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Gilroy, CA (November 4, 2026) – The holiday season is just around the corner, and North Pole Nights is returning to Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park. Opening November 21 and running on select dates through December 31, 2026, this enchanting experience is filled with fun traditions for all ages, from visits with Santa and ice skating to live musical shows, festive food and drinks, and sparkling light displays throughout the park.
North Pole Nights offers seasonal fun for the whole family. Guests can glide across the ice skating rink beneath the stars, take a spin on Rudy’s Road Trip, or climb aboard Tinsel’s Groove Train for a music-filled ride through the redwoods. Children get to visit Santa in his cozy Workshop for a special greeting and photo opportunity, then write their holiday wishes and send them directly to the North Pole at post office stations around the park. Throughout the park, pop-up performances spread holiday cheer with music, laughter, and plenty of playful surprises.
“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.
Extra-Special Add-On Experiences
Lunch with Santa includes a special storytime, fun Christmas craft activity, and a delicious lunch with Santa Claus himself. Available for one weekend only on December 12 and 13 from 1:00 – 3:00pm, adults pay $29.99 plus sales tax, while children 12 and under eat FREE with a paying adult. This limited-capacity event requires advance reservations, and separate park admission or Premium Membership is required.
Also back by popular demand is the all-you-can-eat Holiday Feast. For one weekend only, guests can enjoy a traditional dinner of roasted turkey and honey-baked ham, served with all the holiday favorites, including garlic mashed potatoes, cranberry spinach salad, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and Christmas sprinkles brownies for dessert. The feast will be offered December 19 and 20 only, with three seatings at 5:00, 6:00, and 7:00 p.m. Pricing is $29.99 plus sales tax for adults, with FREE dining for children 12 and under with a paying adult. Reservations are required, availability is limited, and regular park admission must be purchased separately.
Even More Holiday Magic
A highlight of the North Pole Nights celebration is The Magic of Santa, an enchanting live musical production presented several times each evening at the Lakeside Amphitheater. Families will meet festive friends and sing and dance along as the characters discover their holiday wishes and celebrate the magic of the season.
As visitors explore Gilroy Gardens’ beautiful gardens and pathways, they’ll discover dazzling holiday displays featuring hundreds of thousands of sparkling lights. The spectacular 100-foot North Pole Light Tunnel is a must-see, surrounding guests with synchronized lights and music for an unforgettable experience.
Seasonal treats and festive beverages add to the fun, with favorites such as Hot Chocolate, Apple Pumpkin Spice Funnel Cake, Peppermint Soft-Serve, and specialty mocktails and cocktails available throughout the park.
Ring in the New Year with Fireworks
The holiday magic continues through December 31, when Gilroy Gardens hosts a special New Year’s Eve celebration to welcome 2027!
Festivities begin at 4:00 p.m., giving families and friends the opportunity to enjoy one final evening of holiday fun before counting down to a spectacular fireworks show at midnight.
Special Holiday Savings for Local Families and Premium Members
Gilroy Gardens is making it easier for families to celebrate the season with special admission offers and exclusive Membership benefits.
To kick off North Pole Nights, the park’s “We Love Locals” and “We Love Our Neighbors” programs return for opening weekend, November 21 and 22 only. Gilroy residents can enjoy admission for just $12 plus $12 parking, while residents of Morgan Hill, San Martin, Hollister, and Salinas pay $15 for admission plus $15 parking.
Premium Members can enjoy even more holiday magic with FREE admission to North Pole Nights for both 2026 and 2027 Gilroy Gardens Premium Members. Members can also bring a friend FREE on Fridays, making it even easier to share the holiday spirit with loved ones.
For families planning multiple visits, a 2027 Premium Membership is available for just $98 for a limited time. Membership includes unlimited FREE admission, FREE parking, access to all Signature Events, and exclusive benefits for the remainder of 2026 and throughout 2027.
Plan Your North Pole Nights Visit
From magical moments with Santa to dazzling holiday lights, festive entertainment, and special family traditions, North Pole Nights offers something for everyone to enjoy this holiday season.
Guests are encouraged to plan ahead, explore event dates, and reserve limited-time dining experiences early. Discounted tickets and Premium Memberships are available online at GilroyGardens.org.
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About Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park
Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation and California’s only horticultural theme park. Founded by Michael Bonfante, the park offers a unique family experience centered around trees and plants with an emphasis on local history. The park features over 40 rides and attractions and more than 10,000 trees, including the world-famous Circus Trees, as well as special events throughout the year. For more information, visit GilroyGardens.org.
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