North Pole Nights at Gilroy Gardens
Visitors can wander through the festive North Pole Village to meet Santa's elves and stroll through a 100-foot-long animated musical Tunnel of Lights. Guests can glide across the ice rink under the stars, send wishes at the North Pole Post Office, and ride a dance-filled train through the redwood forest. The festivities also feature live entertainment including 'The Magic of Santa' musical show alongside seasonal treats and warm drinks.
What to Expect
Enchanting holiday experience with live shows, light displays, and ice skating.
Event Details
Ages
All ages
Organizer
Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park
Food & Drink
Festive offerings include Apple Pumpkin Spice Funnel Cake, specialty holiday cookies, mocktails, cocktails, and warm beverages; 2026 menu items may change.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families with young children
Vibe
Magical, festive, family-friendly
Energy Level
Moderate
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
Moderate
Location
Know Before You Go
- Parking: Parking is sold as an add-on, and Premium Members park free.
- Accessibility: Standard wheelchairs and electric convenience vehicles (ECVs) are available for rental just inside the Front Gate.
Tips & Advice
- Bring your own skates and sign a waiver at the rink to skate free, or add two skating passes to your cart for the discount.
- Fit The Magic of Santa into your evening, since it's included with admission and runs several times each night.
- Skip the Round Boat Ride, Paddle Boats and Sky Trail Monorail when planning your night, because those rides close during North Pole Nights.
- Stop at a North Pole Post Office so kids can write their Christmas wish and drop it in the mailbox for Santa.
- If you'll come more than once, look at a Premium Membership, which covers unlimited visits including holiday events, plus free parking.
Special Events & Promotions
- Lunch with Santa costs extra and includes early park entry, a storytime, a Christmas craft and lunch with Santa.
- Ice skating is an add-on with a discount when you buy two. Skating is free with your own skates after signing a waiver.
- New this season, The Magic of Santa show brings in Rudy the Polar Bear, Mrs. Claus, Tinsel the Tree, Skitter the Mouse and a band of Santa's reindeer.
- North Pole Nights bubble wands are sold in a snowman or penguin design.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is there for kids to do?
Kids can meet Santa's elves in North Pole Village and walk the 100-foot animated musical Tunnel of Lights. They can write a wish to Santa at a North Pole Post Office, join Rudy's Road Trip and ride Tinsel's Groove Train through the redwood forest. The Magic of Santa musical show is included with admission and runs several times each night.
Is ice skating included?
No, skating is an add-on. You get a discount when you add two to your cart. If you bring your own skates, fill out a waiver and skate free. The rink is where you cross Candy Cane Lane into North Pole Village.
What food and drinks are there?
Mrs. Claus's Bakery has Apple Pumpkin Spice Funnel Cake and holiday cookies. You'll find mocktails, cocktails and warm drinks at Skitter's Cozy Cabin, Live Tonight Bar and Merry & Mischief Bar. Menu items for 2026 may change.
Are all the park rides open during North Pole Nights?
No. The Rainbow Garden Round Boat Ride, the Paddle Boats and the Sky Trail Monorail are closed during the event.
Is there a Santa meal for kids?
Yes. Lunch with Santa costs extra. It includes early entry into the park, a storytime, a Christmas craft and lunch with Santa Claus.
More Christmas Events Near Gilroy
More Christmas Events near Gilroy
Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.