San Jose Holiday Lights Returns to Downtown San Jose for the 2026 Season
The Californer/10360864

SAN JOSE, Calif. - Californer -- SAN JOSE, Calif. — San Jose Holiday Lights returns to Discovery Meadow, Downtown San Jose, from November 13, 2026, to January 1, 2027, with six themed light areas, more than 40 illuminated attractions, public art, film screenings and community events.

Open nightly, 4:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.

SIX THEMED LIGHT AREAS
- Golden Christmas: giant Santa, reindeer, gifts, 60-foot Santa Tree.
- Enchanted Jungle: dinosaurs, illuminated plants, California wildlife after dark.
- California Garden: glowing flowers, butterflies, giant moon.
- Mermaid Current (new): giant mermaid, sea creatures, bubbles, pink octopus.
- Cactus Mirage: illuminated cacti, Quetzalcoatl, La Catrina.
- White Christmas Wonderland: ice tunnels, snowflakes, Santa, Arctic animals.

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DOCA DREAM LAB
What if a child's drawing became a giant glowing sculpture? Nine artists, ages 4 to 8, see their Ocean Creatures drawings become 3D light sculptures.

2026 DOCA DREAM LAB ARTISTS
- 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, features illuminated sculptures by local artists, inspired by San Jose street art. The Holiday Lounge, near the main entrance, is open without a festival ticket.

SPECIAL DAYS
- Thursday, November 12, 2026: Content Magazine Pick-Up Party
- Friday, November 13, 2026: Opening Night, 4:30 p.m.
- November 16-December 17, 2026: School-Night Family Specials, $10, kids 4-12, Monday-Thursday, excluding November 25-26

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- November 20-21, 2026: Ugly Christmas Sweater Days
- Thursday, December 3, 2026: SJSU Night, $15, valid student ID
- Wednesday, December 9, 2026: Inclusive Access Day
- Thursday, December 10, 2026: Community Resource Night
- December 11-12, 2026: Santa Photo Days
- December 18-19, 2026: Cosplay Days

EVENT INFORMATION AND TICKETS
Location: Discovery Meadow, Guadalupe River Park & Gardens, 330 W San Carlos St, San Jose, CA 95110
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 and under: free
- School-night special (select Monday-Thursday before December 18, excluding November 25-26): kids $10
- Groups (minimum 20): 20-49, $23.88; 50-99, $22.88 per person

Media inquiries: market@sjhl.us.