9 free holiday listings for 2026: tree lightings, Santa, lights and library holiday crafts. Each one links to the organizer’s own page. We add more as cities and libraries publish their December calendars.
Nov 27 – Jan 1 · 12:00–10:00 pm daily, including Christmas Eve and Christmas Day
Plaza de César Chávez · Market St between San Fernando St & San Carlos St, San Jose, CA 95113
Downtown San José's holiday park fills Plaza de César Chávez with decorated trees and displays, open every day through New Year's Day. Free admission.
Good to know: Donations welcome but optional.
Source: Christmas in the Park (nonprofit) · checked Oct 26
DirectionsNov 28 · 6:00–7:00 pm
Plaza de César Chávez · Market St between San Fernando St & San Carlos St, San Jose, CA 95113
Opening night of Christmas in the Park, when the community tree is lit and the season officially kicks off downtown.
Source: Christmas in the Park (nonprofit) · checked Oct 26
DirectionsNov 28 – Dec 24 · Every night; exact hours to be posted on the organizer's site
Santa's House, Plaza de César Chávez · Market St between San Fernando St & San Carlos St, San Jose, CA 95113
Kids can visit Santa at his house in the park every night until Christmas Eve, and the photos are free.
Source: Christmas in the Park (nonprofit) · checked Oct 26
DirectionsDec 1–15 · 6:00–8:00 pm on Tuesdays Dec 1, 8 and 15
Santana Row (Oak Tree Lounge, in front of Blue Bottle) · Santana Row, San Jose, CA 95128
Three Tuesday evenings of free Santa photos at Santana Row, with a holiday stage show and snow falling in Park Valencia.
Good to know: Santa photos are listed as free; the page gives no price for the stage show or snow showers.
Source: Santana Row · checked Oct 26
DirectionsDec 13–27 · 9:00 am–2:00 pm on Sun Dec 13 and Sun Dec 27 only
Plaza de César Chávez · Market St between San Fernando St & San Carlos St, San Jose, CA 95113
Two Sunday mornings set aside as sensory-friendly visits to Christmas in the Park, for kids who do better with a calmer experience.
Source: Christmas in the Park (nonprofit) · checked Oct 26
Directions4 free holiday events so far. Libraries post December programs about four weeks ahead, so this list grows through November.
4:30–5:30 pm
Free1West Valley, San José Public Library
Children and families are invited to meet teen volunteers in the library's Children's Area to make winter holiday cards that will go to senior citizens to foster a sense of…
Source: San José Public Library · checked today
4:30–5:30 pm
Free2East SJ Carnegie, San José Public Library
Discover the magical world of shadow puppetry with Daniel Barash of Firelight Shadow Theater.
Source: San José Public Library · checked today
4–5 pm
Free2East SJ Carnegie, San José Public Library
Learn about the science behind bath bombs as you create your own! They will make great gifts for the upcoming holidays. Free.
Source: San José Public Library · checked today
4–5 pm
Free3Tully, San José Public Library
This week, we'll make colorful and festive paper ornaments to celebrate the winter holidays. All supplies will be provided. For ages 6 and up.
Source: San José Public Library · checked today