WINTER WONDERLAND SAN JOSE:

Giant Creative has coordinated Winter Wonderland for 15 years and counting! Together with Christmas in the Park and Downtown Ice, Winter Wonderland has attracted over 750,000 visitors each holiday season to Downtown San Jose. To learn more about the services we provide, contact us.

ABOUT WINTER WONDERLAND

ABOUT US

Giant Creative Services establishes its work in cultural and civic development, specializing in vibrant place-making in urban spaces. Our vision and leadership help public, private and nonprofit clients transfer innovative ideas into successful results.

Chris Esparza
Owner

Chris Esparza, raised in San Jose, now lives in San Jose’s Naglee Park neighborhood with his wife Pilar Agüero-Esparza and their child Olivia. Chris started working in the entertainment industry in 1985 and opened the his own venue The Ajax Lounge in 1991, a renowned jazz bar, café, and performing arts space in the nocturnal history of San Jose. He then started Smart Design in 1995, a design company specializing in graphic and furniture design, in a 14,000 sq. ft. warehouse on Martha Street. Smart Design converting the remaining space into San Jose’s first artist/small business incubator. Following these endeavors, Chris opened up an international café and jazz bar, Fuel 44 in late 1997. Chris then ventured on his own with what seemed like a natural progression – Giant Creative Services, a marketing, event design and performing arts resource agency, with such clients as San Francisco Redevelopment Agency, Villa Montalvo, and the renowned Stanford Jazz Festival, Giant was off to a great start. In 1999 he co-founded the volunteer civic entrepreneur group Circa 2000. Returning to small business in 2005, Chris opened the Naglee Park Garage, a neighborhood bistro in the downtown/SJSU area and in 2008 took on The San Jose Woman’s Club’s Landmark Ballroom for public and private events. Currently as San Jose Arts commissioner and producer of San Jose’s live music festival Left Coast Live.

Annie Hermes
Deputy Director

Since 2007, Annie has worked for Giant Creative filling many roles including the Facilities Manager to the San Jose Woman’s Club and the First Unitarian Church, and an Event Producer for festivals and events such as Left Coast Live, Winter Wonderland, Palo Alto Clay & Glass Festival, Bark in the Park, Big Bands & BBQ and various Wine Walks. Annie loves the challenge of thinking outside the box to provide creative solutions for events, implement innovative event design, and recruit unique vendors to make an event special and memorable.

Stephanie Barajas
Events Director

Stephanie joined the Giant Creative Services team at the end of March 2017 as part of the Market Rate Rentals department based in the School of Arts and Culture at the Mexican Heritage Plaza. In her current position, Stephanie loves being able to work with different groups, organizations and private clients and help them bring their events to fruition. She also enjoys with a non-profit that aims to serve its community and promote culture.

Jennifer Saxton
Event Planner

Jennifer has over 10 years of experience planning community events, including volunteer service projects, educational workshops, family fun days and Bark in the Park.She joined the Giant Creative team in the spring of 2018 and works on a variety of large-scale community events. Jennifer enjoys coordinating behind-the-scenes: working with vendors, creating event manuals & documents, staff scheduling, conducting research, and managing the office. She loves the challenge of staying organized with many different projects on her plate. Her skills in organizing help ensure events go smoothly.

Steve Bright
Events Director

Long time San Jose’ resident and hospitality professional joined Giant Creative Services in 2018.Steve has a passion for history and sharing everything that makes Silicon Valley great.He has over 20 years experience operating departments at properties including The Hayes Mansion, The Santa Cruz Dream Inn, and now at History Park San Jose’.Steve loves spending time with his wife and young son while working to make a positive impact in the community.

Saldy Suriben
Events Assistant

Saldy is the newest addition to the Giant Creative Service team, joining in March 2019. He splits his time assisting the Event Services Department at the School of Arts and Culture at the Mexican Heritage Plaza and at History Park San Jose. He has over 4 years of event planning experience, planning for both nonprofit and community organization events. He enjoys seeing the difference his efforts make in the community.

ABOUT US

Giant Creative Services establishes its work in cultural and civic development, specializing in vibrant place-making in urban spaces. Our vision and leadership help public, private and nonprofit clients transfer innovative ideas into successful results.

Chris Esparza
Owner

Annie Hermes
Deputy Director

Stephanie Barajas
Events Director

Jennifer Saxton
Event Planner

Steve Bright
Events Director

Join The Team

Whether you’re looking for a summer job or a part-time job during school, you’ll enjoy working with us! We have great opportunities for event staff, valet, and facility captains from May through October. To learn more about the positions we have available, fill out contact form today.

I am interested in working at:
The School of Arts & Culture @ MHPHistory Park San JoseGypsy Cinema and/or festival

How many hours are you interested in working?