Star Wars comes to Christmas in the Park

Today we went to Christmas in the Park, the annual holiday display in downtown San Jose that features dozens of holiday dioramas and hundreds of decorated holiday trees. We've made this an annual tradition, so we're familiar with most of the holiday displays. This year, we noticed something markedly different.... as though some strange force had invaded the displays.

Yes, you know what I'm talking about... The Force!  Star Wars Episode 7: The Force Awakens opened 2 days ago, and you'd have to be living in a rock not to notice it. Star Wars has invaded everything from underwear to socks to soda cans to soup cans to gummy vitamins, so it's not surprising that Christmas in the Park has been touched by The Force as well. We saw so many Star Wars-themed trees and displays, proving that even Santa Claus is a Star Wars fan.  Here's my pick of the best Star Wars holiday displays from around the galaxy:



This tree features the iconic opening message, planet ornaments (Naboo, Death Star, Bespin, etc..), BB-8, Han Solo in Carbonite, light sabers, and a Darth Vader tree topper.

Here's a closer look at another tree. The Darth-Vader-as-Rudolph and Stormtrooper-as-Santa ornaments are genius!

This tree features a Darth Vader tree topper and adorable felt ornaments. They look pretty easy to make, as long as you have the right pattern to copy.

Here's a close-up of the felt ornaments. Yoda, Vader, and Leia are so cute.

This tree leaves no space untouched, from the Death Star tree topper to the Star Wars figures on the bottom. Yoda, R2-D2 and the Stormtrooper are so large, there's no room for presents under the tree! Come to think of it, they probably are the presents under the tree!

If you're feeling extra crafty, why not build a Star Wars gingerbread house or a Star Wars lawn ornament house like this one showing the lighter side of the Force? I love the cute cartoon versions of Leia, Obi-Wan, and Darth Vader. Don't forget the Milennium Falcon and Santa Yoda on the rooftop!

If you're more into the Dark Side, check out this TIE fighter chocolate house, complete with dark chocolate icing and domesticated Storm Trooper.

Here's the back side of the Dark Side house. So creative!