On November 18, 2022, we launched Holiday San José, the City of San José's six-week promotion supporting merchants, retailers, food and beverage locations and business associations in a selection of shopping areas around our large city. OEDCA Deputy Director Blage Zelalich unveiled the Holiday San José map at a news conference that was also attended by representatives of many of the city’s business district associations. 

Blage recognized the associations serving the businesses in Alum Rock, Alum Rock Village, East Santa Clara, The Alameda, Tully and Story Roads, Downtown, Japantown, Willow Glen, Winchester, West San Carolos and the San Jose Berryessa Flea Market. The associations that represent the merchants in these areas helped select the map’s highlighted locations, and are distributing flyers, posters and stickers for the campaign in their districts. 

“We designed the map to highlight just some of San José's diverse, rich neighborhoods,” Blage explained. ”Our local small businesses have taken a lot of hits since the beginning of the pandemic, and I think we’re all ready to get out and explore and celebrate a little!” 

The campaign is directed at families, to encourage them upgrade their holiday shopping chores from online to in-person, with the bonus of helping entertain the kids! 

As you will see from the map, we are highlighting more than just "shopping local" - our unique neighborhoods offer a real a holiday experience for the whole family.  Each of our featured commercial "Main Streets" has one-of-a-kind merchants, points of interest, refreshments and options for children to enjoy. 

We are encouraging San Joséans to check their local shopping area's offerings for the holiday season, and to plan some expeditions across town for immersion into a new neighborhood holiday experience. 

For planning a holiday adventure, the map lays out the options, and on the back we "unwrap" each of the areas to highlight special features. 

The campaign also includes a series of social media posts highlighting each of the 12 shopping areas, and video vignettes of special events and offers across the city.