Winter Wonderland, a beloved part of Downtown San Jose's holiday season, is back with new surprises and magical experiences! Running from November 29 to January 1, 2025, Winter Wonderland joins Christmas in the Park and Downtown Ice to make downtown San Jose a hub of holiday joy, filled with lights, laughter, and festive spirit.
What to Expect at Winter Wonderland
This is a holiday event that everyone can enjoy! This year, Winter Wonderland will feature multiple food options, Holiday photo opportunities, a gift market, and a festive arcade of rides and attractions for the entire community.
In response to Downtown Developers and San Jose State University Spartan Village on the Paseo, which recently added student housing nearby, we will be introducing a Winter Gift Fair for the first few weekends on Paseo de San Antonio in partnership with Culture Night Market.
Also new this year, Winter Wonderland aims to mitigate public safety concerns associated with unpermitted vendors by “curating the curbs” along Market Street. Throughout the event, Winter Wonderland will be providing delicious food options along with your favorite novelty items. Please help us this year by supporting vendors with the “Winter Wonderland Official Vendor” signage. Interested in being a vendor? Click here to fill out an interest form.
How Visitors can “Shop Responsibly”
In an effort to help mitigate the number of unpermitted vendors who cause on site issues like blocked walkways, overflowing garbage, public health concerns, fire and police code concerns, etc. Winter Wonderland along with Downtown Ice are “curating the curbs” this year by designated event zones, protected by partial barricades and security. The event vendor zones will be programmed with vendors who follow all applicable state and local laws & codes. The official event vendors will be easily identifiable by event-specific signage posted at each booth, identifying them as such. Event organizers are asking the public to shop responsibly by only patronizing the vendors identified as official event vendors.
Winter Wonderland features a festive arcade of rides and attractions for the entire community. From the beautiful 60 foot tall Ferris Wheel to the colorful classic Carousel – these rides and games are fun for everyone!
Tickets to Ride
Admission to Winter Wonderland is free. Select attractions, including amusement rides, may require tickets.
Each ride requires 1 ticket
Each ticket costs $5
Tickets can be purchased at self serve kiosks (no unlimited ride wristbands)
Rides at Paseo
Merry go Round
Happy Swing
Frog Hopper
Tea Cups
Baja Buggies
Jeep Ride
Rides at Park Ave:
Expo Wheel (Ferris wheel)
Ballistic swings
Sizzler
Kite Flyer
Jumanji Fun House
Raiders
Giant Slide
Winter Wonderland Ride Hours
Park Avenue Giant Ferris Wheel ONLY
November 29: 4pm-10pm
November 30 - December 1: 12pm-11pm
December 2 - 6: 4pm-11pm
December 7 - 8: 12pm-11pm
Starting December 13th, Giant Ferris Wheel is joined by the full arcade of rides on Paseo & Park Avenue:
December 13: 4pm-11pm
December 14 -15: 12pm-11pm
December 16 - 19: 4pm- 10pm
December 20 - January 1: 12pm - 11pm
Vendors and Food Trucks
A rotating selection of various food trucks and booths will serve holiday treats like gourmet hot chocolate, churros, comfort foods, and international cuisine. Find them near the Giant Ferris Wheel on Market Street and along Paseo de San Antonio.
Winter Wonderland presents: Culture Night Market Holiday Gift Fair
Starting November 29, visitors can enjoy the iconic Giant Ferris Wheel on Park Avenue, shop for special gifts at the Holiday Gift Fair on Paseo de San Antonio (in collaboration with Culture Night Market and San Jose Day). The Winter Market will feature dozens of holiday gift vendors on Paseo de San Antonio in collaboration with Culture Night Market and San Jose Day. The Winter Market will run from November 29th to December 1st, and again from December 6th - 8th. See hours for each day below.
November 29- 30: 5pm-10pm
December 1: 5pm- 10pm
December 6-8: 5pm- 10pm