News

Unique, seasonal offerings include a gilded daytime experience, whimsical family fun among the Redwoods, and a dazzling evening light display

WOODSIDE, CA, October 16, 2025 — Filoli is thrilled to announce the return of its beloved annual tradition, Holidays at Filoli, a seasonal extravaganza proudly presented by the Pacific Gas and Electric Company that transforms the historic estate into a wonderland of breathtaking beauty and festive delight. Launching November 22, 2025, this year’s showcase includes three signature experiences that invites guests of all ages to celebrate in the way that suits them best – Gilded, a daytime journey through the timeless elegance of the decorated House and Garden; Thistlewyck, an enchanting village in the Redwoods; and Holiday Lights, an immersive evening of glowing wonder. Each experience is designed to stand alone or be enjoyed together, giving visitors an opportunity to return throughout the season for a fresh perspective on holiday magic.

“At Filoli, we believe the holidays should be as unique as the people who celebrate them,” said President and CEO, Kara Newport. “This season, we’re proud to offer three distinct experiences that invite our guests to return again and again – whether they’re seeking timeless elegance, family adventure or a sparkling night out. There’s something for everyone to discover at Filoli.”

Three signature experiences to enjoy all season long:

Gilded: Throughout the House and Gardens, witness the magical estate dressed up for the holidays in maximalist dreams, where timeless traditions meet exquisite holiday charm. Wander through the stately historic House and lush winter Garden, adorned with dazzling décor including 130 wreaths, 108 Christmas trees, and over 7,000 ornaments. From elegant details to cheerful surprises, every corner offers a uniquely Californian take on classic holiday magic. 

Thistlewyck: New this year, this enchanting village in the Redwoods, sponsored by The San Francisco Peninsula, is where children become part of the story. A whimsical village made specifically for families, Thistlewyck will feature miniature trains, fairy houses, an Elf Emporium, Post Office, and the Train Depot Toy Shop. Holiday chalets offering food and drinks will complete the village, along with the Thistlewyck Passport—a scavenger hunt activity for kids, which includes free hot cocoa and a special gift from the Trailhead Toy Shop.

Holiday Lights: Filoli’s formal gardens will be transformed into a glowing wonderland, illuminated with a dazzling display of over 350,000 twinkling lights. The 16-acre formal garden comes alive with over 6,000 strands of lights stretching more than 28 miles to create a radiant nighttime experience. Wander through a 210-foot-long tunnel of light, beneath sparkling trees, and along paths illuminated with color and magic. Crackling fire pits, seasonal food and drink, and holiday music will add to the magical, cozy atmosphere. Additional programming upgrades are available, including private fire pits on Yuletide Woodland Court sponsored by Harrel Design + Build, and a champagne lounge.

Holidays at Filoli will run from November 22, 2025, to January 11, 2026. For more information, visit filoli.org/holidays.

###

Editor’s Note: Hi-res images available to download here (credit: Filoli). 

About Filoli

Filoli, (Pronunciation: F ī / Lō / Lē), a historic house and world-class garden, is located just south of San Francisco in the heart of Silicon Valley. The modern site is situated on the unceded ancestral lands of the Ramaytush Ohlone. Originally built as a private residence in 1917, Filoli was opened to the public in 1975 and is today, a site of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. The property is one of the finest remaining country estates of the 20th century, featuring a 54,000+ square-foot Georgian revival-style mansion, 16 acres of English Renaissance gardens, a 6.8-acre Gentleman’s Orchard, and hundreds of acres of natural lands, featuring six distinct ecosystems and two trail loops. Open 363 days a year, Filoli is 30 minutes from San Francisco or San Jose and 20 minutes from SFO.

Media Contact

Megan Garbe
press@filoli.org or megan.garbe@fahlgren.com 

86 Cañada Road
Woodside, CA 94062
773-339-9421

Ticket Information:

Gilded: Adult: $39-$45; Child (5-17): $29-$35.
Includes admission to Thistlewyck. Members receive free admission.* 
Thistlewyck: Adult: $39-$45; Child (5-17): $29-$35.
Includes admission to Gilded. Members receive free admission.*
Holiday Lights: Adult: $45–$49 Child (5-17): $35–$39.
Members receive 20 percent off.

Price ranges are dependent upon peak or off-peak admission time slots. Special rates for members apply at all levels. Groups of 25+ can receive special group pricing. Children under 5 are always free!
*Members at the Student/Senior Individual, Individual, Dual, & Family levels do not receive free admission. For more information, please contact membership@filoli.org or 650.364.8300 x2.

Retail Offerings:

The Clock Tower Shop is brimming with gifts to make your maximalist holiday dreams come true. From keepsakes inspired by Filoli’s House and Garden to one-of-a-kind treasures, it’s the perfect place to find something special. Beloved Filoli holiday ornaments return as timeless mementos, while the nursery invites guests to take home winter bulbs and handcrafted wreaths to start their own seasonal gardens. Over at The Train Depot at Thistlewyck, the store transforms into a whimsical toy shop, where conductors and travelers alike can step aboard for a journey filled with festive wonder and magical delight.

Additional Signature Events and Experiences:

Merry & Bright Preview Night | November 21
6:30–10pm
Be among the first to experience the wonder of the season before Holidays at Filoli opens to the public. Step into a world of holiday magic where tradition meets elegance as the estate sparkles to life with twinkling lights, joyful sounds of live carolers, complimentary hot drinks served in a keepsake mug, and so much more! Your purchase of tickets to this fundraising event supports our mission to connect Filoli’s rich history with a vibrant future through beauty, nature, and shared stories. Upgrade your Merry & Bright experience to VIP and receive exclusive access to the Ballroom Champagne Lounge where you can indulge in chocolate truffle treats accompanied by glasses of Moët & Chandon Imperial champagne.
$125 for GA; $195 for VIP
Members receive 10% off

Private Fire Pit Experience | November 22–January 11
4:30pm & 7pm | 90-minute experience
Cozy up this season with Filoli’s Private Fire Pit experience! Invite your favorite people for an intimate evening around your own private fire pit. Surrounded by the glow of the holidays, you’ll enjoy a relaxed and festive atmosphere perfect for sipping warm drinks, sharing treats, and making memories under the stars. It’s the ultimate way to slow down, soak in the magic of the season, and stay toasty all night long.
Cost: $950; includes up to 8 guests & admission to Holiday Lights
Children under 5 are free and not included in headcount
Members receive 10% off 

Ballroom Champagne Lounge | November 22–January 11 
3pm*, 4:30pm, 6pm, & 7:30pm | 60-minute experience
Surrounded by festive décor and timeless grandeur, let the season’s elegance envelop you in Filoli’s grand Ballroom. Featuring Chandon products, this exclusive holiday experience is a luxurious complement to your Holidays at Filoli visit, whether you begin or conclude your evening here. New this year: You can upgrade your experience with uninterrupted pours—a refined celebration of prestige and pleasure.
Cost: $95 for adults and $60 for children 5-20, free for children under 5
$375 for Dom Pérignon add-on; space is limited.
*3pm time slot only available on weekends
Non-alcoholic options available
Members receive 10% off

Holiday Tea | Select Dates in December 2–8
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 or tea. Seated at a family-style table, guests are welcomed into an elegant setting that invites meaningful connection and timeless tradition.
Cost: $185 per person, includes daytime admission to Holidays at Filoli
Members receive 10% off 

Flora Party: Holiday Wreaths | December 8–19
10am & 2pm | 2-hour experience
Join us for a Holiday Wreath Party at Filoli! Celebrate the season with a one-of-a-kind wreath-making experience set in the heart of the holidays. Learn the art of crafting a stunning wreath as you weave together fresh greens, dried accents, and festive flair. Whether you’re a seasoned DIYer or a first-time maker, you’ll leave with a handmade masterpiece—and a bit of holiday magic.
Cost: $160, includes General Admission to Filoli
Members receive 10% off

Toto’s Tea | Select Dates in December
11am, 12:30pm, & 2:30pm | 60-minute experience
Make some magical memories this holiday season with Toto’s Tea, named after the Bourn family’s own French Bulldog, Toto! Step into a winter wonderland in the Ballroom as little ones enjoy some festive treats, enchanting holiday storytelling, and a cuddly keepsake Toto plushie to take home and treasure. Grown-ups, the magic isn’t just for the kids—each adult ticket includes a complimentary holiday beverage to toast the season. Feeling extra jolly? Additional drinks are available for purchase.
Cost: $85 ticket; includes daytime general admission and entry to Gilded and Thistlewyck
Members receive 10% off