North Pole Nights is returning to Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park, opening Nov. 21 and running on select dates through Dec. 31.
The holiday event features visits with Santa, ice skating, live musical shows, festive food and drinks, and light displays throughout the park. Guests can skate on the ice rink beneath the stars, ride Rudy’s Road Trip, or hop aboard Tinsel’s Groove Train for a music-filled ride through the redwoods. Children can visit Santa in his Workshop for a greeting and photo opportunity, then write their holiday wishes and send them to the North Pole from post office stations around the park. Pop-up performances will also take place throughout the park.
“The holiday season is all about special traditions and spending time with the people you love most. We love this time of year at Gilroy Gardens, and we can’t wait to welcome kids and families to our sparkling winter wonderland!” said Hoa Minh Le, president and general manager of Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park.
Two add-on dining experiences will be offered for one weekend each. Lunch with Santa takes place Dec. 12 and 13 from 1 to 3 p.m. and includes storytime, a Christmas craft activity and lunch with Santa Claus. Adults pay $29.99 plus sales tax, while children 12 and under eat free with a paying adult. The event has limited capacity and requires advance reservations, along with separate park admission or a Premium Membership.
The all-you-can-eat Holiday Feast returns Dec. 19 and 20 with seatings at 5, 6 and 7 p.m. The traditional dinner features roasted turkey and honey-baked ham, along with garlic mashed potatoes, cranberry spinach salad, stuffing, cranberry sauce and Christmas sprinkles brownies for dessert. Adults pay $29.99 plus sales tax, and children 12 and under dine free with a paying adult. Reservations are required, availability is limited, and regular park admission must be purchased separately.
A highlight of the event is The Magic of Santa, a live musical production presented several times each evening at the Lakeside Amphitheater. Families can meet festive characters and sing and dance along as they discover their holiday wishes. Throughout the gardens and pathways, hundreds of thousands of lights are on display, including the 100-foot North Pole Light Tunnel, which surrounds guests with synchronized lights and music.
Seasonal treats and drinks available around the park include hot chocolate, Apple Pumpkin Spice Funnel Cake, peppermint soft-serve, and specialty mocktails and cocktails.
The celebration wraps up Dec. 31 with a New Year’s Eve event welcoming 2027. Festivities begin at 4 p.m., with a fireworks show at midnight.
Guests are encouraged to plan ahead and reserve the limited-time dining experiences early. Discounted tickets and Premium Memberships are available online at GilroyGardens.org.
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