Dec. 8, 2022
Dear Neighborhood Services and Education Committee,
Christmas in the Park has followed the Breeze of Innovation project since the San José Light Tower Corporation gave it life. We have a tremendous amount of respect for Steve and the gift he wants to bring to the City of San José. We recognize and appreciate Steve’s willingness to work with stakeholders like us on this landmark project.
We have great concerns about the proposed location, Plaza de Cesar Chavez. • We question the feasibility of building a world class landmark on a 2.5-acre park. • We question whether such a project allows Christmas in the Park to thrive much less survive.
We want to work with Steve and the City of San José to make Plaza de Cesar Chavez and Downtown San José the best it can be. As you consider his proposal, please remember what Christmas in the Park has given the families of San José for the last 42 years.
Christmas in the Park is a beloved city tradition. It is also the largest holiday event on the west coast.
Our free, forty-day event:
• Attracts nearly 800,000 visitors per year
• Includes 43 displays, 550 decorated trees and many local small business vendors • Is responsible for an estimated $20 million in economic impact to downtown San José Every year we must choose which displays stay at our workshop because we don’t have room for all of them at the park. Every year more vendors want to participate in our event. And every year we see more of our community enjoying Christmas in the Park. The Breeze of Innovation project is exciting and will certainly attract visitors. Our concern is the capacity of the 2.5-acre Plaza.
Christmas in the Park Matters
Christmas in the Park is a proud temporary tenant of Plaza de Cesar Chavez. Our NPO with an allvolunteer board of directors manages a $2 million budget to produce Christmas in the Park in the Plaza.
Tradition
We offer a free holiday experience to San José that has been a community tradition for more than 40 years. Regardless of job title or income, everyone who visits our Park can feel the magic of the holidays and make long lasting memories.
Tree Lighting Ceremony
Our opening night Tree Lighting Ceremony kicks off the holiday season in San José with the lighting of our 50-foot tree. Local dignitaries, entertainment and Santa make it a fun evening for all.
Jingle Bell Stage
More than 100 performances each year showcase the cultures of the community. City council members program a night on the stage to highlight groups in their district.
This year we were proud to honor the Vietnamese community with an evening of special programming including dance, music and fashion. We’re working closing with our Latino community, and others, to do the same in the future.
Enchanted Forest
Our Enchanted Forest is a yearly tradition for schools, scouts, community groups, and San José businesses. A Forest of more than 550 decorated trees allows our community to display their holiday spirit and customs. Many of the handmade decorations are projects people look forward to each November.
Free Santa Visits
Visits with mall Santas are a financial strain on many budgets. Our Santa House provides visits with the Big Guy free of charge. Photos taken with our guests’ phones/cameras are cherished keepsakes. This year, we have several Spanish speaking Santas to better serve our community.
We are busy in our workshop throughout the year and appreciate the support of the community:
Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Work Program
The Work Program is vital to our Park. The participants bring a variety of skills to Christmas in the Park and have a chance to be part of a San José tradition. They often visit our Park during the holidays to show their families the projects they worked on.
Volunteers
We offer yearlong community service opportunities for students to earn their hours. In addition, companies use our Workshop for team building, helping us get projects completed.
We are for the community. By the community. And we look forward to continuing to serve our community.
Thank you.
Christmas in the Park Board of Directors
CITP is a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization and is funded through sponsorships, donations and fundraising events, as well as through grants and in-kind donations. Tax ID # 77-0046955
Mail: 171 Branham Ln. Ste. 10-234 San José, CA 95136
(408) 271-XMAS • FAX (408) 516-9792