Previous Holiday Parades
The History of the San Jose Holiday Parade
A Family Tradition
The San Jose Holiday Parade tradition began in 1981 when Santa Claus
arrived in grand style for the opening of the Christmas in the Park
display at Plaza de Cesar Chavez, in Downtown San José. Santa
appeared on the roof of the St. Claire Hotel (currently the Hyatt),
vanished from its rooftop and magically appeared at the hotel entrance.
He then jumped into a horse-drawn carriage waiting to escort him up
Market Street to the park. That year, the Parade consisted of a couple
of fire engines, City of San José vehicles and Santa.
The next year, the Parade became the Christmas in the Park Parade.
It began on Park Avenue and circled around Plaza de Cesar Chavez. The
Parade featured a handful of units including the San Jose State University
Spartan Marching Band, a couple of floats and children’s groups.
This tradition continued for a number of years until the Parade became
too large just circling the park.
In 1987, KNTV, San José’s only network affiliate television
station, began to broadcast the Parade throughout the Bay Area as the
parade became more popular. In 1993, the Christmas in the Park Parade
became the San Jose Holiday Parade, beginning a new tradition. In 1994,
the parade began it’s expansion to become a major California event
and showcase California’s third largest city. Giant helium balloons,
professionally made floats and marching musical units throughout
North America were invited to join the line of march. At the start
of the Millenium, the parade was named “One of the Top 25 Parades
in America” by the International Festival and Events Association
and USA Today.
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