*This is a special feature from the City of San Jose, Department of Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Services 

"Christmas in the Park brings smiles and joy to our community during a time when we all need it most,” says Jason Minsky, Executive Director of Christmas in the Park. “It is the most beloved tradition in San José and hundreds of thousands attend it every year. It has become a part of almost everyone’s family holiday.”

This year is different, Minsky noted, “Our community needs this even if we did it slightly different. And so, our holiday tradition continues and welcomes all to enjoy and celebrate from the comfort and safety of their vehicles.”

For the past 40 years, Christmas in the Park (CITP) has brought holiday cheer to the heart of Downtown San José at Plaza de Cesar Chavez. This tradition has brought thousands of people from all over the Bay Area together to celebrate and enjoy the holidays with their loved ones.

As the pandemic began impacting our community back in early March, our #SiliconValleyStrongHeroes knew this year's Christmas in the Park would be unlike ever before.

As this holiday tradition began adapting to COVID-19 safety protocols for the safety of guests, volunteers and employees, they pivoted from an in-person experience to the drive-thru system, CITP has been able to overcome the challenges the pandemic brought.

This year our #SiliconValleyStrongHeroes will continue to bring the holiday spirit in its new location at History Park. The 14-acre site offers the "charm and ambiance of times gone by" and creates a perfect place to celebrate the holidays safely.

Visitors will still be able to reminisce at the beloved whimsical displays seen at CITP along with the hundreds of decorated Christmas trees along the path. New features to CITP this year will fill your visual and audio senses with a light tunnel, spirit meter, and millions of lights set to a rousing soundtrack to bring you into the Holiday spirit.

Christmas in the Park is a non-profit organization heavily supported through fundraising efforts, sponsorships, ride revenue and vendor fees. Due to the challenges this year has presented, Christmas in the Park has moved towards an admission-based event with twilight tickets being sold for $10 between the hours of 4 p.m. and 5 p.m., and regular price tickets are $20 between 5 p.m. and 10 p.m. each night. Tickets are still available for the purchase of week 6 of Christmas in the Park for its last dates of January 1 through January 3.

The dedication and tireless hours of planning for the success of this year's Christmas in the Park, so that families in our community can still celebrate the holidays and the spirit of our collective community, we applaud our #SiliconValleyStrongHeroes who continue to have a positive impact in our community during these difficult times.

If you would like to purchase tickets for Christmas in the Park or learn more about our #SiliconValleyStrongHeroes, please visit www.christmasinthepark.com.