Woodside: Filoli changes its holiday offerings

Went to Filoli yesterday with a group of friends - something we have been doing for over 10 years. Contrary to Kara Newport, Filoli's chief executive officer, statements, the new holiday program does NOT "maintain the beloved traditions of Filoli’s holiday celebration". It was a HUGE disappointment. The photo on the Filoli website shows how beautiful the courtyard entrance was in years past, this year the decor was quite amateurely done.

Formerly, the beautiful mansion was decorated for the holidays, with gifts available for purchase in many rooms. They had a unique, beautiful and often delicious variety of gifts. This year, the house is open for touring with minimal decor that looks totally unprofessional compared to recent years. There is no merchandise for sale in the house and minimal, boring items available in tent and a very limited supply of items in the clock tower shop. Don't waste your time unless you are interested in seeing the house and gardens - something better done when more is in bloom outside.

Suggest to Kara Newport - there is no reason Filoli can't host events AND the marketplace. A large selection of vendors and more outdoor tent area would allow you to have both. Stand outside the clock tower as people are leaving and listen to their comments. Go on Yelp and read them there too - you will get lots of feedback.

I cannot agree enough with the previous comment. I have been attending the Holidays at Filoli event for a decade+. While the lights in the garden this year were lovely, in every other way this was just a terrible change. My friends and I looked forward to going to this event every year. Holiday Traditions was always magical-- the first night always sold out and the line to get in was very long. Despite the length, even waiting in line with my fellow Filoli enthusiasts was joyful because people were so excited to be there to experience the beautiful decorations, the displays, and the merchandise so artfully presented. There was always a spirit of community and the volunteers who worked so hard to make it amazing seemed to have as much fun as the ticket holders. We spent a great deal of money every year-- something we were happy to do to support Filoli. Honestly, it was one of the evenings I looked forward to most all year. Everyone I know who attended felt that way.

Well, it appears those days are completely over. This year, my friend and I were in and out in less than 40 minutes (including the entire check in process and parking) and we were stunned with how drastically diminished the "event" now is. $70 for two tickets to effectively see lights in the garden is definitely not worth the price of admission. When we went to see the very few "vendors", they looked miserable to be there with no customers (there was no one there-- it was like a ghost town). When we went into the gift shop, the volunteers were bickering and it was uncomfortable to be around. It is truly shocking how the magic of Filoli's "Holiday Traditions" is gone. While they might be open for a longer period of time, this is far from an "expansion." This is a complete contraction and an epic disappointment. Heartbreaking to see the direction; I will miss the grand, old Filoli and the community around it.