Welcome to Santa Clara, where holiday traditions come alive and festive celebrations fill the air! Experience the magic of the season with a wide range of holiday events, activities, festivals, and attractions that will make your holidays unforgettable.
From dazzling parades and breathtaking fireworks to enchanting concerts and community gatherings, Santa Clara offers something for everyone during this joyous time of year. Whether you’re a local resident or visiting from out of town, there’s no shortage of holiday spirit in Santa Clara.
Immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere as you explore the vibrant streets adorned with twinkling lights and decorations. Support the local Bronco businesses and shop for unique gifts to spread holiday cheer.
Join the Jesuit School of Theology and the SCU community for daily Advent prayers, reflecting on the true meaning of the season. Delight in sustainable crafting at the annual holiday event held at the Forge Garden, where you can create beautiful ornaments using natural materials.
Get into the holiday spirit with the SCU Choirs’ enchanting Festival of Lights, a mesmerizing musical evening that marks the beginning of the holiday season. For a tasty treat, Nox Cookies offers a fun holiday cookie decorating session, providing a list of materials for those outside of Santa Clara.
Even Santa Claus himself has a special surprise in store! He visits families virtually through Zoom, giving little ones the opportunity to share their Christmas wish lists and create cherished memories.
Spread the holiday warmth by joining Project Linus in making blankets to donate to children in need. Take part in the Advent Mini Retreat, where you can reflect upon the blessings and joy of the Advent season.
Ready to celebrate with a purpose? Attend the Catala Club’s holiday party, where all donations go towards scholarships and the SCU Student Food Insecurity Program, supporting a great cause while having a wonderful time.
Discover the joy, love, and togetherness that Santa Clara’s major holiday celebrations offer. Join us in creating magical moments and treasured memories that will last a lifetime.
Santa Clara’s Earth Day and Arbor Day Celebrations
Santa Clara takes pride in its commitment to environmental sustainability and celebrates Earth Day and Arbor Day with annual community events that promote eco-consciousness, tree preservation, and environmental education.
One of the highlights of the Earth Day and Arbor Day celebrations is the special community event held at Central Park Pavilion. This event brings together Santa Clara residents and visitors to enjoy a day filled with engaging activities and educational opportunities.
The Earth Day and Arbor Day event features a variety of attractions, including:
- A mesmerizing musical performance that captivates audiences of all ages.
- A tree climbing demonstration that showcases the skills and techniques used by arborists in maintaining Santa Clara’s urban forest.
- Booths and exhibits dedicated to promoting environmental education and sustainable practices.
Santa Clara’s dedication to tree preservation and environmental stewardship has been recognized by the Arbor Day Foundation. The city has proudly earned the designation of Tree City USA community, highlighting its commitment to managing, expanding, and preserving the urban forest. Additionally, Santa Clara has been honored with the Growth Award for its exceptional tree care and environmental initiatives.
Education plays a crucial role in creating a greener future. In line with this vision, Santa Clara organizes environmentally focused children’s book readings. These interactive sessions aim to educate children about the importance of trees, environmental conservation, and sustainable living.
Even if you can’t attend the community event, there are still numerous ways to join Santa Clara in celebrating Earth Day and Arbor Day. Engaging activities and resources are available for individuals to participate in from the comfort of their homes. These include games, printable activity sheets, and online music and movement programs that inspire environmental consciousness.
Santa Clara’s Recognition of Juneteenth
In Santa Clara County, Juneteenth holds a special significance as it became the first county to acknowledge and honor this important day by making it an official paid holiday for county workers. Juneteenth is a celebration that symbolizes the independence and liberation of African Americans, marking the end of slavery in the United States.
Observed on June 19th each year, Juneteenth is a time to reflect on the history of African Americans and their journey towards freedom. It is also known by other names such as Freedom Day and Emancipation Day. Juneteenth plays a vital role in raising awareness about the injustices of slavery and the ongoing fight for equality.
For nearly four decades, the African American Community Service Agency (AACSA) has been at the forefront of celebrating Juneteenth in Santa Clara County. They organize a series of events that aim to educate the community about African American culture and history. These events not only commemorate the emancipation of slaves but also provide a platform for fostering unity, understanding, and appreciation for the contributions of African Americans to society.
The recent recognition of Juneteenth as a federal holiday and its official observance in California highlight the growing importance of acknowledging and understanding African American history. By designating Juneteenth as a holiday, both at the county and federal level, it serves as an opportunity to promote education, raise awareness, and encourage dialogue about the nation’s complex history of slavery and the ongoing pursuit of racial equity.
