Things to do in San Jose in December

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Overview

December is a less popular time to visit San Jose. The weather is usually moderately chilly with a gentle breeze, with temperatures ranging from 41—58°F (5—15°C). There are plenty of events to check out and activities to try in San Jose during this time. Some of our top recommendations: visit Christmas in the Park, go ice skating at Downtown Ice, attend a holiday-themed workshop or class, and more!

San Jose has plenty to offer for visitors of all ages and interests. In this article, we tell you the top things to see and do for your December trip to San Jose. Get inspired by the events, activities, attractions, and experiences unique to December. We’ll let you know where to explore events based on your interests, whether that’s food, culture, art, music, sport or others.

We’ll let you know everything you need to prepare for the weather in San Jose in December. Learn about what to wear and pack for your trip, the average temperatures throughout December, temperature changes from morning to evening and much more.

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Best events and things to do in San Jose in December

Top experiences in December
Visit Christmas in the Park
Christmas in the Park is a beloved San Jose tradition that transforms Plaza de Cesar Chavez into a winter wonderland. With over 60 musical and animated exhibits, festive lights, and a 60-foot community giving tree, this event is perfect for getting into the holiday spirit. Visitors can also enjoy live entertainment, holiday shopping, and delicious food and drinks. It's a great way to spend a December evening with family and friends.
Go ice skating at Downtown Ice
Downtown Ice is an outdoor ice skating rink located in the heart of San Jose. Skating at this rink is a unique experience, especially during the holiday season when the area is decorated with festive lights and decorations. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced skater, gliding across the ice under the twinkling lights is a magical way to celebrate the season.
Attend a holiday-themed workshop or class
Many businesses and organizations in San Jose offer holiday-themed workshops and classes in December, ranging from wreath-making and ornament crafting to cookie decorating and gingerbread house building. These hands-on experiences are a great way to get creative and learn new skills while celebrating the holiday season.
Take a holiday lights tour
San Jose is home to some spectacular holiday light displays, and taking a holiday lights tour is a great way to see them all. Whether you join a guided tour or create your own route, driving around the city to admire the twinkling lights and festive decorations is a fun and festive activity for the whole family.
Visit the Winchester Mystery House during the holidays
The Winchester Mystery House is a popular tourist attraction in San Jose, and during the holiday season, it's even more magical. The mansion is decorated with thousands of twinkling lights, festive decorations, and holiday-themed tours that offer a unique and spooky twist on the traditional holiday experience.
Go on a holiday-themed food tour
San Jose is known for its diverse culinary scene, and in December, many restaurants and food vendors offer special holiday-themed menus and treats. Going on a holiday-themed food tour is a great way to sample seasonal dishes, festive drinks, and sweet treats while exploring the city's vibrant food culture.
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Holidays in San Jose in December
December

There are no holidays in San Jose in December

Other notable holidays
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Weather in San Jose in December

Temperatures on an average day in San Jose in December

The average temperature in San Jose in December for a typical day ranges from a high of 58°F (15°C) to a low of 41°F (5°C). Some would describe it as moderately chilly with a gentle breeze.

For comparison, the hottest month in San Jose, September, has days with highs of 85°F (29°C) and lows of 55°F (13°C). The coldest month, December has days with highs of 58°F (15°C) and lows of 41°F (5°C). This graph shows how an average day looks like in San Jose in December based on historical data.

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Historical temperature average in December
58°F
highs
41°F
lows

General weather summary

Moderately chilly with a gentle breeze
Feels like
27%
Chance of rain
0.123 in
Amount
10.3 mph
Wind speed
74%
Humidity
9.6 hrs
Daylight length
7:12 AM
Sunrise
4:51 PM
Sunset
48%
Cloud cover
Sweater
What to wear
What to wear in December
With an average high of 58°F (15°C) and a low of 41°F (5°C), it generally feels moderately chilly with a gentle breeze. There might also be a small chance of rain. With that in mind, most people would dress in something moderately warm like a sweater
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Best attractions for San Jose in December

Besides the array of exciting events and activities San Jose has to offer for travelers in December, we want to remind you of the classic attractions in San Jose that are great to visit at this time of the year as well! You can’t miss these iconic landmarks, local favorites, and places rich with cultural heritage. We hope to give you insights and inspiration into the best things to see and do to make the most of your visit. Here is a list of our top attractions in San Jose for December.
Winchester Mystery House
1. Winchester Mystery House
4.5
(13936)
Historical place museum
Sights & Landmarks
Sprawling landmark with a staircase leading nowhere & other odd features designed to confuse ghosts.
The Tech Interactive
2. The Tech Interactive
4.4
(4017)
Museum
Cultural center
Accessible, hands-on exhibits for all ages in a spacious facility, plus an attached IMAX theater.
Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum
3. Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum
4.6
(3161)
Museum
Archaeological museum
Museum with displays on Egyptian burial practices, plus artifacts including jewelry & bronze tools.
SAP Center
4. SAP Center
4.6
(11408)
Arena
Sights & Landmarks
Home to the San Jose Sharks hockey team, this venue also hosts big-name concerts & arena football.
Municipal Rose Garden
5. Municipal Rose Garden
4.7
(6568)
Garden
Nature & Parks
180+ rose varieties typically blooming April-November in a colorful 5.5-acre garden with a fountain.
Santana Row
6. Santana Row
4.5
(15433)
Shopping mall
Shopping
Upscale collection of shops, bars & restaurants, with outdoor seating & frequent live music.
Happy Hollow Park & Zoo
7. Happy Hollow Park & Zoo
4.5
(4514)
Zoo
Zoos & Aquariums
Small zoo with an array of animals & rides, plus an education center, petting zoo & puppet theater.
Children's Discovery Museum of San Jose
8. Children's Discovery Museum of San Jose
4.6
(3696)
Children's museum
Museums
Children of all ages explore more than 150 interactive exhibits including a full-size fire truck.
Cathedral Basilica of St. Joseph
9. Cathedral Basilica of St. Joseph
4.7
(876)
Catholic cathedral
Sights & Landmarks
This first non-mission parish in the state, featuring stained glass, ornate decor & a pipe organ.
Los Gatos Creek Trail
10. Los Gatos Creek Trail
4.5
(4)
Nature & Parks
Hiking Trails
Marked 9.7-mile urban trail with paved sections following a creek's course via reservoirs & parks.
Japanese Friendship Garden
11. Japanese Friendship Garden
4.1
(1917)
Garden
Nature & Parks
Covering 5.5 acres, this serene Japanese garden features a koi pond & a quaint red arch bridge.
San Jose Museum of Art
12. San Jose Museum of Art
4.2
(1336)
Art museum
Museums
Revolving exhibitions from post-1980 to older 20th-century works plus a cafe & education center.
Willow Glen
13. Willow Glen
Sights & Landmarks
Neighborhoods
Charming, residential Willow Glen is known for shopping along tree-lined Lincoln Avenue, with indie clothing boutiques, specialty food stores and bookshops. A Saturday farmers’ market runs year-round, offering local produce and prepared food. Casual dining options include family-friendly restaurants, bakeries and pizzerias, and the neighborhood frequently holds downtown festivals, including art and wine events.
Almaden Quicksilver County Park
14. Almaden Quicksilver County Park
4.7
(1855)
Park
Sights & Landmarks
County park with a history of mining offers hiking, biking & equestrian trails amid wildflowers.
San Pedro Square Market Bar
15. San Pedro Square Market Bar
4.6
(4255)
Bar
Shopping
Informal, loftlike watering hole with classic & unique cocktails, craft beers & California wines.
San Jose Center for the Performing Arts
16. San Jose Center for the Performing Arts
4.5
(2680)
Performing arts theater
Concerts & Shows
Landmark art deco-style theater presenting Broadway musicals & ballet & dance performances.

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