Coyote Lake is set for lights and fireworks. This can only mean
one thing: Gilroy Gardens is getting ready for Christmas. For
story, click here.
Other weekend events
– Top 5 things to do around Gilroy, click here.
– Gilroy Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting starts 2 p.m.
Saturday. Click here for story.
– AnnJam 5K Charity Walk and Celebration, click here.
The corridors of the Monarch Garden greenhouse are lined with Christmas poinsettias, lighted candy cane ornaments hang on twisted circus trees, ginger bread men decorate the bushes and Coyote Lake is set for lights and fireworks.
This can only mean one thing: Gilroy Gardens is getting ready for Christmas.
Since 2004, the theme park has presented “Holiday Lights,” and offers millions of sparkling lights, rides full of holiday cheer and – of course – Santa.
“Last year we had 25,000 people come,” said Assistant General Manager Hoa Le.
From 4 to 9 p.m. starting today, Le expects 30,000 visitors throughout holiday season – provided there are no gray skies.
“The weather is the biggest factor so we’re praying it’s not going to rain,” he said.
The laser beam and fireworks show “Nights of Fire” introduced last year will make its return.
Holiday Lights will be open Friday through Sunday through December and also features pony rides for children. It replaces the ice skating rink patrons had to pay to use last year that never really took off. Other than that, most of the attractions will remain the same as last year, Le said.
Peanuts characters from Knott’s Berry Farm will be brought to the Lakeside Amphitheater for “A Charlie Brown Christmas.”
Snoopy and the gang will also be available for a holiday feast that can be purchased at the ticket booth.
The South County Backroads car ride will have new scenery as patrons in convertibles from the ’30s and ’50s will drive by scenes from “The Twelve Days of Christmas.”
A “Santa’s North Pole Workshop” has been set up for children to ask Santa for presents, while those on waiting can draw and color.
“Our demographic base is 3 to 11 years old,” Le said. “The rides here are much softer than in, say, Great America.”
Holiday Lights at Gilroy Gardens
– From 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday through Sunday through December, 3050 Hecker Pass Highway, Gilroy
– Rides open from 4:30 to 9 p.m.
– “Nights of Fire” light and fireworks show: 8:30 p.m. Coyote Lake
– “Holiday Feast” at the Snowflake Palace: 5 p.m. and 6 p.m.
– “A Charlie Brown Christmas from Knott’s Berry Farm:” 7:30 p.m. Lakeside Amphitheater
– Admission and feast combo:
– Ages 11 and older: $44.99
– Ages 3 through 10: $34.99
– Admission only: $29.99
– Feast only
– Ages 11 and older: $16.99
– Ages 3 through 10: $9.99
– Purchase tickets online:gilroygardens.org/tickets2.html
