Thistlewyck is a brand new daytime holiday experience in Filoli’s Natural Lands. We invite you to enjoy hot chocolate in the fresh air, send letters at the Post Office, dress up at the Elf Emporium, and marvel at tiny trains winding past fairy houses in this magical holiday village in the redwoods.

Guests can mail letters to Santa, dress up at the Elf Emporium and watch tiny trains make their way around fairy houses.

This ticket also includes admission to Gilded.

Thistlewyck ticket holders will park in the Willow Road Lot which is located closer to the village and Natural Lands. However, you will still have access to the rest of the property, including the House and Garden.

The Thistlewyck Passport is a daytime ticket add-on that allows you to collect a stamp and unique experience at each station throughout the Thistlewyck Village.

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.

Gilded is a lush daytime holiday experience through Filoli’s Historic House and Garden.

Enjoy the House and 16 acres of formal gardens adorned with dazzling seasonal décor. 

This ticket also includes admission to Thistlewyck.

Gilded ticketholders will park in the main lot closest to the House and Garden. You will still have access to the rest of the property, including the Natural Lands and Thistlewyck Village. 

Daytime admission begins at 10am and ends at 3:30pm, with last admission at 2pm. Members at the new levels released on July 1, 2025, receive free daytime admission!

Yes! The Garden open early for families with children who are sensitive to light and sound. To accommodate, all music and sounds in the Garden will be turned off during this hour. 

• We will have a Sensory Hour every Friday from November 28 - December 26.*
• The Garden will be open from 9am-10am.
• All music will be turned off, and there will be 50 visitors maximum for this special hour.

Contact tickets@filoli.org to reserve your admission tickets. 

*Sensory Hours will not be available on Friday, December 12.

Yes, you are more than welcome to stay past your Daytime Admission for Holiday Lights. However, as daytime and evening admissions are separate, you will have to pay for a new Holiday Lights ticket if available.

Our daytime experiences closes at 3:30pm. While we set up for Holiday Lights to start at 4pm, guests are more than welcome to grab a treat and stay warm at our Quail Café as we prepare for your evening experience!