Tiny trains. Big cheer. Endless wonder.
November 22, 2025—January 11, 2026
A brand-new holiday village has appeared in Filoli’s redwoods! Sip hot chocolate in the fresh air, send letters to the North Pole at the Post Office, dress up at the Elf Emporium, and marvel at tiny trains winding past fairy houses. At the heart of it all, Rose Wonders, Filoli’s gentle giant troll, welcomes you to a world where daydreams come to life. In this whimsical world, daydreams come to life and holiday magic sparkles all around.
Learn more about the lore of Thistlewyck!
Cost: $39–$45 for adults, $29–$35 for children 5–18; includes admission to Gilded
New this year, members receive free admission to Daytime Holidays
Questions? Check our FAQ below!
Holidays at Filoli — Presented by: Pacific Gas and Electric Company
Yuletide Woodland Court — Sponsored by: Harrell Design + Build
What's Included
- Daytime admission to both Thistlewyck and Gilded
- Access to the House, Garden, and Natural Lands
- Family-friendly atmosphere—all ages are welcome!
- Access to the Clock Tower Shop and Train Depot for all your holiday gifting
- Festive food and beverages are available for purchase at the Quail Café or Chalet Bars
- Last ticket is sold at 2pm; Filoli will be open until 3:30pm for daytime admission
LIMITED DAILY ADD-ON
Thistlewyck Passport
Collect stamps and magical memories at every station with the Thistlewyck Passport! With the passport, families can unlock even more cheer at Thistlewyck Village with an elf hat, warming cup of hot cocoa, a keepsake passport stamped by Filoli elves and train engineers, and more! Purchase a passport as an add-on for $25 per person while reserving your Gilded or Thistlewyck tickets. Limited availability each day — don’t wait, book now!
With a $25 value per child, your Thistlewyck Passport includes:
- Your very own elf hat
- A cup of the world’s best hot chocolate with toppings galore.
- Letter-writing experience to the North Pole
- A special gift from the Toy Store
- A keepsake Passport stamped by Filoli elves and train engineers.
Holiday Teas
Select Dates in December
11am, 1pm, & 3:30pm
90-minute experience
Grab a seat in the Garden House where holiday décor, shimmering lights, and seasonal florals set an unforgettable, cheerful tone.
Enjoy a thoughtfully curated afternoon tea featuring a tiered tray of treats, and unlimited champagne and tea. Seated at a family-style table, guests are welcomed into an elegant setting that invites meaningful connection and timeless tradition.
Toto's Tea
December 7, 20, 21, 22 & 23, 2025
11am & 2:30pm
90-minute experience
Make magical memories this holiday season with Toto’s Tea, inspired by the Bourn family’s beloved French Bulldog, Toto. Enjoy festive treats, storytelling, engaging activities, and a cuddly Toto plushie to take home—all in a winter wonderland setting.
While little ones soak up the seasonal magic, adults can relax and enjoy a complimentary festive drink—with more available for purchase if you’re feeling extra merry.
Cost: $85; Includes Daytime Admission to Holidays at Filoli
Members receive 10% off.
Please note: This is an event for the whole family. All children need a ticketed adult by their side.
Filoli Unwrapped
Tuesdays & Thursdays in December
1:30–2:30pm
60-minute experience
This behind-the-scenes tour will reveal the hidden secrets of the historic House and grant guests exclusive access to the upstairs. Highlights include viewing the curatorial offices and the sweeping vistas from family bedrooms, upstairs sitting rooms, and balconies.
Experience Includes:
- 60-minute guided tour with a member of Filoli’s Curatorial Team
- Daytime admission to Holidays at Filoli: enjoy the magic of Gilded and Thistlewyck
- Behind-the-scenes, exclusive access to the upstairs of the House
Cost: $95
Members receive 10% off.
Please note: This Tour includes the use of stairs; elevator is not available.
More Daytime Holiday Fun
Flora Party:
Holiday Wreaths
December 9–19, 2025
Tuesday–Friday | 10am–12pm & 2-4pm
Hair of the Dog Hike
Thursday, January 1, 2026
11am–2pm
Long ago, the fair folk of the coast discovered that their world was too wide for whispers to travel alone. The owls carried news by night, and the deer passed messages along the forest floor, but still the stories of the snowy north reached the southern shores too late. So the fairies and woodland creatures dreamed up a shimmering train spun from mist and moonlight – swift as a hummingbird, unseen by human eyes – that could dart through mountain passes, race along ocean cliffs, and slip beneath the redwood canopy. Wherever the train paused, tiny villages sprang up, filled with laughter and song and the bustle of magical life. One of these hidden stops lay deep in the misty hills of Filoli, where towering redwoods and drifting fog provided the perfect veil. The creatures called it Thistlewyck.
For many years, Thistlewyck remained tucked away from human sight – except for the lucky few, like a child growing up at Filoli who heard a burst of giggles from behind the hedges, or glimpsed a flash of golden light zipping between the trees. But lately, something remarkable has happened: Thistlewyck has begun to shimmer into view. Drawn out by the wonder of children exploring Filoli, sparkle of holiday spirit, and curious questions that keep magic alive, the village is ready to be seen at last.
This holiday season, the gates swing open for the very first time! A village of cozy cabins beckons families to sip hot chocolate, taste seasonal treats, send a letter at the Post Office, and dress up at the Elf Emporium. The Toy Shop (at The Trailhead Store) overflows with treasures and trinkets, and behind it, a new Train Depot has sprung up, where small-but-mighty locomotives chug through the forest on moss-covered tracks past fairy houses made from bark, branches, and stone.
More Holiday Adventures at Filoli!
Gilded
