Between massive shopping events like Cyber Monday and Black Friday, it can sometimes seem like the holiday season has just become about buying material goods. Thankfully, you don’t have to have to spend a lot of money to have a fun and festive holiday. Here are some of my top activities to do this season.
Visit Christmas in the Park
Christmas in the Park is a winter event that takes place each year in downtown San Jose, roughly from the last week of November, to January 1. Filled with colorful lights, nativity scenes and other festive displays, going to Christmas in the Park is the perfect affordable holiday activity. Many other holiday events take place throughout the time that Christmas in the Park is open. For example, a dog day and toys-for-tots collection day are hosted. Going to Christmas in the Park is a tradition for many who live in San Jose, and if you have not been yet, I strongly suggest checking it out this holiday season.
Volunteer at a Soup Kitchen
The holidays are a perfect time to give back to our community. Volunteering at a soup kitchen, like Our City Team, is an excellent choice. Cityteam is a nondenominational Christian nonprofit that focuses on serving the poor and homeless in San Jose, Chester, San Francisco, Oakland, and Portland. If preparing and serving food is not your forte, they also offer other volunteer tasks like helping with laundry. While it is great to volunteer at organizations like Our City Team all year long, it is especially important to help during the winter months as many homeless people need extra help due to the harsh weather conditions. Volunteering is of course free and will guarantee to put a smile not only on those you are helping but also yourself!
Host a Gingerbread House Decorating Party
Another fun and affordable activity to do this season is hosting a gingerbread house decorating party! You can have everyone purchase their own pre-made houses (which can be found at almost any grocery or craft store) or take the bolder route and bake your own homes. Buy some candy at the dollar store, make some hot coco, play your favorite Christmas playlist, and you’re set!
Ice Skating
One of the first activities that comes to my mind when thinking about the holidays is ice skating. Whether you want to take a special someone or decide to go with a group of friends, this activity is sure to be a good time. Two great local ice skating rinks are Solarr4America Ice, which is the official practice facility of the San Jose Sharks, and Downtown Ice. If you want to extend your festivities after an afternoon of ice skating I suggest going to Christmas in the Park, which is located close to Downtown Ice.