November 20-December 18, 2009

Saturday, November 21, 2009

1-2 p.m.

SJ Sharks mascot Sharkie

Friday, November 27, 2009

Downtown Ice Kick-Off Celebration

5:00 p.m.

Downtown Ice

Location:  120 S. Market St.,Downtown San Jose, next to Fairmont Hotel

Skate the Circle of Palms at Downtown Ice – Opens Nov. 20

The San Jose Downtown Association once again invites everyone to experience the South Bay’s largest seasonal outdoor skating rink “Downtown Ice,” located under and around the Circle of Palms.  For a preview, check out the rink, now under construction. 

• Nov 21: Bring the family to enjoy a one-of-a-kind fun skating experience with SJ Sharks mascot Sharkie.  Don’t forget your camera.  1-2 pm

• Nov. 27: Kick off your holiday season during the Downtown for the Holidays celebration, including a New Orleans-style marching band, skate team and emcee Diane Dwyer of NBC Bay Area.  Complete your evening with other exciting events just a few steps away at Christmas in the Park and Winter Wonderland.  5 pm

For information, please visit their website at Downtown Ice

November 21, 2009

Saturday

9:00 am. to 12:00 p.m.

Christmas in the Park "Get Involved" Workshop at Christmas in the Park!

November 21, 2009   Decorate Christmas in the Park!

Location:  Plaza de Cesar Chavez

It takes, more than 257,000 volunteer hours to present Christmas in the Park.

To learn how you can help, you may call to volunteer or send an email to volunteer@christmasinthepark.com
Telephone:  (408) 995-6635 (NOEL) x11
All volunteers under 18 must bring a Minor Volunteer Services Agreement signed by a parent or guardian.

Website: Christmas In the Park

Saturday

November 21, 2009

9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

1:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Wonders of our Water Works Bus Tours

Location:  San Jose/Santa Clara Water Pollution Control Plant, Admin. Bldg.

               700 Los Esteros Rd., San José, 95134

The 2009 Wonders of Our Water Works tour season has been extended.

Tours are available!

The FREE two-hour bus tour includes:

• Exploring the largest advanced wastewater treatment facility on the West Coast
• Finding out where water from your sinks, showers and toilets goes before it flows into the Bay each day
• Learning how wastewater from 1.4 million residents and 16,000 businesses in eight South Bay cities is cleaned to almost drinking water standards
• Visiting the spot where 90 percent of treated water is released into the South Bay
• Finding out why the Plant needs improvements after over 50 years of working around-the-clock
• Learning about the Plant's ongoing master plan process - one of the region's largest public works projects - and providing your input on the Plant's future
• Learning how 10 percent of treated water is recycled for irrigation and industrial systems
• Visiting the Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge - the largest urban wildlife refuge in the nation.

Website:  San Jose/Santa Clara Water Pollution Control Plant

Sunday, November 29, 2009

12:00 - 5:00p.m.

San Jose's Birthday

Los Californianos and History San Jose - Live music, candle lighting cake tours.

Please bring canned goods or non-perishable packaged food donation to benefit Second Harvest Food Bank.

Website:  History San Jose

Friday, November 27, 2009

5:30 p.m.

Recognitions &

Tree Lighting Ceremony

Christmas in the Park Recognitions, Tree Lighting Ceremony & Special Musical Performances

Location:  Plaza De Cesar Chavez (between San Carlos and San Fernando Streets)

Please join in the holiday cheer in attending the Christmas in the Park Recognitions, tree lighting ceremony and special musical performances!

For more information, call the Christmas in the Park hotline at 408-995-NOEL (6635)

Website:  http://www.christmasinthepark.com

Friday November 27, 2009 through

Friday, January 1, 2010

Christmas in the Park

Location:  Plaza De Cesar Chavez (between San Carlos and San Fernando Streets)

For more information, call the Christmas in the Park hotline at 408-995-NOEL (6635)

Website:  http://www.christmasinthepark.com

Sunday, November 29, 2009

San José's Birthday  ( In Partnership with Los Californianos)

Location:  Peralta Adobe and Fallon House Site, 175 W. Saint John St., San Jose

Live Music, candle lighting, birthday cake, and tours of the Peralta Adobe - Fallon House Historic Site

For information, please contact:  History San José

Saturday, December 5, 2009

12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Heritage Holiday at History San José

Location:  History Park, 1650 Senter Rd, San Jose

Shopping, music, dancing, and Santa Claus!

Throughout the day:
- Children's crafts inside the Firehouse
- A. Schmahl Science Workshop science projects
- Shopping at The Museum Store and with local artisans
- Food and drinks available in O'Brien's
- Trolley and handcart rides
- Docent-led tours of the historic homes of History Park
- Willow Glen honey tasting
- Village Harvest food tasting

- Entertainment

For information, please contact:  History San José

Saturday, December 5, 2009

3:00-7:00 p.m.

10th Annual Inflation Celebration - San José Holiday Parade

Location:  Downtown San Jose

Get a special sneak preview of the 28th Anniversary of the San Jose Holiday Parade at the 10th Annual Inflation Celebration The sizzle of the parade begins when creative and dazzling floats arrive on the eve of the parade right outside the Tech Museum of Innovation on Market St. and Park Ave. Watch in awe as a giant 50-foot tall Toy Soldier balloon rises above the streets of Downtown San José and above the roof of the Tech.

Start the Parade excitement at this free holiday event and kick-off the 2009 San Jose Holiday Parade – Adventures in Toyland. The night features giant helium balloons, dazzling floats, children's activities, great giveaways and live entertainment. Join the excitement for a special viewing of the San Jose Holiday Parade and get the weekend off to a great start!

Website:  10th Annual Inflation Celebration - San José Holiday Parade

Sunday, December 6, 2009

7:00 a.m. to 8:30 a.m.

Mrs. Claus’ Breakfast Nook

Location:  The Tech Museum

To kick-off the 28th annual San Jose Holiday Parade, Mrs. Claus’ and friends from the parade will be joining us for breakfast on Sunday, December 6, 2009 from 7:00 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. Join in for a delicious buffet breakfast, the perfect way to start the parade morning. Afterwards, join in and watch the San Jose Holiday Parade from exclusive bleacher seats. Please support Toys for Tots and bring a new unwrapped toy to drop off to the United States Marine Corp as you enter the nook.

If you would like to learn more about this event or for ticket information:

San Jose Holiday Parade

Telephone:  408-794-6200

Email:        sjholidayparade@sanjoseca.gov

Website:    Mrs. Clause Breakfast Nook-San Jose Holiday Parade

Sunday, December 6, 2009

8:00 am. - 12:00 p.m.

San José Holiday Parade

Location:  Downtown San José - Begins at Santa Clara and Market St

For information, please contact:

Parade Office: City of San José, Department of Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Services, Marketing & Events Office, Leininger Center, 1300 Senter Rd San José, 95113

Telephone:  (408) 794-6200

E-mail:        sjholidayparade@sanjoseca.gov

Call to volunteer (408) 793-4170

Website:     San José Holiday Parade

Sunday, December 6, 2009

11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

ParadeFest - Christmas in the Park

Location:  Christmas in the Park, Plaza de Cesar Chavez

After the parade, don’t go home! The party continues during Paradefest @ Christmas in the Park. The fun and excitement of the San Jose Holiday Parade continues with awards ceremonies, special guests and great entertainment at San Jose’s Christmas in the Park!

• Don’t miss the highly anticipated results of the Wells Fargo Battle of the Bands competition. The region’s top bands will get their results and awards in one of the most prestigious parade competitions around!
• Exclusive “Meet and Greet” with Special Guest
• Your favorite characters from the parade will be walking around and greeting guests.
• A visit from the San Jose Fire Department’s Sharks Fire Engine!
• Bring your old glasses to Donate to the Lions Club!
• Musical Entertainment!
• Free Give Aways!
• Fun Activities!
• Free Health Screening with the San Jose Lions Club!

To bring the fun-filled, family day to the perfect conclusion is the Toys For Tots “Winter Holiday Concert” featuring the Third Marine Aircraft Wing Band from Miramar, San Diego! Don’t forget to bring a new unwrapped toy and donate it to the local Toys for Tots program!

For information:  San Jose Holiday Parade

Telephone:  408 794-6200

Email:        sjholidayparade@sanjoseca.gov

Friday, December 11, 2009

3:30-5:00 p.m.

Saturday, December 12, 2009

10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

1:30-3:30 p.m.

Annual Holiday Wreath Workshop!

Location:  Guadalupe River Park & Gardens Visitor's Ctr., 438 Coleman Ave.

This annual workshop is so popular; they have added an additional time slot. Get ready for the holidays the old-fashioned way by making your own wreath to adorn your front door!  Master Gardener Milli Wright and friends will show you how to look through gardens and parks to find unusual items that can be incorporated into the wreaths. After a basic design lesson, and examples of other clever projects, you will be ready to create your own personal gift for your home. All basic materials will be provided, but if you have some special greenery, lights or ornaments that you would like to incorporate onto your wreath, feel free to bring them along.  

Space is limited, reservations are required.

Reserve your spot by contacting education @grpg.org

Telephone:  408 298-7657

Website:     Guadalupe River Park & Gardens