RIDE ACE TO CELEBRATE THE HOLIDAYS IN SAN JOSÉ
Ride ACE's Event Train for a chance to Win $500
How to Enter
- Ride ACE's Event Train on December 10th or December 25th
- Follow @altamontcorridorexpress on Instagram
- Post a photo or video while riding ACE to the 49ers game or San Jose holiday events on Instagram, tagging @altamontcorridorexpress
Winner will be announced and tagged on Instagram on January 15th, 2024. Winner will be required to show proof of ACE ticket on one of the above dates when contacted.
This holiday season, take a trip down to San José, the heart of Silicon Valley, for a winter wonderland full of festivities and delicious food with your family and friends.
ACE Rail is here to get you connected easily. Enjoy the day without the worry of traffic or parking meters. Instead, enjoy a safe train ride with free Wi-Fi, ADA accessibility, and maybe even a nap.
Welcome to San José
Once you arrive at Diridon Station, make your way to Plaza de Cesar Chavez for some breakfast or a warm cup of coffee before embarking on your holiday activities.
From Diridon Station, you can enjoy a 17 minute walk to the Plaza, a 10minute VTA Light Rail - take the Green Line to San Antonio Station - or take a 5 minute rideshare.
Coffee & Breakfast
Explore these beloved breakfast and coffee spots at Plaza de Cesar Chavez to kickstart your day!
Nirvana Soul
315 S 1st St, San José, CA 95113
Opens 7 AM daily
Nirvana Soul, a locally cherished black-owned coffee shop, stands out with its distinctive flavors and mouthwatering breakfast quick bites.
Bijan Bakery & Café
170 S Market St #110, San José, CA 95113
Opens 7:30 AM (Wed - Sun),Opens 8:30 AM (Mon & Tues)
Bijan Abachizadeh and his family craft elegant and delicious pastries, cakes, and croissants using the highest quality imported European ingredients, exclusively butter,and with no preservatives or trans fats.
Tech Cafe
201 S Market St, San José, CA 95113
Opens 10 AM daily
You can also begin your day grabbing a bite to eat at Tech Interactive’s in house cafe, offering breakfast and lunch options made fresh for every order.
San José’s Holiday Festivities
Celebrate the holiday season in San José by exploring the following festive events, which attract hundreds of thousands of visitors each holiday season, most within walking distance of Plaza de Cesar Chavez.
Tech Interactive | Polar Play Days
201 S Market St, San José, CA
Opens 10 AM (T-S), Open 11 AM (Sun), Closed Mondays and Christmas Day
Embark on a polar adventure with exhibits like Glacial Glider and The Tech Studio's winter migration. Explore NASA's ICEStat-2 satellite and enjoy exclusive winter activities in the Polar Play Zone. Dive into Arctic thrills at the IMAX Dome Theater and treat yourself to ICEE's or themed drinks for the perfect winter experience!
Christmas in the Park
194 South Market St., San José, CA
Open 12 PM from November 24, 2023 to January 1, 2024
Celebrate the magic of the holiday season at Christmas in the Park, a beloved event gathering people of all ages for over 44 years. Supported by local businesses and donors,this whimsical walk-thru experience transforms a two-acre park into a festive wonderland with 40+ exhibits, glittering lights, and a towering Community Giving Tree. Enjoy a winter wonderland with free Santa photos, nightly entertainment, and holiday treats.
Winter Wonderland
Plaza de Cesar Chavez Park
194 South Market St., San José, CA
Open November 24 - January 1
Winter Wonderland has a lively assortment of rides and attractions, creating a festive hub for the whole community.Whether it's the stunning 60-foot Ferris Wheel or the vibrant Classic Carousel, these attractions are designed to bring joy, especially to the younger crowd. This downtown holiday tradition has evolved into a cherished seasonal custom for the entire Bay Area.
Downtown Ice
Circle of Palms Plaza
120 S Market Street, San José, CA
Open November 17, 2023 - January 15, 2024
Since its inception in 1994, Downtown Ice has become a cherished local tradition, providing ice skating experiences in collaboration with Special Ice and the San José Downtown Association. The joy of families gliding on the rink,accompanied by music and children's laughter, creates valuable and memorable family experiences throughout the holiday season.
Enchant Christmas
PayPal Park
1123 Coleman Ave, San José, CA 95110
Open November 24, 2023 - December 31, 2024
Enchant Christmas returns to PayPal Park in San José for its second year. Opening this Friday, the event promises a magical experience with a dazzling light maze, a festive Christmas tree maze, a charming Christmas village, and an enchanting ice-skating trail.
What’s for Dinner?
After a day of holiday fun, explore the diverse dining scene in San José within walking distance from Plaza de Cesar Chavez.
Mezcal Restaurant
25 W San Fernando St, San José, CA 95113
View website for hours of operation
Savor the authentic flavors of Oaxacan cuisine at Mezcal Restaurant, where owner Adolfo Gomez brings to life family recipes and traditional moles. Immerse yourself in the bold and diverse tastes of Oaxaca, with a menu curated by Gomez's passion for traditional, fresh, and authentic dishes.
Mosaic
211 S 1st St, San José, CA 95113
Open til 9 PM weekdays, Closed Sundays
Discover Mosaic, a unique restaurant and lounge nestled in one of San José’s oldest historic downtown hotels, Four Points by Sheraton San José Downtown. With daily happy hours, live Jazz on Friday nights, an extensive selection of drinks, an outdoor patio, and two Bocce ball courts, Mosaic invites you to relish an extraordinary dining experience.
El Cabron Kitchen and Cantina
155 W San Fernando St, San José, CA 95113
Open til 1:30 AM (Fri-Sat), Open til 10 PM (Thur),Open til 8 PM (Sun)
Explore one of Downtown San José’s newest Mexican restaurants: El Cabron Kitchen and Cantina. El Cabron offers delectable cocktails, authentic Mexican dishes, and a lively atmosphere. Try the Queso Fundido, Aguachile, or churros!
Taurinus Brazilian Steakhouse
167 W San Fernando St, San José, CA 95113
Open til 9 PM (Fri-Sun), Open til 8:30 PM (Tues-Thur)
Indulge in a unique culinary experience at Taurinus Brazilian Steakhouse, where the traditional gaucho method of roasting poultry, pork, and beef over an open fire pit is seamlessly blended with an elegant dining atmosphere.
Home Sweet Home
As the day's festivities wind down, ACE is ready to take you back home. Head back to Diridon Station to catch the last weekday train departing at 6:38 PM. View the schedules for our Sunday trains.
Enjoy a 17-minute walk, take the VTA Light Rail Green Line from the San José Convention Center, or take a 5 minute rideshare.
Use your Special Train ticket for free transfer onto VTA.
