San Jose, California, is the largest city in the bay area, located about 50 miles south of San Francisco. The city is known for its mild climate. In December, temperatures reach an average minimum of 41 degrees Fahrenheit, which means its warm enough to enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, visiting a holiday display in the park or attending a parade. San Jose is also home to an indoor skating rink, which often draws visitors during the month of December.
San Jose may not get cold enough for ice skating outdoors, however, there are places to skate indoors. Sharks Ice is an indoor skating facility. It is also the official practice site for the NHL team, San Jose Sharks. The 170,000-square-foot facility is open for public use seven days a week. If you don't own your own skates, figure skates and hockey skates are available for rent. Sharks Ice is also home to an in-house pro-shop and a full-service restaurant and bar that overlooks the skating rinks.
Sharks Ice
1500 S. Tenth St.
San Jose, CA 95112
408-279-6000
sharksiceatsanjose.com
Since the temperature in San Jose rarely gets below freezing in the winter, you can still participate in outdoor activities in December. The Guadalupe River Park Conservancy spreads across 254 acres of land and features thousands of different trees, shrubs and groundcover plants. You can hike or bike along the park's trails, known collectively as the River Walk. The trails are 12 feet wide in most areas and provide viewing access to the Guadalupe River.
Guadalupe River Park Conservancy
438 Coleman Ave.
San Jose, CA 95110
408-298-7657
grpg.org
Christmas in the Park has been a holiday tradition since 1950. For the entire month of December, a two-acre park in San Jose is decorated with holiday exhibits and lights. One of the highlights includes a 25-foot Christmas tree surrounded by nutcrackers and Santa's house. According to the Christmas in the Park website, the annual tradition attracts more than 450,000 people to downtown San Jose every year. The event is free to the public, and is open from 9 a.m. to midnight daily.
Christmas in the Park
1300 Senter Road
San Jose, CA 95112
408-794-6206
christmasinthepark.com
The San Jose Holiday Parade first began in 1981, and is now one of the largest parades in northern California. It takes place at the beginning of December every year along Santa Clara Street in San Jose. According to the San Jose Holiday Parade website, the annual parade features giant helium balloons, marching bands, creative floats, specialty units, clowns and an appearance by Santa Claus.
San Jose Holiday Parade
Santa Clara St.
San Jose, CA 95113
408-794-6200
holidayparade.com
