As a San Francisco Peninsula resident, you’ve likely heard about the not-to-be-missed Holidays at Filoli in Woodside. This (reservations required) seasonal event is known for breath-taking illuminations after dark, filling nearly every nook and cranny of the historical property. Filoli sits just off the bank of the Crystal Springs reservoir, at the northern edge of Woodside.
[you can read more about the property here]
For the 2023-2024 season, Filoli opens it’s gates for night-time events, running November 18th, 2023 through January 7th, 2024. Once stepping foot on the property for self-guided meandering, all pathways and landscapes are lit in varying lights. We opted to visit inside the main house first. Each room was more breath taking and decorated than the next. Our youngest son actually did us a solid and posed next to every over-the-top tree in the house (hard to rely on with a 5 year old). My favorite room was the den, with vintage board games scattered and the television set playing something retro. The kitchen didn’t disappoint, either– charming popcorn garland and gingerbread houses displayed.
The house is gorgeous on its own, but outside is what you really buy tickets for. Every path and edge of the gardens leads to a different light installation. The long archway of twinkling lights, in timed patterns and color changes was a highlight. All the paths eventually lead you to the holiday chalet area where you can sit on benches, Adirondack chairs at fire pits and grab a drink or treat at the bar. The kids enjoyed hot chocolate while a few of us adults indulged in mulled wine. Beverages in hand, we continued along the paths, ending our evening in the clock tower shop– filled with the sweetest holiday treasures, garden and home goods, too.
Simply put, this something you have to experience in person to truly feel the magic, nevertheless, we attempted to capture the wonder and awe in photos.
For more on this season’s events, to join the mailing list and to be notified of the 2024-2025 season, please visit the Holidays at Filoli in Woodside page here.
Filoli House and Gardens
86 Cañada Road
Woodside, CA 94062
