Filoli Expands Access to Historic House and Garden under New Leadership -- Holidays at Filoli Offers Another Way for Community to Experience the Holiday Season

  WOODSIDE, CA - 12/01/2017 (PRESS RELEASE JET)

Filoli today announced Holidays at Filoli a unique experience that pairs this historic venue with seasonal décor, specialty shopping and events for guests of all ages. From November 18 to December 23, Filoli’s festivities will include house tours, Santa Saturdays, garden lights, holiday teas, special classes and a Winter Solstice celebration. 

This is a final step in the Filoli Historic House and Garden Centennial Celebration, which has included new programs and initiatives to increase its services in response to regional demand. During 2017, under new leadership, Filoli expanded its hours of operation and the community response was overwhelming. “We experienced nearly a 30% increase in attendance just by opening our doors more widely,” says Kara Newport, Chief Executive Officer at Filoli. “With Holidays at Filoli, we will be open 30 days rather than the 10 days we were open during previous holiday seasons, and evening access will expand from 2 nights to 11 nights.”

Holidays at Filoli gives the community more opportunities to experience the Bay Area’s finest Country Estate through a variety of holiday activities, including:

• Holiday Entertainment
  During Holidays at Filoli, entertainment will be in the House daily with special entertainment in the Ballroom evenings and weekends. 
• Santa Saturdays
  Each Saturday Filoli will feature activities and programs geared to families. Appearances by Santa; Mrs. Claus reading under the tree in the Reception Room; family-themed music; and special family activities will engage all ages.
• Garden Lights (Friday and Saturday evenings)
  The Sunken Garden and Walled Garden will be dazzling in elegant white lighting to guide guests through this one-of-a-kind experience. 
• Holiday Teas
  Holiday Tea is available every Tuesday with a traditional tiered tray served at each table with luxurious finger sandwiches, freshly made scones, and delicate holiday treats for each guest. Following the Tea, visit the Filoli Historic House to see how a traditional tea would have been presented in the Drawing Room. 
• Guided Tours
  Join us for a special holiday edition of the Filoli Docent-led House tour, where you will learn about the history of the families along with stories of holidays past.
• Holiday-Themed Classes
  Filoli's Holiday Décor and Floral Design classes show you how to adorn your home with seasonal accents and personal flair. 

Holidays at Filoli runs November 18 through December 23, Tuesdays through Sundays, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. with extended hours Fridays and Saturdays from 5:00pm to 9:00pm. Special pricing will apply.

About Filoli

Located in Woodside, CA, Filoli boasts a 654-acre property featuring a 54,000+ square foot Georgian revival style mansion turned living museum, 16 acres of exquisite English Renaissance gardens, a 6.8 acre Gentlemen’s Orchard, and a nature preserve with over 7 miles of hiking trails. Established as a private residence in 1917, Filoli was opened to the public in 1976 as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and site of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Filoli is dedicated to the preservation, interpretation, and stewardship of the cultural traditions and natural history of this country estate for public education and enjoyment. It is open Tuesday through Sunday, 10:00am to 5:00pm. Learn more about the history by watching Filoli: Family Home, Historic Garden, & Living Museum available on YouTube. For more information about Filoli visit www.filoli.org.