Seasonal Celebrations in Silicon Valley

Happy December! If you are wondering how in the world it came to be the last month of the year…you might be in the wrong place because we have NO idea where the time has gone! But if you have stopped by the Homes of Silicon Valley blog to gain some strategic seasonal celebration ideas…then you are in just the right place. Whether you have lived in the San Francisco Bay Area your entire life or just a year or two, you may be familiar with some of the classic holiday traditions: Christmas In The Park, Los Gatos Town Plaza Tree Lighting, Vasona Park Fantasy of Lights…those little yard trees adorning every home in Willow Glen!

But just like everything else in Silicon Valley, the holiday happenings are always growing and evolving – so we wanted to share 5 that you may or may not be familiar with, yet! May one of these speak to your own spirit of the season, add a little adventure to your advent or help you create a timeless tradition with your tribe!

WINTERFEST AT AVAYA STADIUM

If you thought the San Jose Earthquakes could rumble Avaya Stadium…what could 10 tons of snow and an inflatable snow globe do?! Find out on Saturday, December 10^th as this San Jose sports venue welcomes its first-ever Winterfest! Admission is free (toy donations & canned goods for local charities are greatly appreciated though!), so stop by from 12-5pm for holiday happenings with photo opps, snowball fights and bounce-house bliss.

***Learn more at: http://www.sjearthquakes.com/post/2016/11/01/snow-fall-san-jose-dec-10-avaya-stadium

THE SILICON VALLEY COMMUNITY FOUNDATION HOLIDAY TRAIN

As long as we’ve lived in Silicon Valley (hey – no counting!), we can’t say we have experienced the 70,000 glittering lights that shine down and around nine Bay Area train stops! As a local tradition since 2001, the Caltrain Holiday Train is presented annually by the Silicon Valley Community Foundation as a free family event that brings together thousands of local community members in the spirit of joy and giving. With two nights a year in its 15-year history, the event has collected over 50,000 toys for local children and even made a few adults believe that Santa just might exist after all.

***Check the train schedule for THIS weekend (December 3^rd and 4^th) at: http://www.caltrain.com/riderinfo/specialevents/holidaytrain.html

A MAGICAL NUTCRACKER NOT TO MISS

Chances are you have seen a rendition of The Nutcracker at the downtown Center for the Performing Arts – but have you seen the production produced by the Los Gatos Ballet?! Directed by Marcie Ryken in collaboration with the San Jose Youth Symphony and featuring Los Gatos Ballet School members, this family-friendly find introduces acclaimed dancers from the San Francisco ballet alongside our own town talent.

***Save the dates of December 9-11^th & purchase tickets at: http://www.losgatosballet.org/nutcracker.html

HOLIDAY TEA & TOURS AT THE AINSLEY HOUSE

What would a Silicon Valley season be without a stop by one of the South Bay’s most charming cities…Campbell! The Ainsley House Holiday Tea & Tours are back, raising greatly-appreciated funds for education programs and exhibits at the Campbell Historical Museum and Ainsley House; 75% of the tea admission price is even tax deductible. Champagne, sparkling cider, custom blended tea from Steepers and finger foods plus a docent led tour make a memorable event within a great season for a terrific community cause.

***Learn more at: https://www.downtowncampbell.com/event/holiday-teas-and-tours-ainsley-house

CHRISTMAS EVE DINNER IN SF

Santa’s not the only one whose feet could be high off the ground on the night before Christmas. Step off your feet and into an elegant San Francisco eatery at one of the many first-class venues featuring a special, seasonal menu before Santa’s big day. A romantic date night, an annual siblings celebration, a Christmas version of Friends-giving…call it whatever you like, just make a reservation instead of a mess in your kitchen. You are guaranteed to enjoy it way more! A notable option is Michael Mina’s 3 course prix fixe or 8 course tasting menu (think roasted chestnut soup, stonington sea scallops, butter poached Maine lobster and more.

View the Michael Mina menu HERE and find other Christmas Eve dinner recommendations HERE.

Something old...something new…something seasonal just for you? We hope you found exactly what you were looking for ~ and look forward to hearing how you plan to enjoy Silicon Valley life this season.

Cheers,

Mark & Jason