I was surprised to learn that the charming little park know as Gilroy Gardens is open during the winter season. Marc Ricketts reports on their holiday light show. ~~Rick
Holiday Lights Bring a Sparkle to Gilroy Gardens
by Marc Ricketts
Theme park folk, even the self-described commandos among us, usually learn the importance of flexibility. This typically happens because of something like 3 of the 1st 5 rides in the plan aren’t up & running. Another factor: weather. Recently, California 911 operators have been fielding calls from panicked citizens concerned about the leaky sky. It’s rain, of course, but for some young people, it was merely a distant memory. And as I watched the forecasts last week, it was apparent that the plans for a day at Six flags Discovery Kingdom may not have been optimal. Like so many before from migrating birds to frozen retirees, the solution seemed to be heading south. So let’s go see what’s going on at Gilroy Gardens & the 2014 edition of Holiday Lights.
The park doesn’t open until 3PM this time of year, but that still left a couple of hours before darkness would fall. Entering through Candy Cane Lane, which would likely look even better at night, your humble narrator decided to wander about until sunset. Fortunately this is a park that features a lot of beauty whether day or night (later we will see some night and day photos from the same areas).
The new Water Oasis play area has opened since our last visit. It’s closed during December, but come summer there are lots of comfy seats for Mom and Dad while the young ‘uns get drenched.
If that Tire hat you foolishly bought is getting worn, try a Garlic one.
The Santa meet took place in an area where children could write letters to Santa with mailboxes throughout the park.
There was a short line for the South County Backroads, so I decided to take a ride.
That bird in the fruit tree In front of the dancing ladies looks lonely.
The hens could at least keep each other company; they look rather European, French I’d guess.
And those rings look nice, all gold and glittery in front of about half a dozen geese tha……. wait a minute, this is seeming familiar.
I think I’m understanding why this is called 12 Days of Christmas on the map. The two car types do travel in opposite directions; take the 1920s side to see the days in order. Unfortunately, the electric propulsion that means kids don’t have to worry about reaching the pedal also means adults can’t just stop for photos. Too bad; looks even better at night.
Finally the day reached that all too brief magical time when it’s dark enough to enjoy the lights while there is still some color remaining in the sky.
At 5 I went to see the first of 3 shows at the Bonfante Falls Illumination. Fortunately it does not generate World of Color level crowds because, as can be seen, the viewing area is small if one wants to be in front of the train track.
It was a brief show consisting of The Little Drummer Boy and an instrumental song from the Trans Siberian Orchestra; the first reader to provide the name of the latter wins a free ride on Adventure Through Inner Space (time machine not included, offer expires yesterday, void in the Milky Way Galaxy).
All of the boat attractions are closed for the season, but Coyote Lake still got involved as the location for Winter Reflections.
Even the Circus Trees get in on the action.
Here’s the oldest of them all representing at Gingerbread Corner.
For my time, the most pleasant place in the park is Claudia’s Garden.
Over at the Lakeside Amphitheater, the Octonauts have the winter off, but Charlie Brown, his sister and dog, plus the two Van Pelts are in the house to entertain the kids.
And if it is a chilly night?
So it is a pleasant time at Gilroy Gardens for Holiday Lights. Like the park itself, the event had a calm charm that never seemed over the top. And you know what? Candy cane Lane was even lovelier at night.
Holiday Lights at Gilroy Gardens runs December 12-14, 19-23 & 26-30, 3PM – 8PM
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
3rd Annual Family Fun Overnight at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
Friday, March 27 – Saturday, March 28, 2015
Free Play in the Arcade, Family Competitions, Indoor Sleeping Area, Dinner and
Breakfast, Movie, Beach Games
Season Pass Members,
Receive a FREE All-Day Rides Wristband for a friend when you attend this event!
Just show your 2015 Season Pass at event check-in to receive your voucher for a
free wristband.
Six Flags Discovery Kingdom
Season Passholders Bring a Friend Free Day.
Choose One Day Dec 19-23 or Dec 30-Jan 2 to Bring a Friend for Free to Holiday in
the Park.
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