Thru Jan 13: Downtown Ice. (San Jose: Circle of Palms, 170 S. Market St.; 408/291-0525. www.sjdowntown.com) Skate, twirl and glide amid palm trees and festive decorations at the Downtown Ice Rink, the South Bay’s largest outdoor ice rink. The Circle of Palms is the perfect holiday setting for the quintessential winter sport — ice skating. White lights drape the towering palm trees and twinkle late into the night. The year-round fair weather in San Jose means that you don’t need to bundle up too much before stepping out onto the ice. Mon-Thurs, 5-10pm; Fri, 5pm-12am; Sat, 12pm-12am; Sun, 12-10pm.
Jan 10-13: International Sportsmen’s Expo. (San Mateo: Event Center, 2495 S. Delaware St., 650/574-3247. www.sportsexpos.com) Goods and services for fly-fishing, hunting and sport-fishing are on hand at this colossal exposition for outdoor sports enthusiasts. Thurs & Fri, 12-8pm; Sat, 10am-7pm; Sun, 10am-5pm.
Jan 10-13: Silicon Valley International Auto Show. (San Jose: McEnery Convention Center, 408 S. Almaden Blvd; 408/277-5277. www.motortrendautoshows.com) Hundreds of vehicles from all of the major manufacturers rev their way into this annual exhibition that showcases all the new models for 2008. Trucks, classic “muscle cars,” and vans are showcased, as well as the latest accessories from the auto industry. Thurs–Sat, 10am-10pm; Sun, 10am-7pm.
Jan 25-27: South Bay Home & Garden Show. (Santa Clara: Convention Center, 5001 Great America Pkwy; 408/748-7000. http://southbayhomeshow.com) This large exposition offers advice and tips from experts on everything from finding the right person for a job to good, old fashioned do-it-yourself ideas. Fri, 12-8pm; Sat, 11am-7pm; Sun, 11am-6pm.
Jan 31-Mar 16: Cirque du Soleil. (San Jose: Grand Chapiteau at Taylor Street Bridge; 800/678-5440. www.cirquedusoleil.com) This legendary Canadian-based circus troupe brings Kooza to San Jose. Combining the best acrobats, clowns, costumes, stages and music, this amazing show is a magical visual treat for young and old alike. Follow The Innocent as he journeys through strange lands and interacts with a myriad of crazy characters, from tricksters to pickpockets. The acrobatics are taken to a new level with this show, as Kooza takes fresh twists on the standard high wire and wheel of death acts. Tues-Thurs, 8pm; Fri & Sat, 4pm & 8pm; Sun, 1pm & 5pm.
