SAN JOSE, Calif. — San Jose Holiday Lights returns for the second year to Discovery Meadow in Downtown San Jose from November 13, 2026, through January 1, 2027. Returning for its second season, the walk-through holiday light festival will feature six immersive themed areas, more than 40 illuminated attractions, two public art programs, outdoor short film screenings, food and beverage experiences, and community events for all ages.
Open nightly from 4:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., the festival invites families and friends to wander through glowing landscapes, discover larger-than-life light sculptures, take holiday photos, and enjoy a festive evening together.

Six Themed Light Areas
San Jose Holiday Lights will feature six themed light zones, each offering a different world to explore, with larger-than-life illuminated sculptures, colorful landscapes, and plenty of holiday photo opportunities.
Golden Christmas
A giant laughing Santa, glowing reindeer, oversized gifts, and festive decorations bring classic Christmas magic to life. Follow the glowing white Christmas trees to discover the spectacular 60-foot Santa Tree.
Enchanted Jungle
Step into a glowing prehistoric jungle filled with towering dinosaurs, giant illuminated plants, and colorful wildlife, including creatures native to California.
California Garden
Explore a dreamlike garden of glowing flowers, colorful butterflies, and a giant moon, bringing a touch of magic to California's natural beauty.
Mermaid — NEW for 2026
Dive into an all-new underwater fantasy with a giant mermaid, colorful sea creatures, shimmering bubbles, and a massive pink octopus surrounded by glowing ocean scenery.
Cactus Mirage
Discover a colorful desert world filled with towering illuminated cacti and striking sculptures, including Quetzalcoatl, the legendary feathered serpent of Mesoamerican mythology, and La Catrina, the iconic figure of Mexican culture.
White Christmas Wonderland
Walk through sparkling ice tunnels surrounded by glowing snowflakes, festive lights, Santa, and Arctic animals, bringing the magic of a snowy Christmas to California.

Doca Public Art & Film Programs
Beyond the holiday lights, San Jose Holiday Lights brings art, imagination, and storytelling into the visitor experience. Building on Doca Dream Lab, its first public art program, the festival expands this year with Radiant Canvas and outdoor film screenings, creating more ways for local artists, young creators, and the community to connect through art.
Doca Dream Lab
What if a child's drawing could become a giant glowing sculpture? Doca Dream Lab brings children's imaginations to life by transforming their original artwork into illuminated sculptures displayed throughout the festival.
This year, nine young artists ages 4 to 8 will see their drawings come to life, while visitors can explore a world imagined by children.
2026 Selected Young Artists and Artworks:
The Swimming Caterpillar — Aliya, age 4
Gamer — Ronin, age 6
Ocean Guardian Aerrakar — Yao, age 7
Narefish — Kaius, age 8
Mysterioctopus — Wesley, age 8
Dreamy Merkitty — Enche, age 6
Lele the Unauna — Arlene, age 6
The Friendly Shark — Kingston, age 8
Nocturnal Love — Chloe, age 5
Radiant Canvas (New for 2026)
Inspired by San Jose's vibrant street art and mural culture, Radiant Canvas features large illuminated sculptural canvases brought to life by local artists. Located outside the ticketed festival area, these evolving artworks invite visitors and the wider community to discover creativity in an open public space.
Outdoor Film Screenings (New for 2026)
Curated by Doca Film Festival, the outdoor screening program brings a selection of international short films to San Jose Holiday Lights, featuring imaginative stories, bold ideas, and creative perspectives from filmmakers around the world, including award-winning films.
As visitors explore the glowing installations or enjoy hot chocolate with family and friends, they can pause to watch a short film and experience another form of storytelling beneath the night sky.

Food & Community Spaces
Holiday Lounge (New for 2026)
Located near the main entrance and open to the public without a festival ticket, the Holiday Lounge offers a welcoming gathering space for the San Jose community during the holiday season.
Visitors can relax with friends and family, enjoy hot cocoa, cider, beer, or wine, and take a break in a festive setting surrounded by holiday lights. The Lounge will also provide a space for local nonprofits, community groups, and special gatherings, bringing people together beyond the festival itself.
Food & Refreshments
Food trucks and local vendors will offer a variety of food, coffee, desserts, and holiday treats. Visitors can grab a bite before or after exploring the lights, or enjoy refreshments as part of their evening downtown.

Rooted in Community
San Jose Holiday Lights is more than a holiday attraction. Created for San Jose, the festival continues to grow through the creativity and participation of the local community.
Through partnerships with local schools, nonprofits, and community organizations, the festival helps more families experience the holiday lights while supporting causes that matter to San Jose residents. This year, a new School Fundraising Program also gives families a way to support their school's PTA or parent organization simply by attending the festival.
Building on San Jose's holiday traditions, San Jose Holiday Lights hopes to become a place families return to year after year, sharing experiences and creating memories together.
“From the beginning, we wanted San Jose Holiday Lights to be something the community could be part of, not just come to visit. We hope it becomes a holiday tradition that families look forward to every year, something that truly belongs to San Jose,” said Ye Yuan, Founder & Creative Director of Doca Universe.
Special Days
Throughout the season, San Jose Holiday Lights will feature themed days, family specials, and community events, giving visitors more ways to celebrate the holidays together.
Thursday, November 12, 2026 | Content Magazine Pick-Up Party
Content Magazine will host its Issue 19.1 “Discover” Pick-Up Party at San Jose Holiday Lights, bringing together San Jose's arts and creative community for a special pre-opening evening.
Private event. Invitation only. 6:00–9:00 p.m.
Friday, November 13, 2026 | Opening Night
San Jose Holiday Lights officially opens to the public at 4:30 p.m.
November 16 – December 17, 2026 | School-Night Family Specials
Kids ages 4–12 can enjoy $10 admission Monday through Thursday on school nights, excluding Thanksgiving break.
November 20–21, 2026 | Ugly Christmas Sweater Days
Wear your favorite ugly Christmas sweater and capture fun holiday photos among the glowing displays.
Thursday, December 3, 2026 | SJSU Night
SJSU students can enjoy $15 admission with a valid student ID at the box office.
Wednesday, December 9, 2026 | Inclusive Access Day
A special day offering complimentary admission to pre-registered families served by participating nonprofit organizations.
Thursday, December 10, 2026 | Community Resource Night
Local nonprofit organizations will have an opportunity to connect with families and share community resources at the festival.
December 11–12, 2026 | Santa Photo Days
Meet Santa and take a festive holiday photo in front of the towering 60-foot Santa Tree.
December 18–19, 2026 | Cosplay Days
Dress as your favorite character and explore the illuminated worlds, with plenty of opportunities for cosplay photography.

Event Information
San Jose Holiday Lights 2026
Dates: November 13, 2026 – January 1, 2027
Hours: 4:30 p.m. – 10:30 p.m. on operating days
Location: Discovery Meadow, Guadalupe River Park & Gardens
Address: 330 W San Carlos St., San Jose, CA 95110
Tickets & Website: sjhl.us
Weekday: General (ages 13–64) $25; Child & Senior (ages 4–12 & 65+) $19
Weekend & holidays (Friday–Sunday): General $29; Child & Senior $23
Ages 3 & under: free
School-night special, select Monday–Thursday nights before December 18, excluding November 25–26: kids ages 4–12, $10
SJSU Night, Thursday, December 3: $15 with a valid student ID at the box office
Group tickets, any day, minimum 20 tickets: 20–49 tickets, $23.88 per person; 50–99 tickets, $22.88 per person; 100+ tickets, $21.88 per person
Group Tickets
Group tickets make San Jose Holiday Lights an easy holiday benefit for companies, schools, and community organizations: groups of 20 or more can buy Group & Bulk Tickets for any day at $23.88 per person for 20–49 tickets, $22.88 per person for 50–99 tickets, and $21.88 per person for 100 or more tickets on www.sjhl.us, with no date selection required, so tickets can be shared with employees and used separately on any event day. For team gatherings, a tented private space for up to 150 guests is also available, with food, drinks, and views of the lights.
Media Inquiries
[email protected]
General Information
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Partnerships, Sponsorships & Collaborations
Doca Universe Inc.
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About San Jose Holiday Lights
San Jose Holiday Lights is an annual walk-through holiday light festival held at Discovery Meadow in Downtown San Jose. Combining larger-than-life illuminated sculptures, immersive themed environments, public art, and community experiences, the festival brings families and friends together to celebrate the holiday season. Created for San Jose, it aims to grow into a holiday tradition shaped by and shared with the local community.