Best Things to Do in the South Bay This December

Best Things to Do in the South Bay This December

With the holiday season in full swing, December is full of exciting and festive events — from Christmas in the Park and a Santa-bedecked fun run to a fantastical light exhibit and holiday sing-along concert. These are the best things to do in the South Bay this December. 

Featured photo courtesy of Christmas in the Park
A large green oval sign with the words "CHRISTMAS IN THE PARK" in yellow letters features a silhouette of Santa's sleigh pulled by reindeer. Surrounded by colorful holiday decorations, including small Christmas trees and presents, this event is one of the best things to do in the Bay Area this December.
Photo courtesy of Christmas in the Park.

Christmas in the Park

Through January 1

Each year the Plaza de Cesar Chavez in downtown San Jose is transformed into a holiday fantasyland with over 40 musical and animated exhibits, glittering lights and a 50-foot Community Giving Tree. Guests can enjoy a winter wonderland of lights, songs and local entertainment while strolling through an enchanted forest of trees decorated by San José schools, community groups and businesses.

More info: sjdowntown.com

A silhouette of a child, with hands raised, stands against a vibrant, multicolored light display. Bright streaks of green, blue, and purple converge at the center, creating a dynamic burst of color and motion. The child's hair is tied back in a ponytail—truly one of the best things to do in the South Bay this December.
Photo courtesy of CuriOdyssey.

IlluminOdyssey

Through January

Inspired by the science of light, this annual exhibit at CuriOdyssey in San Mateo is a glowing forest of science — a maze of luminous botanical geometry, rainbow refractions and swirling projections. Explore the physical properties of light, such as photoluminescence, color, additive light mixing, waves, fluorescence, fluid dynamics, subtractive color mixing, and refraction.

More info: curiodyssey.org

A close-up of a Christmas tree branch decorated with a single red ornament hanging from a silver string captures the festive ambiance. The background, featuring blurred lights and subtle decorations, evokes the cozy atmosphere you'll find among the best things to do in the South Bay this December.
Photo by Sandra Seitamaa via Unsplash.

24th Annual Sunnyvale Tree Lighting

Date TBD

Stop by Downtown Sunnyvale to hear Christmas carols and see ornaments twinkling at its yearly tree lighting! This event wraps up a day of activities, like breakfast with Santa, a holiday artisan market and a winter wonderland complete with face painting, story telling and crafts of all sorts. 

A festive graphic features an illustration of a Santa-like figure with white hair and beard, wearing red-framed sunglasses and a red hoodie. The text "Christmas at the California" is displayed prominently along with "A Holiday Spectacular" below. Discover the Best Things to do in the South Bay This December!
Photo courtesy of Symphony San Jose.

Christmas at the California

Date TBD

Symphony San Jose is teaming up with the Symphony San Jose Chorale, the Cantabile Youth Singers, New Ballet and others to journey through a selection of favorite carols and holiday music. The concert will include Sleigh Ride, selections from The Nutcracker, John Williams’ Home Alone Suite, The Twelve Days of Silicon Valley, and the always-popular audience sing-a-long. Those with young ones can arrive early for the chance to meet Santa Claus and decorate their own gingerbread cookie. 

More info: symphonysanjose.org

The San Jose Nutcracker

Dates TBD

In its 58th year of performance, The Nutcracker at California Theater is a holiday tradition for the South Bay. But this isn’t your average Nutcracker. Set in San Jose in 1905, The San Jose Nutcracker incorporates local history and landmarks to put a unique spin on a familiar story. Parents with toddlers and young children can also enjoy, as the New Ballet Company includes a special, shortened version of the show called “My Very First Nutcracker” on December 17. 

More info: newballet.com/nutcracker

A large group of people dressed in festive outfits, including Santa hats and elf costumes, participate in a fun run on a city street. Under a banner that reads "Santa Run Silicon Valley," buildings and spectators are visible in the background. It's one of the best things to do in the South Bay this December!
Photo courtesy of Santa Run Silicon Valley.

2023 Santa Run Silicon Valley

Date TBD

Get your run on at the 2023 Silicon Valley Santa Run in downtown San Jose. Not only are runners encouraged to dress in their favorite holiday character or tradition such as Santa, Mrs. Claus, the Grinch, reindeer, elves, dreidels, menorahs, ornaments or more, there’s post-race milk and cookies at Christmas in the Park and a short fun run just for the kids. All event proceeds go to local charities supporting a safe, clean, and vibrant San Jose.

More info: santarunsv.com

Looking for more things to do in the area?

Visit our What to Do in Northern California page!

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