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Best Things to Do in the South Bay This January

Best Things to Do in the South Bay This January

Picture of Mimi Pinson

Mimi Pinson

It’s a new year filled with great things to do in the South Bay and Peninsula. We’ve pulled together the best events, festivals, museum exhibitions and concerts of January to start your year off right. Whether you’re in San Mateo, Santa Clara, San Jose or elsewhere, there’s plenty to do.

Beyond January 2024, Local Getaways has more of the best things to do in the South Bay, including museums, cultural events, food tours, golfing, hikes and more. Speaking of food, we also have an extensive list of our best restaurants in the South Bay. Staying for a weekend? Here are the best places to stay. 
 
January is cold in the South Bay, with temperatures in the 40s-50s and eight days of rain on average.

Featured photo by Skyler Fusco (@slfusco on Instagram).
A nighttime aerial view of an outdoor ice skating rink surrounded by tall, illuminated palm trees, one of the best things to do in South Bay in January. Skaters glide on the ice under purple lights, with a nearby crowd watching. In the background, buildings and city lights are visible.
Photo courtesy of San Jose Downtown Association.

Aloha Downtown Skate

Through mid-January

The beloved Kristi Yamaguchi Downtown Ice Rink has been replaced this winter season with roller skating. Make new memories and keep the holiday tradition of skating alive this winter season. 

More info: alohafuncenter.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 at CuriOdyssey

November 16–January 26

For the rest of January, you can still play with colors and learn about light with CuriOdyssey’s seasonal exhibit IlluminOdyssey. The interactive San Mateo museum presents a maze of glowing projections and phosphorescent surfaces, where the whole family can learn about refraction, photoluminescence, color and the properties of light. Grab your lantern and bask in its glow!

More info: curiodyssey.org

A group of people walk along a dirt path through a lush, green field toward a large tree with dense foliage. Other trees and greenery surround the area, and a wooden sign is visible along the path in the foreground. Enjoying scenic walks like this is one of the best things to do in South Bay in January.
Photo by Skyler Fusco (@slfusco on Instagram).

Hair of the Dog Hike at Filoli

January 1

Working on your New Year’s resolution but don’t want to stop celebrating just yet? Filoli is leading a boozy hike through a trail connected to its beautiful Woodside estate. This self-guided hike includes a bit of bubbles to start, mimosas at the halfway point and a poolside bloody Mary to finish. Tickets are on sale now for four different starting times between 10 a.m. and noon.

More info: filoli.org

Two dancers perform traditional Mexican folk dance on stage. The woman, in a green, red, and white skirt with a white blouse, holds a sombrero. The man, dressed in a black charro suit with red accents, kneels. A banner backdrop displays sponsor logos for one of the Best Things South Bay January events.
Photo courtesy of Children's Discovery Museum.

El Día de los Tres Reyes Magos

January 11

Celebrate Latino culture with Mariachi bands, dancing, crafts and more at the Children’s Discovery Museum in San Jose. El Día de los Tres Reyes Magos — Three Kings’ Day in English, or the Epiphany — ends the season of Christmas festivities and is widely celebrated in Spanish-speaking countries. Experience folkloric dance while enjoying a slice of King’s Cake in this vibrant event. 

More info: cdm.org

A football player from the San Francisco 49ers, wearing number 10, prepares to throw a pass during a game. Another 49ers player blocks a defensive player from the Cardinals, wearing number 93. The action takes place on the field with spectators in the background, capturing one of the best things to see in South Bay this January.
Photo courtesy of San Francisco 49ers.

49ers games

2025 Dates TBD

The San Francisco 49ers return to Levi’s Stadium for highly anticipated home game. Watch the Niners go head-to-head with other NFL teams at their Santa Clara arena. Bring your friends and get your game face on!

More info: 49ers.com

Two smiling men are seated side by side in front of a green background. Both have dark hair, with one wearing a polka-dotted jacket and the other a dark shirt with red accents. Between them, a logo reads "DESI COMEDY FEST" in bold letters within a circular design—one of the best things in South Bay this January.
Photo courtesy of Improv.

Desi Comedy Fest

2025 Dates TBD

Catch a night full of Desi comics (comics of Indian, Pakistani or Bangladeshi descent) at San Jose Improv. Branded as the largest South Asian comedy festival in America, Desi Comedy Fest features a hilarious lineup of Abhay Nadkarni, Samson Koletkar, Dhaya Lakshminarayanan and many more. 

More info: improv.com

A human hand and a robotic hand reach out towards each other with their index fingers almost touching. The background features hexagonal digital interfaces, musical notes, and various icons, symbolizing the fusion of technology and creativity—truly one of the Best Things South Bay has to offer in January.
Photo courtesy of Symphony San Jose.

Symphony San Jose

January 25–26

Symphony San Jose’s January program in 2025 features two performances of The Firebird at the California Theatre. 

More info: symphonysanjose.org

Event Venues

Looking to see what’s happening right now in the South Bay? Our comprehensive list of venues below will help you find what you need to know what’s going on.

Music Venues

The Ritz

San Jose Civic 

Shoreline Amphitheatre

Felton Music Hall 

Frost Amphitheater 

The Catalyst

A large outdoor concert venue with a white tent-like roof structure. The stage is set up under the canopy, and a large audience fills the seating area and lawn. The sky is clear with a few clouds, indicating an evening event. Trees are visible around the venue; one of the best things to do in the South Bay this March.

Theaters

San Jose Center of Performing Arts

City Lights Theater Company 

California Theatre

Broadway San Jose

Museums

Filoli Historic House & Garden 

Montalvo Arts Center 

San Jose Museum of Art

The Tech Interactive 

Children’s Discovery Museum 

MACLA

An urban park with a circular water fountain and surrounding trees in the foreground. Behind the park is a bright orange building with a purple dome and palm trees. Several high-rise buildings and a clear blue sky are in the background, making it one of the best things to do in the South Bay this March.

Multi Use

Starbright Theater

Quinlan Community Center 

Seven Trees Community Center

Sunnyvale Community Center

Comedy

San Jose Improv

Movie Theaters

CinéArts Santana Row 

CineLux Plaza Theatre 

Stanford Theatre

Landmark’s Aquarius Theatre

Looking for more things to do in the area?

Visit our What to Do in Northern California page!

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