Way and Diamond Heights Drive, but it still needs a name. Acorn Parklet, Serenade Park, Siren Park, or Woodwind Pocket Park are the choices — cast your vote via this survey through Friday, Dec. 20.
Outdoors
Have you spotted small beetles making tiny holes in local trees? Those might be Invasive Shot Hole Borers, and they’re real pests. The city is trying to curb an infestation of these beetles that carry fungus that can kill trees. If you see them, fill out this form.
Community
The San Jose Fire Department is partnering with Los Bomberos of Northern California to accept donations of new, unwrapped toys + books at local fire stations and Premier One Credit Unions through Jan. 5, 2025. The donations will be distributed to kids and families throughout Santa Clara County this holiday season.
Plan Ahead
It’s going to get hyphy in 2025. The United Lowrider Council of San Jose (ULCSJ) will host four main events next year including a Cinco de Mayo celebration at King + Story roads on May 4, and San Jose Lowrider Day on Aug. 30. Learn more about ULCSJ’s impact.
Cause
Looking for a paw-some cause? San Jose Animal Care Center is running its Hope for the Holidays campaign through Tuesday, Dec. 31. There are many ways to get involved: donate funds to the center’s essential programs, donate pet care items, adopt or foster a pet, or volunteer with the organization.
Number
$2,828. Per WalletHub, that’s the average 2024 holiday budget of a San Josean — the highest among large US cities. The research calculated the max holiday budget for 550+ US cities using metrics like population, income, age, and ratio of savings to monthly expenses. Pro tip: Start with our gift guide.
Home
Did you know new windows could lead to lower energy bills? Read: Modern windows have better insulation. Renewal by Andersen is offering $400 off per window and $850 per door, so you can start the new year by saving on style upgrades for your home. Get your free quote.*
Plan Ahead
There are only a few weeks left in 2024. Use the remainder of your end-of-year budget + get your business in front of thousands. For a limited time, take 25% off ads in our self-service ad portal when you use promo code “2025" at checkout.
City Guide
City Guide
✈️ Prepare for takeoff
San Jose Mineta Airport knows one thing: Fly Simple. | Photo via SJC, by Mr. Ken Paul
The busy holiday travel season is upon us, and we’ve got a little gift for you. If you’re flying via the San Jose Mineta International Airport, we’ve created a guide that covers everything from parking to nonstop flights. Smooth travels, friends.
What to know
TSA | According to SJC’s website, travelers should arrive two hours prior to their scheduled departure for domestic flights, and three hours prior for international flights.
Map it out | If you’re like us and need to completely visualize a place before you step foot inside, these maps of the entire airport will be your saving grace.
Nonstop flights
SJC offers more than 40 nonstop domestic flights — plus international flights to places like Mexico and Asia. Here are five nonstop flights to nearby locations.
San Diego, CA | Alaska Airlines, Frontier Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and Spirit Airlines
Las Vegas, NV | Frontier Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and Spirit Airlines
Portland, OR | Alaska Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and Spirit Airlines
Seattle, WA | Alaska Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and Southwest Airlines
Honolulu, HI | Alaska Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, and Southwest Airlines
Touch screen compatible gloves. Beat winter dryness + rough skin by keeping hands protected when you’re out and about, thanks to gloves that still let you use your phone.
We sure love our makers markets. If you’re still shopping for holiday gifts, head over to the San Jose Convention Center today + tomorrow, 11 a.m.-6 p.m., for San Jose Made’s Winter Wonder Market. The event features 250+ local artists, designers, and makers selling all kinds of cute goodies. Pro tip: Use the ParkSJ website to find parking.
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