Every holiday season, Filoli offers a magical experience with gardens and historic buildings decked out in lights, bows, and holiday decor. Beyond the holiday event, which lasts until Jan. 12, Filoli also offers live entertainment, tours, dining experiences, and hiking trails, complete with a festive gift shop and café.
Filoli is a historic estate and garden located in Woodside. Built in 1917, it features a stunning mansion surrounded by 16 acres of formal gardens and 654 acres of natural preserve.
Last year, Presidents Xi Jinping and Joe Biden had their presidential meeting at Filoli, bringing even bigger crowds to the historic site.
Inside the Filoli House, visitors can see the decorated hearth, kitchen, and ground floor, including faux food sculptures reminiscent of the 1800s manor.
Outside, guests can stroll through the historic gardens with trimmed shrubs and a picturesque view.
Filoli offers an excellent selection of treats and beverages at Quail Cafe, where families and visitors can gather to rest after scaling the gardens and touring the estate.
By the entrance of the cafe, musicians sing live performances, with kids gathered around to enjoy a banjo rendition of “Santa Claus is Coming to Town.” Here, Filoli hosts holiday tea parties, amongst other seasonal events.
On the way out, guests can stop at Filoli’s signature gift shop for festive treats, ornaments, and other artisanal goods as well as a wide selection of fauna and flora seedlings.
Staff member Katie Kenna talked about her favorite holiday tradition at Filoli: free visits for low-income families.
“Everyone gets a membership, and they don’t have to pay during the holidays to come and enjoy the lights. And it just makes me happy because it feels like Filoli really is for everyone” Kenna said.
Filoli participates in Museums for All, a program that covers museum tickets and outings for families receiving food assistance. All they have to do is show their Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards to gain free admission into Fioli’s holiday festivities.
“It makes me really proud, the little moments,” Kenna said.
Additionally, Filoli has more opportunities beyond the holidays. “We have high school internships and opportunities. Horticulture, events, guest experience. You can really find your niche here, it’s a great place to work,” Kenna said.
Filoli is definitely worth a visit this season. Tickets range from $30-45, and guests are bound to be impressed by the holiday cheer, live performances, and garden tours. Committed to spreading the holiday joy, Filoli expands access to presidents and local residents alike.
