NOV 27, 2026 – JAN 3, 2027 · DOWNTOWN SAN JOSE · FREE ADMISSION.
Where
San Jose
makes holiday memories
Ride the giant Ferris wheel, shop the holiday market, grab a bite from the food trucks, and roast s'mores in the new Winter Garden.
What to do at Winter Wonderland
Five ways to make a night of it, all within a few blocks.
A 60-ft Ferris wheel, classic carousel, and family rides. $5 per ride
HOLIDAY GIFT FAIR
WINTER GARDEN
Live music nightly, 6:30 - 9:30 PM
RIDES & FERRIS WHEEL
SHOP & EAT
Seasonal shopping & food trucks
NEW - S’MORES EXPERIENCE
Your own table, roaster & S’mores
kit Classic $30 - Premium $50 -
Book →
CALENDAR
Calendar of events →
RIDES
FERRIS WHEEL, CAROUSEL, FAMILY RIDES Tickets from $1.50 - Unlimited $40 →
GIANT FERRIS WHEEL
+
NEW S'MORES EXPERIENCE
+
WINTER GARDEN LIVE MUSIC
+
FOOD TRUCKS
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GIANT FERRIS WHEEL + NEW S'MORES EXPERIENCE + WINTER GARDEN LIVE MUSIC + FOOD TRUCKS +
Admission is free. Rides use tickets or an unlimited wristband from the ticket booth
Plan your visit
CHRISTMAS IN THE PARK
SNOWFALL IN THE CIRCLE
PASEO 1
PASEO 2
HAMMER THEATRE
TICKET BOOTH
RECOMMENDED PARKING
S’MORES EXPERIENCE / WINTER GARDEN
BATHROOMS
Nov 27, 2026 - Jan 3, 2027 • Downtown San Jose
November 27th - December 16th: Hammer Theatre, along the walking paseo from December 17th - January 3rd
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November 27: 4pm – 11pm
November 28 & 29: 5pm - 11pm
November 30, December 3: 5pm – 10pm
December 4 - 6: 4pm – 11pm
December 7 - 10: 5pm – 10pm
December 11 - 13: 4pm - 11pm
December 14 - 18: 5pm - 10pm
December 19, 20: 12pm - 11pm
December 21 - 25: 4pm - 11pm
December 26, 27: 12pm - 11pm
December 28 - January 1: 4pm - 11pm
January 2, 3: 12pm - 11pm
Public transit
VTA bus routes 23, 64A, and Rapid 523 stop at San Carlos & Guadalupe River, near the entrance. Visitors can also take the VTA Green Line to Children's Discovery Station or the Blue Line to Convention Center Station.
Public parking
Nearby public parking garages include the Almaden/Woz Lot near San Jose Holiday Lights
and the CityView Plaza Garage near Christmas in the Park and Winter Wonderland. Parking fees
may apply. Find parking at ParkSJ.org
RIDE TICKETS
General admission to Winter Wonderland is free. Tickets are required for select rides and attractions, with ride-ticket packages and unlimited-ride wristbands available for purchase.
$1.50
1 ticket
$25
120 tickets
$50
50 tickets
$40
Unlimited rides, 1 day
Where to buy
Ticket booths along Paseo 1 and PASEO 2
Ride VTA? Get $2 off an unlimited wristband
(Mon–Fri). See all offers ↓
ONCE YOU’RE HERE
Festival map
See what’s where at Winterwonderland:
rides, along Paseo 1 and 2, the Snowfall
show in the Circle, Christmas in the Park,
and the Hammer Theatre
Illustrations are not to scale. Use
Get Directions above for navigation
Explore Winter Wonderland
Rides, live music, and holiday treats, all in one place downtown.
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Classic carnival fun for the whole family, right in downtown San José. Heres' what you can ride this season:
Ferris Wheel
Carousel
Hodilay Trani
Paratrooper
Frog Hopper
Tea Cups
Berry-Go-Round
Sizzler
Raiders
Pirate Ship
Giant Slide
Fun House
Ride-On Animals
Rides use tickets or an unlimited-ride wristband, available at the ticket booths. See ride tickets ↓
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SPECIAL NOTE: Vendors vary nightly
Novelty: Dbc Customs LLC
Food Booth: Jaden’s Kettle Corn
Food Truck: El Bombero 408
Food Truck: 3 Hermanos Mexican Grill
Food Truck: Luv’s Brownies
Food Booth: Golden Bites Mini Donuts
Food Booth: Cocina Mexicana Catering
Food Truck: Grillzillas LLC
Food Booth: Angie's Hotdogs ( ice skating rink )
Food Booth: Guera's churros ( ice skating rink)
Food Booth: Elote Feliz ice rink
Food Booth: Alma hot dogs
Novelty: NOVEDADES CAMILA
Food Truck: La marquesita
Food Booth: ctkempanadasllc
Food Truck: STACKD
Food Booth: Antojitos Maty
Novelty: Silvia's Novelties
Food Truck: Elote Loco DBA: Cocina Mexicana Catering
Food Truck: JUNIOR’S ROASTER
Food Booth: Aki Sushi Taco
Novelty: VILLA FAMILY GROUP
Food Booth:The Smoking Pig BBQ
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Performances may change due to weather or unforeseen events. Check our social media for the latest updates.
Sat 12/19/26: SofritoSun 12/20/26: Conjunto Trujillo
Sat 12/26/26: Noah & The Arkiteks
Sun 12/27/26: Lauren Haliwell
Fri 1/1/27: M'sippi Slide
Sat 1/2/27: Luna Music
Fri 12/18/26: Future Dead Ringers
Thu 12/31/26: Future Dead Ringers
Performances may change due to weather or unforeseen events. Check our social media for the latest updates.
Sat 12/19/26: SofritoSun 12/20/26: Conjunto Trujillo
Sat 12/26/26: Noah & The Arkiteks
Sun 12/27/26: Lauren Haliwell
Fri 1/1/27: M'sippi Slide
Sat 1/2/27: Luna Music
Fri 12/18/26: Future Dead Ringers
Thu 12/31/26: Future Dead Ringers
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Our bar beverage options will be here shortly. Stay tuned.
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A Sweet New Holiday Tradition!There's something magical about gathering with family and friends, roasting marshmallows, and creating the perfect gooey s'more!
This holiday season, Winter Wonderland is bringing that magic to downtown San José with our NEW S'mores Experience!
Step into our festive Winter Lounge, where holiday lights, cozy seating, and live music from our stage create the perfect setting for a delicious holiday adventure.
Whether it's a family outing, a date night, or a festive evening with friends, our S'mores Experience is a wonderful way to slow down, share some laughs, and make sweet holiday memories.
S’mores Experience
Community days & deals
- look at press release for details
Special nights and partner offers all season long.
Ride VTA, Save $2
Show your VTA pass for $2 off. Unlimited Ride VTA, save $2 wristbands. 1 pass = up to 2 discounts. Mon–Fri.
Dec 3
SJSU Night
Show your SJSU student ID
and ride free, 6–10 PM.
Dec 7 & 14
Scouts Night
Wear your vest or sash: $2 off a one-day unlimited wristband (one per scout in uniform).
Dec 8 & 15
Early Bird Happy Hour
$2 off a one-day unlimited wristband bought 5–6 PM.
Dec. 17 - Jan. 3
Winter Garden live Music
Nightly, 6:30–9:30 PM.
See who's playing →
Tag us
#Winterwonderlandsj
Good to know/FAQ’S
General Information
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Yes! Admission to Winter Wonderland is absolutely FREE! Come enjoy the festive atmosphere, holiday lights, music, and seasonal fun without paying an admission fee.
Want to take a spin on the rides? Individual rides are $5 each, with tickets available at our on-site kiosks. Looking for an extra-special holiday treat? Our Winter Garden S'mores Experience can be reserved online.
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Absolutely! Strollers and well-behaved, leashed dogs are welcome at Winter Wonderland.
A few friendly reminders:
Dogs must remain on a leash and under their owner's control at all times.
Please clean up after your furry friends.
Keep in mind that Winter Wonderland can get very crowded, especially on weekends and during the holiday break.
More than 1 million visitors enjoy Downtown for the Holidays each year, including Winter Wonderland, Christmas in the Park, and Holiday Lights (Discovery Meadow). With all the excitement, lights, music, and crowds, consider whether your pet will be comfortable in a busy festival environment.
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Yes! Winter Wonderland is an outdoor event with accessible pedestrian pathways throughout the festival area. We want everyone to feel welcome and enjoy the holiday magic.
Please be aware that some amusement rides may have individual accessibility or transfer requirements. Our friendly ride operators can provide guidance about specific attractions.
During peak attendance, pathways can become crowded, so guests using wheelchairs or other mobility devices may prefer visiting during less busy hours.
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Mother Nature has a mind of her own, but a little rain doesn't necessarily mean the holiday fun has to stop!
Weather conditions may affect ride operations, entertainment, and other activities. For everyone's safety, some attractions may temporarily close during inclement weather.
Before heading downtown, check our social media pages for the latest weather updates, schedule changes, and daily operating announcements.
Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest holiday happenings!
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Winter Wonderland opens November 27, 2026, and continues through January 3, 2027.
Our hours vary by date, so be sure to check the schedule below before planning your visit.
Dates
Hours
November 27
4 PM – 11 PM
November 28–29
5 PM – 11 PM
November 30 & December 3
5 PM – 10 PM
December 4–6
4 PM – 11 PM
December 7–10
5 PM – 10 PM
December 11–13
4 PM – 11 PM
December 14–18
5 PM – 10 PM
December 19–20
12 PM – 11 PM
December 21–25
4 PM – 11 PM
December 26–27
12 PM – 11 PM
December 28–January 1
4 PM – 11 PM
January 2–3
12 PM – 11 PM
Hours are subject to change due to weather or other operational considerations.
Rides & Attractions
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Individual amusement rides are $5 each. Ride tickets can be purchased at our on-site ticket kiosks.
Planning to enjoy several rides? Check out our unlimited ride wristband options for even more holiday fun!
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Yes! Winter Wonderland features a variety of family-friendly amusement rides, including attractions designed for younger guests.
Each ride has its own height and safety requirements. Please check posted signs and follow ride operator instructions before boarding.
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Ride tickets are available for purchase at our on-site ticket kiosks. Our S'mores Experience is a separate attraction that can be reserved online in advance.
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Winter Wonderland and Christmas in the Park are separate holiday attractions, but we're proud partners in Downtown for the Holidays, along with Holiday Lights in Discovery Meadow!
Together, these beloved holiday experiences help transform Downtown San José into a festive destination filled with lights, entertainment, amusement rides, and holiday traditions.
We encourage you to visit all three and make a full day—or evening—of your downtown holiday adventure!
Winter Garden & S'mores Experience
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Welcome to the Winter Garden! This festive gathering spot is the perfect place to relax, enjoy a seasonal beverage, listen to live music, play holiday trivia (Tuesday nights) and soak up the holiday atmosphere.
It's also home to our special S'mores Experience, where friends and families can gather around a tabletop roaster to create delicious holiday treats.
Whether you're stopping by for a drink or making sweet memories over s'mores, the Winter Garden is a cozy place to celebrate the season.
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Make your holiday visit a little sweeter with our S'mores Experience!
Gather your friends and family around a tabletop roaster and enjoy the fun of making your own ooey-gooey s'mores.
Choose from two packages:
Classic S'mores Experience — $30: Serves up to 6 guests.
Premium S'mores Experience — $50: Serves up to 8 guests, with additional treats and delicious upgrades.
Each reservation includes a 45-minute experience in our festive Winter Garden. Reservations are available online, and advance booking is recommended.
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Yes, we recommend reserving your S'mores Experience online in advance to secure your preferred date and time.
Reservations are available December 17 through January 3, with sessions beginning at 5 PM, 6 PM, 7 PM, 8 PM, and 9 PM nightly.
Please arrive on time! Guests must check in within the first 15 minutes of their reserved session. Late arrivals may forfeit their reservation without a refund.
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Absolutely! The Winter Garden welcomes everyone.
A limited number of tables are available for guests who simply want to relax, enjoy a beverage, and take in the holiday atmosphere. Tables reserved for the S'mores Experience are available exclusively to guests with reservations during their scheduled sessions.
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We understand that holiday plans can change!
Reservations canceled at least 24 hours in advance may be rescheduled, subject to availability.
If the S'mores Experience is canceled due to rain, guests will receive a refund.
Please note that late arrivals and missed reservations are not eligible for refunds.
Planning Your Visit
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Winter Wonderland is located in the heart of Downtown San José, California, just steps away from Christmas in the Park and other festive downtown attractions.
Make a night of it! Enjoy the amusement rides, explore the holiday displays, grab a bite to eat, and experience the magic of Downtown for the Holidays.
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Downtown San José offers several public parking garages and lots within walking distance of Winter Wonderland.
Holiday weekends can be busy, so we recommend allowing extra time for parking—or skipping the parking search altogether by taking public transportation!
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Absolutely! Public transportation is a great way to enjoy Downtown for the Holidays without the hassle of finding parking.
VTA light rail and bus service provide convenient access to Downtown San José. Check VTA's website for routes, schedules, and trip-planning information before your visit.
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Yes! Come hungry and ready for holiday treats!
Winter Wonderland features food and beverage vendors offering a variety of festival favorites, sweet treats, and refreshing beverages.
You can also explore Downtown San José's many restaurants and eateries before or after your visit.
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You bet! Winter Wonderland is designed for families, friends, couples, and holiday enthusiasts of all ages.
From colorful amusement rides and twinkling lights to festive treats and seasonal entertainment, there's something for everyone.
Bring the kids, grandparents, neighbors, and friends—holiday memories are better when shared!
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Winter Wonderland is especially popular on weekends and during the school holiday break.
For a more relaxed experience, consider visiting on a weekday evening earlier in the season.
If you love the excitement of a bustling holiday celebration, weekends and the days leading up to Christmas are especially festive!
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Yes! We love celebrating our community with special Winter Wonderland promotions throughout the season.
Look for select nights featuring student offers, Scout discounts, and early-evening ride wristband specials.
Visit our website and follow our social media channels for promotion dates, details, and eligibility requirements.
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Of course! Winter Wonderland is full of festive photo opportunities, colorful lights, and magical holiday backdrops.
Snap away, capture those memories, and share your holiday fun with family and friends. Don't forget to tag WinterWonderlandSJ on social media!
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Winter Wonderland is a family-friendly holiday celebration. Please follow all posted smoking and vaping restrictions and applicable City of San José regulations.
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Yes! Public restrooms are available at various locations throughout Downtown for the Holidays, including Winter Wonderland.
Portable restrooms are conveniently located throughout the event areas, including ADA-accessible facilities and handwashing stations.
For your comfort and convenience, all portable restrooms are regularly cleaned, serviced, and restocked throughout the holiday season so you can focus on enjoying the festivities!
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Our Winter Wonderland team is happy to help!
During your visit, please ask a festival staff member for assistance. For questions before your visit, contact us through the website or our official social media channels.
We look forward to celebrating the holidays with you!
Supported by a Center of Cultural Innovation Grant
IN COLLABORATION WITH
Help keep San José clean! Thank you to the Environmental Services Department of the City of San José for their dumpster donation. Please don't litter, and if you see litter, pick it up and put it in the trash.