Unwrap The Alameda this Holiday Season

This blog series highlights the business corridors in the 2023 Holiday San José shop local campaign, written by the business outreach team in the City's Office of Economic Development and Cultural Affairs.

Happy Holidays! My name is Sal Alvarez and I am part of the Business Development Team at the City of San José's Office of Economic Development and Cultural Affairs, focusing on small business support through capacity building of business associations and storefront activation. I manage city-wide Streetlight Banner, Storefronts Activation Grant and Business Improvement District Formation Programs for the City. A San José native, I love our neighborhood business districts and am excited to support The Alameda Business Association and Visit The Alameda and support our local businesses through this year's Holiday Shop Local Campaign.

Over 200 years in the making, The Alameda not only served as a connection from the Pueblos of downtown San José to the Mission Santa Clara de Asis, but it was also the home of the West's first horsecar railroad. It was the hub of transportation, a center of innovation, and the home to the wealthy and the workers, but it was also the center of entertainment in San José for many years. Locals and travelers flocked to Agricultural Park for everything from bicycle racing to horse racing to fairs and exhibitions and what is now called 'Race Street'. They livened up the night with performances at the renowned Fredericksburg Brewing Co.

The road has undergone many changes throughout the years, but one thing remains the same: it is the center of a vibrant, innovative community and a shopping, dining, and entertainment district for neighbors far and wide. In the early 2000s it underwent investment from the State and redevelopment agency through The Alameda The Beautiful Way project. With over 80 artists calling the road home, Crema Coffee Co. offering art displays and music, Visual Philosophy Studio leading professional art classes in everything from printmaking to blacksmithing basics (hello holiday gift idea!), and The Art Boutiki, opening their doors for regular small venue live concerts, there are many opportunities for holiday shopping, dining or fun!

The Alameda continues to find innovative ways to create community through events that let you breathe in the fresh air and satisfy your soul with art, music, and history while walking under the beautiful shade trees.

Learn more by taking a PACSJ history walk or self-guided historical walking tour of the historic Shasta Hanchett Homes after a sidewalk lunch at Tee Nee Thai or Luna Mexican Kitchen. Check out the historic sites along The Alameda while snacking on equally adorable and delicious treats from Hannah's or Greenlee's Bakery, or have a power meeting over coffee at Crema, sell, buy or trade books new and used books at Recycle Books, or join them for one of their fantastic upcoming Second Saturday events, December 9.

Are you ready to explore The Alameda? Visit our 'Unwrap The Alameda' Holiday San José page and view our list of places to shop, eat and celebrate along this corridor. We also recommend visiting the Visit The Alameda page for up to date info on events this holiday season.

For other business areas to visit this holiday season, visit the Holiday San José page.