Magical moments.
Sparkling memories.
White Christmas wonderland
Step into a sparkling world of snowflakes, reindeer, and twinkling lights. This classic winter scene brings the magic of a white Christmas to life — even in sunny California!
Golden Christmas
Walk beneath a glowing candlelit tunnel and marvel at a majestic 60-foot golden Christmas tree. This radiant world shimmers with warmth, celebration, and timeless holiday wonder.
Enchanted jungle
Wander through a glowing jungle where giant caterpillars light the way, gentle dinosaurs roam, and the mythical Quetzalcoatl watches from above. A magical realm full of creatures—real and imagined.
Cactus mirage
Wander through a glowing desert of towering cacti, colorful creatures, and surreal Mexican-inspired lightscapes. A vibrant fusion of fantasy and tradition.
Celestial garden
Stroll through a luminous garden blooming with roses and California wildflowers. Along winding paths, discover glowing zodiac trees and dreamy floral arches — where nature and starlight bloom together.
Candy wonderland
Enter a sugar-swirled dream through giant donut tunnels and twinkling ice cream Christmas trees. A whimsical world of sweet delights, made for joyful hearts and wide-eyed wonder.
Lighting ceremony
Thanksgiving
Christmas cosplay day
New year’s eve celebration
Plan your visit
Opening dates
- Nov 21, 2025 – Jan 4, 2026
- Daily 4:30 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.
Location
- Discovery Meadow (Entrance at 330 W San Carlos St), Guadalupe River Park, San Jose, CA
Parking
We recommend the following parking options, all within a 3-5 minute walk to the entrance:
- Almaden/Woz Lot
- Ernst & Young Garage (303 Almaden Blvd)
- SP+ Parking (280 S Market St)
To save time, consider reserving a space in advance using ParkWhiz or SpotAngels.
Public transit
VTA Light Rail
- Children’s Discovery Museum Station (Blue Line) – Just steps from the entrance.
VTA Bus
- San Carlos & Guadalupe River Stop – Located directly in front of Discovery Meadow.
- Nearby routes: 23, 64A, Rapid 523, and more.
Tips
- You may stay until 10:30 PM regardless of your ticket's entry time. (Note: Last entry is at 10:00 PM. No admissions allowed after that.)
- The venue is wheelchair- and stroller-friendly. While some paths are temporarily installed for the event, all walkways are designed to accommodate strollers and mobility devices.
- Portable restrooms are available at both the north and south ends of Discovery Meadow.
- Waterproof shoes are recommended on rainy evenings. The festival takes place almost entirely on grass, which may remain wet or muddy after rain.
Media quotes
We’re at the start of San Jose’s brightest season, and it’s actually brighter this year than ever before. That’s thanks to the new San Jose Holiday Lights, a new event that’s lighting up downtown’s Discovery Meadow Park.The Mercury News
Larger than life characters stand tall in Discovery Meadow in downtown, creating a different holiday experience for families in San Jose.ABC7 News
And I’ll tell you what — it’s really not your normal holiday lights experience. You’ve got Santa, the elves… but that, my friends, is just where it starts.KTVU FOX 2
Glowing lights and holiday cheer are all around the city. Exploring San Jose’s festive light attractions is the perfect way to make memories and celebrate the season.✨❄️🎄VISIT SAN JOSE
Step into a sparkling world of snowflakes, reindeer, and twinkling lights. This classic winter scene brings the magic of a white Christmas to life — even in sunny California! SAN JOSE DOWNTOWN