Filoli Historic House and Garden in Woodside, California is opening an after-dark experience for Halloween named ‘Nightfall’.
Taking place from 16 October until 3 November, Nightfall will allow visitors to explore the historic estate in darkness as “history and mystery intertwine in a hauntingly beautiful setting”, Filoli said in a press release.
Guests will begin their journey with a candlelit walk through this historic house, with gothic-inspired scenes bringing tales of the past to life.
Outside, the grounds will be decorated with a display of flickering jack-o’-lanterns, and visitors can enjoy games, take photos at fall-themed locations, and eat and drink at Jack’s Bar.
“Our Nightfall event offers a unique way to experience the enchanting beauty of Filoli after dark,” said Kara Newport, CEO and president of Filoli.
“We look forward to welcoming families, couples, and friends to immerse themselves in this magical Halloween celebration.”
Originally constructed in 1917, Filoli is a country house set in 16 acres of formal botanical gardens within a 654-acre estate. It’s home to a 6.8-acre gentleman’s orchard, hundreds of acres of natural lands with five distinct ecosystems, and a 1-mile estate trail.
In a recent interview with blooloop, Newport discussed Filoli’s first Halloween event, which launched last year.
“People often don’t understand true dark”
“As people arrived, the house was lit by candles. We had elements that would have been present in the 1920s. For instance, a seance taking place in one room, or tarot card readings,” she said.
“We have 654 acres in the Santa Cruz mountains that include redwoods and beautiful forests, all the ecosystems of California. At night, it’s dark. People often don’t understand true dark.
“Here, there’s no ambient light, no streetlights. We have an area with a fire pit where we sit and tell a ghost story. Then we walk back to the candlelit house, which is dramatic in its own right.”
Images courtesy of Filoli
