A great way to de-stress after a grueling week of studying is to visit local holiday decoration displays. Check out each of these events in the Bay Area that have a spectacular array of designs. From Palo Alto to San Jose, each of them has much to offer.
Christmas Tree Lane
Fulton Street, Palo Alto
Looking for a quick, zero-cost holiday experience? Fulton Street is a great option for you. During the month of December, the 1700 and 1800 blocks of Fulton Street in Palo Alto transform into Christmas Tree Lane.
Just a 10-minute drive from M-A, this event, which began in 1940, is a must-see for the holidays. Without even leaving your car, you will be transported into the winter wonderland of your dreams. Open from five to 11 p.m., this is an accessible event for everyone to enjoy the holidays. My personal favorite house has a large inflatable Santa looking over thousands of colorful lights in the yard.
Christmas in the Park
Downtown San Jose
This time-honored tradition in the heart of downtown San Jose lights up the city center. Christmas in the Park is a huge event that offers a lot to see: a Habitat for Humanity playhouse competition, an enchanted forest of trees decorated by local schools and businesses, and many other festivities.
It is a nonprofit organization that is passionate about bringing joy during the holidays. The two-acre park is transformed into a warm but wintry paradise with 90% of the budget coming from local donations. This event is worth the 25 minute drive from M-A, and a great experience during the holidays. The park is open from 12 to 10 p.m. on weeknights and 11 p.m. on weekends.
Holiday Lights at Filoli
Filoli Estate, Woodside
The glowing gardens at Filoli should be a stop on every holiday-lover’s list. Located in Woodside, the beautiful estate with 16 acres of English Renaissance gardens lit up this December. Originally a private residence, this property was opened to the public in 1975 and has since been curated with precision each winter to present a glamorous space for holiday events.
Fioli offers fire pit reservations, tours of the estate, Santa visits, and the magical holiday lights tour. The gardens glitter with lights, offering many spectacles for visitors to watch. Bright lanterns decorate the sky while a sparkling Christmas tree stands tall. Although this is a more pricey option, ringing in at $35 dollars per ticket, I highly recommend visiting this jolly, enchanting destination during the holiday season.
To relieve some stress during finals, make a quick study break to visit some of these local holiday attractions. The drive-through light show on Fulton Street, winter wonderland at Christmas in the Park, and elegant gardens of Filoli are sure to put you in the holiday spirit this winter time.
