2026 Holiday Community Guide
Holiday Lights & Family Fun Around Santa Clara: 2026 Guide
Seven festive outings for families across Santa Clara, San José, Cupertino, Los Gatos and Gilroy
Information checked November 14, 2026
Holiday lights are returning across Santa Clara and the South Bay. Whether your family prefers a free downtown stroll, a hometown tree-lighting ceremony, a festive indoor market, or a special ticketed light show, there are options for many ages and budgets.
Use the calendar above to spot event dates quickly. Then explore the event summaries and organizer links below to plan tickets, parking, walking distances and accessibility.
Every family ends up with its own little holiday rituals. Alongside the official event details, I’ve included a few ideas for making each outing feel more memorable—and one favorite tradition my own family looks forward to year after year.
Jump to an event
Seven holiday experiences to explore
Christmas in the Park — Downtown San José
Downtown San José’s traditional walk-through celebration at Plaza de César Chávez features decorated trees and animated holiday displays. Free Santa visits are advertised for November 27–December 24, 2026; bring your camera or phone, and check Santa’s schedule because the line may close before the scheduled end of a session.
A tradition in our familyI almost hesitate to share this tip, because I would hate for churro prices to go up: for my family, getting churros at Christmas in the Park is an absolute must. We look forward to them every time we visit, just as much as seeing the kids sit with Santa and tell him their wishes. The lights are beautiful, but those little traditions are what make the night special to us. Food vendors and prices can change, so check what is offered when you go.
SJMADE Holiday Fair — Santa Clara
Browse the indoor holiday maker fair at Santa Clara Convention Center, 5001 Great America Pkwy. Food, shopping, and optional purchases cost extra; only service animals are permitted.
Make it a family momentTurn browsing into a little treasure hunt: ask everyone to find the one handmade gift or decoration they would choose for somebody they love. The fun is comparing everyone’s picks afterward—even if you leave without buying a thing.
Santa Clara Holiday Tree Lighting
An evening of community performances, seasonal activities and the tree lighting at Central Park, 909 Kiely Blvd. Plan for cool evening temperatures and check the city's updated program.
A family tradition to startThis is the kind of hometown evening that could become an annual family photo. Pick a favorite spot near the tree, take a picture together, and return in future years to see how much everyone has grown.
Cupertino Community Tree Lighting
Celebrate at Quinlan Community Center, 10185 N. Stelling Rd. The city lists a free event with music, Santa and a community tree lighting. Since this and Santa Clara's celebration take place on the same day, choose the one that best fits your plans.
A slower, happier eveningSanta Clara and Cupertino light their trees on the same Friday. Instead of racing between two celebrations, choose the one that works for your family, enjoy the music, and let the kids tell you their favorite part on the ride home.
San Jose Holiday Lights
Explore themed illuminated displays at Discovery Meadow, 330 W. San Carlos St. in San José. Review current admission options, hours and arrival requirements on the organizer's website.
A fun little challengeLet each child choose a favorite illuminated scene or color, then compare everyone’s choices before you leave. It’s a simple way to make the visit more interactive, especially for kids who love having a mission.
Gilroy Gardens North Pole Nights
Gilroy Gardens features seasonal lights, entertainment and attractions at 3050 Hecker Pass Hwy. The event does not operate every night. See the official schedule and check whether any activities require separate admission.
Keep the day about the funBefore you arrive, let everyone choose one or two must-do attractions. A little planning can keep a festive family outing from turning into a race between lines—and leave time to appreciate the lights.
Fantasy of Lights — Vasona Lake County Park
The 2026 event is walk-through only, not drive-through. Expect an approximately one-mile, one-way paved route. Advance tickets are required, including free tickets for children under four. Parking and event shuttles are based at the Netflix lot, 121 Albright Way, Los Gatos.
Make the walk its own memoryGive everyone a chance to vote for their favorite light display, and save the conversation for the shuttle ride back. Because the route is about a mile one way, plan for the walking and take your time rather than rushing to the finish.
Pick the outing that fits your family
For toddlers: Consider a short neighborhood tree-lighting visit or a flexible trip to Christmas in the Park. Check stroller policies and restroom options. For school-age children and teens: Large light installations and theme-park activities can be especially appealing. On a budget: Start with free-entry events but budget separately for food, parking and shopping.
For visitors with mobility or sensory needs: Check the event's walking distance, accessible shuttle policies, lighting intensity, seating and any low-sensory options. Vasona's walk-through is approximately one mile one way, so plan before booking.
A comfortable evening checklist
A little preparation helps families make the most of seasonal outings, regardless of whether they choose a short free event or a longer ticketed experience.
Celebrate the season, your way
Whatever your family chooses, we hope this guide helps make holiday planning a little easier. ACE California Health Clinic is proud to share useful local resources with Santa Clara families.
Image disclosure: Illustrations are AI generated and may contain imagined decorations, buildings, people and attractions not present at the actual 2026 events. Always consult the organizers for real event details.
Editorial disclosure: This Community Guide is independently researched. ACE California Health Clinic does not organize or sponsor the featured events. Confirm all information with the organizers before visiting.
Event organizers & official information
Event organizers control schedules, tickets, admission policies, and changes. Images throughout this guide are AI-generated illustrations, not photographs of any event. The photos appearing on organizer websites are not copied here.
- Christmas in the Park
- SJMADE Holiday Fair
- Santa Clara Holiday Tree Lighting
- Cupertino Community Tree Lighting
- San Jose Holiday Lights
- Gilroy Gardens operating calendar
- Fantasy of Lights tickets and accessibility
Editorial independence: ACE California Health Clinic is not an event organizer or paid sponsor; this is not a paid ranking. Family tips for events other than Christmas in the Park are ideas, not claims of firsthand visits.