Formally known as the Filoli Historic House & Garden, this lush bay area location is a once secluded private residence now open to the public for year round viewings of their beautiful gardens, lights, and historic architecture. Built in 1917, the property is well over a hundred years old with a history that still recognizes the residence as one the leading finest lasting country estates. With over 16 acres of green space, a private trail, and a 54,000+ square foot mansion, visitors coming to experience the beauty of Filoli will surely leave fascinated after getting lost in one of the many English Renaissance style gardens or 24 plus bedrooms in the home.
Open daily to the public, the Filoli Historic House & Garden is routinely maintained and decorated according to the month, holiday, and season during the time of any guests visit. The most popular time of the year at the property is, of course, Christmas, where their team plans a year in advance for all of the wonderful lights, trees, and ornaments that are placed on-site every year for the Holidays at Filoli. According to an ABC7 news report from last holiday season, “It takes one year of planning, 28 miles of lights, 7,000 ornaments, and 37 Christmas trees to create Holidays at Filoli” (Sara Zendehnam — December 8, 2022).
A perfect location for all ages, the Filoli house caters to families all year and especially during the Christmas season where every year the team brings in Santa as well as providing menus for hot chocolate, cider, and mulled wine. With each new holiday season, guests can also expect the property to have a different tone of lights, decor placement, and style of trees/ornaments each year to have fun with different and newer themes on the historic architecture every year. Over 100,000+ people visit Filoli annually to experience these holiday festivities and lights, as well as the beautiful nature that is more easily accessible during the non winter season.
For individuals or families visiting during a time outside of the holidays, expect a very different yet equally beautiful sense of grandeur with the properties 16 acre gardens being in season and blossomed with walkways that are full of an array of various exotic and colorful plants, flowers, ponds, trees, and trails that are much more explorable and enjoyable than during the winter. So at any time of the year is a good time to visit Filoli either to smell the beautiful red roses and pink tulips getting ready for the sunny summer days, or to walk through a tunnel of lights and seasonally decorated rooms for a little Christmas spirit. But do keep in mind this is a very popular location, and booking reservations and tickets much ahead of time is essential to avoid any stress in the booking experience for a Filoli visit.To get tickets, head over to https://filoli.org/visit, where you can browse pricing, accommodations, hours, dining, and more. Not to worry because the ticket prices are fairly affordable at 37$ for adults, and 27$ for kids. This will not only give visitors access to all of the abundant gardens and paths outside, but also to the different rooms and displays open within the mansion. So book anytime, maybe even visit during different times of the year to see the differing themes and looks for each season. If you’re looking for an end of the year holiday excursion make sure to book your tickets soon to see the Christmas and New Years holiday lights on site before they are taken down on January 8–9th. Bring your friends, family, and camera as you get ready to experience the magical property that is the Filoli Historic House & Garden.