Adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities from Hope Services work at Christmas in the Park’s workshop year round to help prepare for the holiday season. Recently, Hope Services secured a grant for these men to be paid fairly for their time, a major win for adults with disabilities who are often paid a subminimum wage.
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Christmas in the Park and Hope Services
Christmas in the Park History
Ever wonder how we got our start? Learn how our 44-year tradition all started in the 1950s outside a family business, Lima Mortuary.
Accessible Sunday at Christmas in the Park
Christmas in the Park is an event meant for the whole community. That’s why organizers have set aside a special day, Accessible Sunday, designed specifically for those who need a little extra assistance to fully enjoy this annual holiday event. On Sunday, December 10th, special needs guests and their families enjoyed a Christmas in the Park environment created just for them. This event was made possible by the generous sponsors, Valeta and TJ Rodgers.
Holiday adventure inside Christmas in the Park’s Drive Thru Light Show in San Jose
Drivers at History Park in San Jose can now tune their radio to 93.5 and hear songs synced with more than 200,000 lights as they drive through the holiday spectacle.
Sheriff work program helps keep spirit of San Jose’s Christmas in the Park alive
Christmas in the Park wouldn’t be possible without a group of helpers from the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office work program, which gives an alternative sentence other than jail time and the opportunity for a second chance. Here is one success story.
‘Spread Joy To All’ This Holiday Season With Inaugural ‘Accessible Sunday’ Plans
“Christmas should be accessible to all. We want to spread joy to all.”
That’s what Debbie Degutis said to me last week during a private tour of Christmas in the Park ocated at the two-acre stretch of Plaza de Cesar Chavez in Downtown San Jose. Christmas in the Park, which began in 1980, is described on its website as “an annual holiday tradition that takes place in the heart of Downtown San José” [that] has brought people from all over the Bay Area together during the holidays.” Read more…
Holiday spirit lights up for thousands with Opening Night
People in the Bay Area are getting into the holiday spirit at the opening night of Christmas in the Park in San Jose. And the best part? If you plan to attend with family or friends, admission is completely free!
San Jose’s Christmas in the Park to return with new splashes of color!
Christmas in the Park collaborated with Local Color to produce new murals from local artists on exterior compound walls.
Christmas in the Park & Rocketship Si Se Puede Academy
Students from Rocketship Si Se Puede Academy prepare to decorate their tree at Christmas in the Park’s Enchanted Forest. The forest boasts over 500 trees and will attract 700,000 visitors over the holiday season.