Things to Do in San Jose in December
December weather, activities, events & insider tips
December Weather in San Jose
Is December Right for You?
Advantages
- Holiday season energy without the tourist crush - San Jose in December has a festive vibe with downtown light displays and community events, but you're not fighting crowds like you would at beach destinations. Most international tourists skip San Jose entirely, so you get authentic local experiences.
- Comfortable outdoor weather for Silicon Valley exploring - December temperatures typically hover around 13-16°C (55-61°F), which is actually perfect for walking the extensive trail systems. No oppressive summer heat, and rain tends to come in quick bursts rather than all-day affairs.
- Tech campus holiday events and year-end innovation showcases - Many Silicon Valley companies host public events in December, from holiday markets at Santana Row to tech demos. It's one of the few times you can catch special programming that isn't available other months.
- Lower hotel rates mid-month - While Christmas week gets pricey, early to mid-December sees surprisingly good deals at business hotels that normally cater to corporate travelers. You can snag 3-star properties for 30-40% less than their October conference season rates.
Considerations
- Rainy season reality - Those 10 rainy days aren't evenly spread, and when storms hit, they can settle in for 2-3 days straight. The variable conditions mean you need backup indoor plans, and some trail systems close temporarily when muddy.
- Many restaurants and attractions have reduced December hours - This is a business-oriented city, and between company holidays and staff vacations, you'll find places unexpectedly closed or operating on limited schedules, especially the week between Christmas and New Year.
- Limited evening entertainment compared to summer - Shorter daylight hours (sunset around 5pm) and cooler evenings mean fewer outdoor events and night markets than you'd find May through September. The city feels quieter after dark.
Best Activities in December
South Bay Trail System Hiking and Cycling
December is actually ideal for exploring the extensive trail networks around San Jose - the Los Gatos Creek Trail, Guadalupe River Trail, and Coyote Creek Trail systems. Summer heat makes these routes brutal, but December temperatures in the 13-16°C (55-61°F) range are perfect for longer rides or hikes. The 70% humidity is noticeable but not oppressive, and the variable weather means you get dramatic cloud formations over the Santa Cruz Mountains. Trails are significantly less crowded than spring wildflower season, and the occasional rain keeps dust down. Most trails are paved or well-maintained gravel, so they're accessible even after light rain.
Silicon Valley Tech Campus Tours and Innovation Museums
December is surprisingly good for tech tourism in San Jose. The Computer History Museum in Mountain View and Tech Interactive in downtown San Jose maintain full hours, and you're visiting when many companies host year-end innovation showcases. The weather makes this perfect - when afternoon rain rolls in (which happens maybe 6 out of 10 days), you've got quality indoor options. The UV index of 8 is still significant on clear days, but you're mostly moving between buildings rather than exposed all day. Corporate campus tours through visitor centers typically run on reduced schedules late December, but early to mid-month is actually better than summer when everyone's on vacation.
Santa Cruz Mountains Wine Tasting Routes
The Santa Cruz Mountains AVA is about 20-30 km (12-19 miles) from downtown San Jose, and December is crush season aftermath - winemakers are less slammed than during harvest, and tasting rooms have a relaxed vibe. The cooler temperatures make the winding mountain drives more pleasant, and the variable weather creates stunning views when clouds part over the valleys. Most tasting rooms have covered or indoor spaces, so rain doesn't kill your plans. This is a local secret - tourists flock to Napa, but Santa Cruz Mountains produces exceptional Pinot Noir and Chardonnay with way fewer crowds. December weekdays you might have entire tasting rooms to yourself.
San Pedro Square Market and Downtown Food Scene Exploration
San Jose's food scene is wildly underrated, and December is great for exploring it. San Pedro Square Market is the anchor - an indoor-outdoor food hall that works in any weather. The 70% humidity actually enhances the experience when you're eating hot pho or ramen, which is what locals crave in December. The city has massive Vietnamese, Mexican, and Filipino populations, so you're getting authentic regional food, not tourist versions. December evenings are cool enough that outdoor heated patios are actually pleasant rather than sweltering. The holiday season brings special menus and pop-ups. This is evening activity gold when you don't want to drive far after dark.
Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum and Japanese Friendship Garden Cultural Circuit
These adjacent attractions create a perfect December rainy-day backup plan. The Egyptian Museum is one of the largest collections of Egyptian artifacts in western North America, housed in a building styled after ancient temples. It's entirely indoors and genuinely fascinating - not just kid stuff. The Japanese Friendship Garden next door is outdoors but actually lovely in December rain - the garden was designed for year-round interest, and winter structure is part of the aesthetic. The combination gives you 3-4 hours of quality cultural time within a 5-minute walk. Way less crowded in December than spring cherry blossom season.
Alum Rock Park Canyon Hiking and Mineral Springs Exploration
This 1,300-acre park in the foothills east of San Jose is spectacular in December. The park sits at 200-700 m (650-2,300 ft) elevation, and December weather makes the canyon hikes comfortable rather than the scorching summer experience. The variable conditions mean you might get dramatic fog rolling through the canyon, which is genuinely beautiful. The historic mineral springs area has restored structures from the 1890s spa resort. Trails range from easy paved paths to challenging climbs, and December rain brings seasonal waterfalls that disappear by May. You'll see serious hikers and trail runners but not the family crowds of summer weekends. This is where locals go when they want nature without driving to Big Sur.
December Events & Festivals
Christmas in the Park
This is San Jose's signature December event - Plaza de Cesar Chavez downtown transforms into an elaborate holiday display with animated exhibits, community-built decorations, and a massive Christmas tree. It's been running for 40+ years and is genuinely charming rather than cheesy. Free admission, though they appreciate donations. The displays are lit nightly, and weekends have live performances and visits from Santa. This is what locals do with visiting family - it's tradition. Best experienced on weekday evenings when crowds are lighter, or brave the weekend scene for the full festive energy.
Santana Row Holiday Events and Window Displays
Santana Row is San Jose's upscale outdoor shopping district, and they go all-out for December with elaborate window displays, a large Christmas tree, and weekend events including carolers and occasional snow flurries from machines. It's free to wander and window shop, and the area has excellent restaurants and cafes for warming up. The European-style architecture actually works well in December weather. Thursday through Sunday evenings have the most activity. This doubles as people-watching and holiday atmosphere without requiring purchases.