San Jose Brings Community Together with Magical Holiday Light Display Inspired by Local Children's Artwork
The South Bay is getting into the holiday spirit with a brand new light display, the DOCA Festival of Holiday Lights, which officially opened to the public on Friday night and will run through January 4, 2026. The festival, which bills itself as a holiday experience made for the community, by the community, features five glowing acres, six magical zones, and more than 40 handmade attractions that bring to life the artwork of local children.
The idea behind the festival was sparked when its co-founders, Wan Zhao and Yixin, asked themselves how they could bring together stories, art, and families to create an immersive holiday experience. They held an art contest, which was designed by local kids, and used their creativity as inspiration for some of the festival's structures.
"It's very magical to see that happen and see the kids' creativity shine," said Zhao. "I feel like that's really reminds me to bring my inner-child out." The festival aims to reconnect people with their sense of wonder and curiosity, and to create memorable moments together that can last.
The DOCA Festival is not the only holiday light display in the South Bay this season. Christmas in the Park's Blinky's Drive Thru has also opened up at the Santa Clara County fairgrounds, offering a walk-thru experience just down the street from the festival.
For those looking to get into the holiday spirit, both displays offer a unique and magical experience that is sure to delight families of all ages.
The South Bay is getting into the holiday spirit with a brand new light display, the DOCA Festival of Holiday Lights, which officially opened to the public on Friday night and will run through January 4, 2026. The festival, which bills itself as a holiday experience made for the community, by the community, features five glowing acres, six magical zones, and more than 40 handmade attractions that bring to life the artwork of local children.
The idea behind the festival was sparked when its co-founders, Wan Zhao and Yixin, asked themselves how they could bring together stories, art, and families to create an immersive holiday experience. They held an art contest, which was designed by local kids, and used their creativity as inspiration for some of the festival's structures.
"It's very magical to see that happen and see the kids' creativity shine," said Zhao. "I feel like that's really reminds me to bring my inner-child out." The festival aims to reconnect people with their sense of wonder and curiosity, and to create memorable moments together that can last.
The DOCA Festival is not the only holiday light display in the South Bay this season. Christmas in the Park's Blinky's Drive Thru has also opened up at the Santa Clara County fairgrounds, offering a walk-thru experience just down the street from the festival.
For those looking to get into the holiday spirit, both displays offer a unique and magical experience that is sure to delight families of all ages.
I was thinking of taking my little ones to check out the DOCA Festival of Holiday Lights. It's amazing how they incorporated local kids' artwork into the display – it's like a big ol' group project come to life! I've been meaning to take them on a holiday outing and this seems like the perfect excuse. The fact that it's made for the community, by the community, really resonates with me... it's all about spreading some joy and wonder during the most wonderful time of the year 
i'm so stoked about this new holiday light display in san jose!! 
it's like, totally genius idea by wan zhao & yixin to turn the kids' artwork into a magical festival 
and i love that they're bringing people together with this community-driven event 
. plus, who doesn't love a good glowy light display at christmas 
? i'm planning to check it out with my fam and friends this weekend 
can't wait for some festive fun and memories 
ITS SO COOL THAT THE PEOPLE BEHIND THIS FESTIVAL PUT TOGETHER AN ART CONTEST WITH THE KIDS AND USED THEIR IDEAS FOR SOME OF THE DISPLAYS!!! IT JUST FEELS LIKE A REALLY SPECIAL AND MAGICAL EXPERIENCE FOR FAMILIES!!!
, have you seen the layout for this DOCA Festival? It's like they took every spare inch of land and just...parked a bunch of lights on it 
. And don't even get me started on the crowd control 
, my mate was stuck waiting in line for like an hour just to see a few lights 
. Not impressed at all 
. And have they thought about accessibility? I saw a pic of someone trying to navigate the festival with a stroller and it looked like an obstacle course 
...
I'm not buying it... San Jose's new light display might look pretty, but have you seen the economic impact on small businesses in the area? All these tourists flocking in during peak season means higher prices and less affordable housing for local residents 
. And what about the environmental concerns? These displays are just a bunch of energy-sucking lights polluting our skies... 
I love how it's all about reconnecting with wonder and curiosity – it's so refreshing to see a holiday event that's not just about the commercial stuff. And can we talk about how cute the art contest idea is? 
it was SO COOL!!! they have these huge structures made outta kids' artwork and its literally like steppin into a dream world 
i loved how each zone had its own theme and design, from fairy tale castles to winter wonderlands 
cant wait to go back with fam this weekend