Santa Claus lands a new pad in San Jose
It may not quite match the style of his place up at the North Pole, but Santa Claus has a new pied-à-terre at Christmas in the Park in downtown San Jose, where kids can visit him after the beloved holiday display opens at Plaza de Cesar Chavez tonight.
Santa's previous cabin had seen its day, Christmas in the Park Managing Director Debbie Degutis said, prompting the need for a replacement.
“It's the best Santa House we've ever had,” she said. “We knew we wanted it to be comfortable. We wanted it to be a place where we would want to sit with Santa.”
The new Santa House wasn't built by elves, though. It's the handiwork of Greg Garcia, Christmas in the Park's woodworker who started building it part time back in March. Sounds like that would be enough to get him on the “Nice” list for at least a few years.
It's not the only new feature. About 40 of the displays have been spruced up, including a miniature carousel that again turns and the 12 Days of Christmas display at the north end of the park. There's a new Park Tavern, a decorated tent behind the information booth where visitors can stop by for wine and beer. Murals will brighten up the south end of the park, and there's a whole new set of Habitat for Humanity playhouses built and decorated by Silicon Valley companies — including a combination Barbie Dream House/Ken's Mojo Dojo Casa House by Lam Research.
Of course, there also are hundreds of trees decorated by school groups, scouts, elected officials, nonprofits and businesses. It will all be open to see after tonight's official opening, which begins at 5:30 p.m. and includes the lighting of the 65-foot tree at 6:30 p.m. Get more information at christmasinthepark.com.
ADVENTURE AT ANY AGE >> Lifelong San Jose resident Janice Salberg hiked to the top of Diamond Head in Hawaii on Nov. 3 with several family members, including her son, John Salberg. Now, that might not seem like such a big deal since some 800,000 people a year make the nearly milelong trek, gaining 560 feet in
altitude, to the summit of the iconic Oahu landmark. But not all of them are just shy of their 97th birthday like Janice Salberg is. And, John Salberg says, locals he talked to think she may be the oldest person to ever do so.
He said she was a little nervous before starting the hike but was reassured by having her family around her. “My mom kicked butt, straight up Diamond Head and straight down without any problems,” said the proud son. “My mom is an incredible woman, and everyone should know that.”
HOLIDAY SHOPPING AND SIPPING >>
If you're looking to do some very local shopping this year, the SJ Made Holiday Fair is taking place today and Saturday at the Santa Clara Convention Center. There will be more than 425 makers, artists and small businesses there each day from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Admission is free.
And if you really want to get into the holiday spirits, downtown San Jose is the place to go. Paper Plane and Miniboss have been transformed into Miracle on 1st Street (72 S. First St.) and Miracle at Miniboss (52 E. Santa Clara St.) through the end of the year, serving themed cocktails like the Christmas Cricket and the Carol Barrel amid a truly ridiculous amount of holiday decor. And 55 South at First and Post streets is again taking on the role of Sippin' Santa, a “tiki holiday” companion to the Miracle bars with beach-ready drinks like the Jingle Bird and the Yule Tide.
Just remember to leave the sleigh at home.
SWEET REAL ESTATE >>
Builders with a sweet tooth have a couple of options over the next couple of weeks to make gingerbread houses. The San Jose Woman's Club is hosting its 11th annual Gingerbread House Decorating Party at 2 p.m. Sunday. The family-friendly event includes decorations, light refreshments and holiday music. A $35 ticket includes a house kit, but there's a discount if you bring your own or just want to watch. Tickets are available at sjwcgingerbread.eventbrite.com.
History San Jose, meanwhile, will host a gingerbread decorating event at San Pedro Square Market aimed at grown-ups Dec. 15. The gingerbread house decorating workshop starts at 8 p.m. and tickets can be bought with vouchers for drinks at San Pedro Square Market bars ($60) or without ($35). Go to historysanjose.org/programs-events for more details.