Guide to Christmas-Themed Activities in Santa Clara 2024

By Ben Landis, Marketing Manager

Santa Clara is full of holiday spirit this year, offering a fantastic mix of family-friendly events, unique shopping experiences, and festive entertainment. If you're ready to celebrate the Christmas cheer, we’ve put together the top activities in Santa Clara that are perfect for anyone looking to make the most of the holidays.

From magical amusement park experiences at California’s Great America to unique local makers markets, here’s your ultimate guide to Christmas-themed activities in Santa Clara for 2024.

1. Experience the Holiday Cheer at California’s Great America’s WinterFest

California’s Great America goes all with its famous "WinterFest" celebration. This annual event transforms the park into a winter wonderland, complete with lights, holiday music, and endless entertainment for guests of all ages.

Holiday Highlights:

  • Magical Live Shows: WinterFest features multiple special holiday performances that will get you into the holiday spirit, including "The Tree Lighting Ceremony", "It’s Christmas, Snoopy!", and more.
  • Ice Skating on Snowflake Lake: Glide across a beautifully decorated ice rink surrounded by holiday lights and festive decorations in front of Great America’s iconic Columbia Carousel. 
  • Santa’s Workshop and Festive Treats: Kids can visit and take photos with Santa and enjoy holiday treats and decorate cookies with Mrs. Claus.
  • Festive Rides and Attractions: It’s not an amusement park without the rides! Many of Great America’s popular rides remain open, giving you a holiday twist on your favorite attractions. (Please check out the website or speak to a team member to find out which rides are open.)

More Details:

  • Location: California’s Great America, 4701 Great America Pkwy, Santa Clara, CA 95054
  • Dates: Select Dates from November 29, 2024, through January 5, 2025
  • Tickets: Purchase tickets on Great America’s website.

Dress warmly and be ready for a magical night filled with holiday lights, music, and festive fun for the whole family!

winterfest

2. Shop Till You Drop at Westfield Valley Fair

Westfield Valley Fair is the go-to shopping destination in Silicon Valley, especially during the holiday season. Decked out in dazzling Christmas decorations, Valley Fair offers a festive shopping experience, complete with high-end stores, local boutiques, countless dining options and special holiday events.

What to Expect:

  • Stunning Holiday Decor: From glittering lights to towering Christmas trees, Valley Fair creates a visually stunning holiday atmosphere.
  • Photos with Santa: Visit Santa’s Workshop, where kids can meet Santa and share their Christmas wishes.
  • Seasonal Sales and Deals: Many stores may offer exclusive holiday discounts, so it’s the perfect time to snag gifts for everyone on your list.

a building with cars parked on the side

3. Support Local at SJ Made’s Holiday Fair

If you’re looking to support small businesses and find unique gifts, SJ Made’s Holiday Fair is a must-visit. Hosted at the Santa Clara Convention Center, this popular market features a variety of local artisans and creators, showcasing handmade goods, specialty foods, and holiday decor.

Craft Fair Highlights:

  • Handcrafted Gifts: With over 350 local vendors, you’ll find a wide range of products, such as artisanal candles and jewelry to independent clothing lines, gourmet treats, and more.
  • Support Local Artisans: Shopping at SJ Made not only helps local creators but also gives you access to unique gifts you won’t find at chain stores.

More Details:

  • Location:  Santa Clara Convention Center, 5001 Great America Pkwy, Santa Clara, CA 95054
  • Dates: November 29-30, 2024, 11am-5pm.
  • Entry: Free Admission to the event.

SJ Made’s Holiday Fair is perfect for anyone seeking thoughtful, handcrafted one-of-a-kind gifts and a chance to support the local business owners during the holiday season.

sjmade

4. Tree Lighting Ceremony at Central Park

Kick off the holiday season by attending the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony at Central Park in Santa Clara. This beloved community event brings together the locals for an evening filled with lights, music, and festive cheer.

Event Highlights:

  • Tree Lighting Ceremony: The highlight of the night is the lighting of the massive Christmas tree, illuminating Central Park with a magical glow.
  • Live Performances: Enjoy holiday music and performances by local choirs, dance troupes, and bands.
  • Santa Claus is Coming to Town: Kids can meet Santa Claus and pose for festive photos.

Food and Craft Vendors: Warm up with hot drinks and holiday treats from local vendors and check out some holiday-themed crafts for sale.

Details:

  • Location: Central Park, 909 Kiely Blvd, Santa Clara, CA 95051
  • Date: December 6, 2024, starting at 5:30 PM-8:30 PM
  • Admission: Free to the public

Bring your family, grab a warm drink, and enjoy the sense of community as Santa Clara’s Central Park lights up for the holidays.

5. Experience the Holiday Season at Eataly Silicon Valley

Eataly Silicon Valley is celebrating Christmas in style with a range of special holiday events, including tasting sessions, hands-on cooking classes, and cocktail workshops. These unique experiences allow you to indulge in the flavors of the season while learning new skills.

Hands-On Focaccia: Christmas Edition
Get hands-on in this interactive cooking class where you’ll learn to make holiday-inspired focaccia bread. Perfect for beginner bakers or anyone looking to add a festive Italian touch to their holiday table, this class covers techniques, recipes, and most importantly, tasting the final product.

Details:

Hands-On Cocktail Class: Christmas Cocktails
Take your holiday hosting to the next level with a cocktail-making class. Learn to craft Italian-inspired Christmas cocktails with expert mixologists, perfect for impressing your guests at holiday parties.

Details:

Eataly’s events are a fantastic way to celebrate the holiday season through food, drink, and culture. Whether you’re interested in trying new flavors or learning a new skill, these classes provide a fun and delicious way to get into the Christmas spirit.

Santa Clara is truly a wonderful place to celebrate the holiday season, offering a mix of festive events, family activities, and unique experiences. Whether you’re skating under the stars at WinterFest, shopping for local treasures at SJ Made’s Holiday Market, or learning to make Italian holiday treats at Eataly, there’s something to bring joy to everyone.

So, Santa Clara bundle up, get into the holiday spirit, and enjoy everything Santa Clara has to offer this Christmas season. Happy holidays!