History San José is truly recreating the culture of the ‘Valley of Heart’s Delight.’ This year’s annual Heritage Holiday and Traditional Tea on Saturday, December 4 from 10 AM to 4 PM, will offer visitors the flavor of holidays of another era and of today.
New this year will be horse and carriage rides throughout History Park from 10 AM to 1 PM. Claymore Clydesdales will pull a buggy around the park, offering rides for everyone.
11:30 AM Book- signing and presentation by John Boessenecker, author of Bandido – The Life and Times of Tiburcio Vasquez, in the Pacific Hotel.
1:30 PM Book-signing and presentation by Mary Jo Ignoffio, author of Captive of the Labyrinth – Sarah Winchester, Heiress to the Rifle Fortune in the Pacific Hotel.
Noon – 3 PM The Antique Corner will feature evaluations with the South Bay’s Steve Yvaska, antique expert extraordinaire. Bring something from your home, attic or grandma’s heirloom; in the lobby of the Pacific Hotel.
2:00 PM Santa Claus arrives on vintage fire truck from the North Pole
2:00 – 4:00 PM Santa Claus available for photos in the Gazebo by the Plaza
The Traditional Heritage Holiday Tea
With only two seatings, 11 AM and 2 PM, the high tea will feature teas from San José’s newest tearoom, Satori of San Pedro Square Market, as well as delicacies from Crunch Catering, all served by costumed performers from Shady Shakespeare Theatre Company. Reservations are necessary and the $30 per person (or $25 for members of HSJ and Happy Hollow) will include admission to all the activities at Heritage Holiday.
Book Signings
Bandido – The Life and Times of Tiburcio Vasquez, by John Boessenecker, who will do a presentation as well as a book signing. Tiburcio Vasquez is, next to Joaquin Murieta, America’s most infamous Hispanic bandit. He was hanged for murder in 1875, but his life story is shrouded in myth. Boessenecker will shed more light on this subject at 11:30 AM in the Pacific Hotel, with a book signing afterward.
Music Schedule
- The 30-member band and high school choir of Liberty Baptist School will perform holiday favorites.
- Lyric Theatre with their Costumed Carolers
Ongoing in History Park from 10 AM to 4 PM
- Santa Clara Master Gardeners hands-on demonstrations and classes
- Demonstrations by yarn-spinners and lace-makers
- Shopping at The Museum Store
- Jams and jellies, as well as Willow Glen and History Park honey by Steve Demkowski will be available in the Museum Store
- Food and drinks available in O’Brien’s Ice Cream Parlor and Café
- Trolley rides and handcart rides
- Docent-led tours of the historic homes of History Park
- The Diablo Pacific Short Line Railroad will exhibit an entire town using model railroads
- Rico Deluxe handmade glass beads and jewelry will make nice gifts
- The Schmahl Science Workshops will have hands-on activities for the children
- Participation by Our City Forest
- The Model T Club of Santa Clara County
Admission to Heritage Holiday is $3 per person or $10 for a family of four. Parking is free. Members of HSJ and Happy Park and Zoo receive free admission. For more information, check out www or call 408 287 2290.
Reservations for the Heritage Tea are necessary: $30 per person, and $25 for HSJ and HHP&Z members. The ticket to the tea will include admission to all the activities at Heritage Holiday.