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Where to See Holiday Lights in San Jose: Willow Glen, Downtown & More
There’s something about San Jose during the holidays that makes getting in the car with a hot chocolate and going to look at Christmas lights feel like a required December activity.
From the neighborhood displays in Willow Glen to Christmas in the Park in Downtown San Jose, there are several local traditions worth putting on your holiday list.
Here are a few of my favorites, plus some tips for planning your visit.
1. Willow Glen Christmas Lights
If you want to see neighborhood Christmas lights in San Jose, Willow Glen is one of the area’s best-known holiday traditions.
Throughout December, you’ll find decorated homes and the neighborhood’s distinctive small holiday trees lining many residential streets.
Unlike a ticketed attraction, there isn’t one official route through the neighborhood. Displays can also change from year to year, so part of the fun is simply exploring.
Local tip: Glen Eyrie Avenue and the surrounding residential streets are popular places to start. From there, you can make your way toward Downtown Willow Glen and Lincoln Avenue.
Remember that these are residential streets. Drive slowly, watch for pedestrians, keep noise down and never block a driveway.
2. Christmas in the Park – Downtown San Jose
Plaza de César Chávez becomes one of Downtown San Jose’s biggest holiday destinations each year with Christmas in the Park.
The free walk-through experience features hundreds of decorated trees, animated displays, entertainment and holiday activities.
For the 2026 season, Christmas in the Park is scheduled to run from November 27, 2026 through January 1, 2027, from noon to 10 p.m. daily.
3. Blinky’s Drive-Thru Light Show
Prefer to stay warm in the car?
Christmas in the Park also operates Blinky’s Drive-Thru Light Show, a ticketed experience with more than a mile of illuminated displays synchronized to holiday music.
This is a separate experience from the free Downtown San Jose event, so check the current year’s location, dates and ticket availability before heading out.
Blinky’s Drive-Thru Light Show
4. Holiday Fun in Downtown San Jose
Christmas in the Park isn’t the only reason to spend an evening Downtown.
The surrounding Downtown San Jose area typically offers additional seasonal activities, restaurants and entertainment, making it easy to turn a visit to the lights into a full evening.
One important distinction: Christmas in the Park notes that Downtown Ice and Winter Wonderland are independently operated attractions, so their dates, admission and hours should be checked separately.
5. Miracle at Paper Plane
For an adults-only holiday stop, Paper Plane in Downtown San Jose hosts Miracle, a Christmas-themed cocktail pop-up with holiday décor and seasonal drinks.
Paper Plane is a 21+ establishment, and its current site confirms the Miracle holiday concept.
Make a Night of It in Willow Glen
After exploring the Willow Glen lights, head toward Lincoln Avenue for dinner, dessert or a warm drink.
Downtown Willow Glen also hosts seasonal events throughout the year, so it’s worth checking the Downtown Willow Glen Business Association calendar before you go.
Before You Go
Holiday events, displays and operating dates can change every year. For organized attractions, check the official event website before leaving home.
For neighborhood lights, remember you’re visiting people’s homes. Be considerate of residents, pedestrians and other visitors while enjoying the displays.
And don’t forget the hot chocolate. That’s basically mandatory.
Michelle Elliott
Coldwell Banker Realty
San Jose, CA
DRE #01777533
Holiday displays, dates, hours, locations and ticket availability can change. Verify current information directly with each event or organizer before visiting.
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About the Author – Michelle Elliott
With over 20 years of experience navigating the fast-paced Silicon Valley market, I provide a strategic, results-driven approach to residential real estate. My career is built on a foundation of deep local expertise and a relentless commitment to my clients’ success, resulting in over $235 million in lifetime sales volume and a consistent ranking in the top 3% of agents in Santa Clara County and top 2% at Coldwell Banker. My expertise has been featured on KTVU Fox 2, Real Producers and the Willow Glen Resident. She is also the co-host of the San Jose Podcast “Say What You Want About Real Estate”
A Hyper-Local Expert with Global Reach
I specialize in San Jose, in the neighborhoods of Willow Glen (95125 & 95124) Cambrian Park and Almaden, Downtown San Jose/Japantown (95112) markets. As a certified Luxury Property Specialist with Coldwell Banker Realty, I combine high-end marketing strategies with granular neighborhood knowledge to help my clients achieve premium results.
The “Tiger” at the Negotiating Table
My clients have characterized me as a “tiger” at the negotiating table who remains “sweet and patient” with my clients throughout the process. I pride myself on being a fierce advocate for my buyers and sellers, ensuring the best possible terms in every transaction, and I strive to be the best Realtor in 95125! This balance, drive, and tenacity have earned me consistent 5-star ratings across Google, Zillow, Realtor.com, and Yelp.
Michelle Elliott
Michelle@michelleelliottrealtor.com
1712 Meridian Ave, Ste C, San Jose, CA
DRE 01777533
