By Robert Haugh
The Mission City is blessed with a myriad of local events.
Here’s a few Holiday favorites and upcoming events in the Mission City:
Friday, November 25 and Saturday, November 26, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Santa Clara Convention Center, 5001 Great America Parkway, Santa Clara, 95054
Free parking, free admission
SJMade is dubbed the largest holiday craft fair in the South Bay Area with over 425 artists, vendors and makers. This is one of our favorite events, but could maybe use a name change (hint, hint). The Santa Clara Convention Center has undergone an impressive makeover during Covid. #ShopSmall
WinterFest at California’s Great America
Opens Friday, November 25, Selected Dates Through January 1
4701 Great America Parkway, Santa Clara 95054
Great America calls WinterFest, “the Bay Area’s most immersive holiday event … sparkling brighter than ever before.” Great America is now a winter wonderland and holiday festival. Guests can ice-skate in front of the iconic Carousel Columbia and enjoy several live shows.
Activities and attractions include sending letters to the North Pole, checking out Santa’s workshop and baking cookies in Mrs. Claus’ kitchen and numerous dining locations. You can see one of the Bay Area’s tallest Christmas trees adorned with thousands of twinkling lights and accompanied by giant toy soldiers.
Santa Clara Holiday Tree Lighting
Friday, December 2, 5 to 8 p.m.
Santa Clara Central Park, 969 Kiely Blvd, Santa Clara 95050
The City of Santa Clara will host the Annual Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony in-person this year. The event will feature performances from community groups, food and pictures with Santa. Teddy will reside atop the 90-foot lit tree in Central Park from Dec. 2 through Jan. 6, 2023.
There is also the Santa Clara Holiday Historic Home Tour! This year it will be held Friday, December 2nd (6 pm – 10 pm) and Saturday December 3rd (noon – 5 pm). You can get tickets and more information, including the featured homes, at sc-hometours.com. As an added bonus, on Sunday, December 4th, 2022, the Harris Lass House Museum will host an Open House from 12 noon to 2 pm. Everyone is invited to this event which will feature tours, refreshments, and the opportunity to take photos in front of the family Christmas Tree. No tickets or reservations are required for this extra venue. It’s a great way to get in the holiday spirit!