San Jose’s ‘Christmas in the Park’ needs money

SAN JOSE, Calif. (KRON) — San Jose’s iconic “Christmas in the Park” is facing financial challenges.

They are currently about $250,000 under budget, and they also need to finalize a new contract with the city of San Jose by the end of the month.

Spring is in full bloom at Cesar Chavez Plaza, but the people who put on “Christmas in the Park” every year say they’re already thinking about the holidays.

“Every holiday season, you can count on ‘Christmas in the Park’ to transform Plaza de Cesar Chavez in San Jose into a winter wonderland.”

Debbie Degutis, the managing director for Christmas in the Park, says the holiday cheer will continue this year, but tough times lie ahead.

“We’re about a 250k deficit, and that’s a real challenge for us,” said Degutis.

That’s about 15 to 20% of their operating budget. Without the money, there’ll be no raises for employees and no new attractions for the park.

“We don’t make money off the ice rink. As a nonprofit with a free event, we have a tight budget,” said Degutis.

But they’ll have to ring in the holiday cheer regardless.

This week, the City of San Jose announced they want to proceed with a three-year contract for the park. Mayor Matt Mahan even suggested they find a new area to host the event outside of Plaza de Cesar Chavez.

Fans are hoping for a Christmas miracle.

“Christmas in the Park in Cesar Chavez Park is one of the same to me, so I hope they find a way to stay here,” said one resident.

Degutis says they’re always open to donations, but one solution could be the $20 million in revenue she says the event brings to downtown businesses.

“I’m hoping they look at this $20 million and help us,” said Degutis. “Give us whatever you can, but we need more help to make this happen. It’s hard.”

Even if the city wants to proceed with a plan to move Christmas in the Park to a new location, KRON4 has been told it’s guaranteed to be at Cesar Chavez Park at least for 2025.