Thousands of people returned downtown daily in December to celebrate holiday traditions including Christmas in the Park exhibits, Kristi Yamaguchi Downtown Ice skating and Winter Wonderland rides.  Mothers and fathers who grew up attending Christmas in the Park with their parents returned after a one-year hiatus caused by COVID-19 and shared the experience with their children and, in some cases, their grandchildren.

The omicron variant proved concerning, but most people wore their masks, kept their distance inside and outdoors, had their COVID vaccinations and boosters and stayed home if they had symptoms.

Christmas in the Park Executive Director Jason Minsky reported record crowds for the 2021 season. New features included a walk-through 65-foot tall Christmas tree and Blinky’s Tavern, the first-ever beer and wine garden set inside of an inflatable log cabin.More than 30,000 skaters enjoyed taking laps around the iconic Downtown Ice skating rink set among 32 palm trees in the Circle of Palms.  As usual, more than 100,000 stopped to marvel at the rink’s unique architecture and watch the skaters.  A big change this year at the rink – hour-long sessions and reservations made online – resulting in fresh ice and no more long lines!

And despite the closure of Park Avenue due to construction of several buildings along the one-block section between Market Street and Almaden Boulevard, Winter Wonderland squeezed several rides along Paseo de San Antonio for children to enjoy.

The return of the big three attractions was supplemented by the return of stage performances including “The Nutcracker,” Carols in the California, Season of Hope free concerts, and A Magical Cirque as well as timely exhibits such as the Van Gogh immersive experience and Sonic Runway lighted art sculpture at City Hall.  Families spent their days also visiting the museums, participating in daily Holly Jolly Holiday programming at 3Below, eating lunch and dinner indoors and al fresco and sipping famous Snowman Hot Chocolate.

The revelry continued through New year’s, with multiple public parties and a Monte Carlo-themed bash at San Pedro Square Market.

Exploration of downtown proved rewarding.  While moving from place to place, the downtown community created Light the Holiday Nights, which included special lighting and projections on St. Joseph Cathedral, City Hall Rotunda, San Jose Civic, San Pedro Square arch as well as many downtown buildings.  A spherical Holiday Tree brightened the Paseo near the Hammer Theater.

Downtown San Jose has always shone brightest during the holidays and this year. After a dark 2020, both patrons and businesses were relieved to see the return of so many family traditions in 2021 , which also provided hope for 2022.