"For many families, the extended evening hours make North Pole Nights a special departure from the park's typical closing time. "During the year it's closed at 5pm, so it's a real treat for us during the holiday season to come and see the lights," said Daniel Navarro, a Gilroy resident visiting with his family. "In the Christmas time we come and it elevates the whole feeling of Christmas.""
"David Colon, 32, who has frequented the park since childhood, praised the authentic setting. "I love anything in this whole park," he said. "When it comes to these trees, they're actually real trees." Nancy Mahrouk said the attention to detail was evident. "The gardens did an amazing job with the decoration of the lights, and we can tell how much effort was put into that," she said. "It really does feel like a little wintery town, and it's beautiful.""
Gilroy Gardens has been transformed into a winter wonderland with hundreds of thousands of lights for North Pole Nights. The celebration is closed today and on Christmas, and resumes Friday 1pm–9pm, continuing on those days through Dec. 30, then on New Year's Eve from 4pm–midnight. Visitors can enjoy live musical shows and hot chocolate while strolling illuminated gardens. Extended evening hours allow families to experience the park beyond its usual 5pm closing. Longtime visitors recall the park's origins as Bonfante Gardens and praise the authentic setting, real trees, and detailed decorations. Tickets and information are available at gilroygardens.org.
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