Filoli Estates expands its holiday experience to include a new winter village and permanent art installation.
An enchanted forest, 28 miles’ worth of lights and a historic mansion with more than 100 Christmas trees fulfill the quintessential elements of the holiday season — and not many places can boast all of that on one property.
Beginning Nov. 22, the 654-acre Filoli estate in Woodside kicked off its annual holiday experience, promising the popular immersive lights in its 16-acre gardens, elegantly decorated mansion, a holiday-infused menu of drinks and food and even wreath-making events.
Its latest addition is Thistlewyck, the nearby redwood forest that has been transformed into a magical village for Santa lovers and holiday enthusiasts. In addition to sending letters to the North Pole, visitors can watch tiny trains meander through miniature woods, stop by the Elf Emporium and sip hot chocolate by a fire pit-warmed beach.
“We really wanted people to have this magical feeling,” Kara Newport, president and CEO of Filoli, said. “Thistlewyck is a full immersive experience open every day.”
Filoli also recently unveiled Rose Wonders, a 27-foot-tall permanent art installation situated in the heart of Thistlewyck. Rose Wonders originally debuted at Burning Man and is one of the troll sculptures — large figures made from recycled material — created by renowned artist Thomas Dambo, the creator of many other trolls, each one with their own character and personality.
“We really wanted to continue the journey after our very successful Trolls exhibition, which really invited families and children and tourists and all kinds of people to come in,” Newport said. “We also really wanted to activate the redwoods area. Fioli has 654 acres, and 60% of it is redwoods.”
Built in 1917 as a private residence for Agnes and William Bourn — a family which amassed wealth from gold mining ventures — the Filoli estate comprises a 54,000-square-foot, 43-room Georgian revival-style mansion and 16 acres of English Renaissance gardens. The estate has carved out a reputation for not only concocting impressive holiday experiences and has also been the setting of several TV shows and movies. Numerous dignitaries and world leaders have also met at Filoli, including a meeting between President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping two years ago.
(650) 344-5200 ext. 102
Daily Journal staff
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