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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.