Filoli “Nightfall” Enchanting Adventure

Around every corner was something magical, mythical and just a little spooky at Filoli’s opening of “Nightfall,” an after-dark immersive Halloween adventure for all ages.

This is the second year Filoli is hosting this event at its historic estate and it’s nearly double in size. “Nightfall” is also the only chance to see the “TROLLS: Save the Human” exhibition glowing in the moonlight. Unfortunately, the giant wood creatures are scheduled to leave Filoli after Nov. 10 when “Nightfall” ends.

At the opening on Oct. 3 guests were treated to a wonderous journey that began in the haunted candlelit halls of the historic house. The mansion was turned into a gothic dream state from the past where a witches’ apothecary had come to life.  A perky, yet ghostly maid character was in the entrance greeting guests as they entered the home while another room featured a witch-like character with black hair and black gown intently staring at visitors with an eerie gaze as they walked by. Throughout the house there were many frightfully fun features like a giant Ouija board, candles that looked like they were floating and a room full of spooky dolls. Outside the house, visitors couldn’t miss the first of the massive trolls – Ronja Redeye: The Speaker Troll.

In the Meadow, there were fire pits, andorak chairs for lounging, Halloween games, a large pumpkin patch with flickering jack-o’-lanterns, food trucks and drink and snack bars. This was a perfect spot to listen to the live bluegrass band and enjoy some food before continuing the journey. Before leaving the Meadow, the row of pumpkin arches is a perfect photo op spot.

As the adventure continued, we spotted the second troll, Sofus Lotus: The Listening Troll, which looked like a large group of little ones had pinned it to the ground since this is a popular one for climbing on. Further up the trail, what first looked like a field full of glowing zombies turned out to be scarecrows with glowing pumpkin heads. While a bit eerie, this is a fun spot to take selfies with the scarecrows.

As a note of caution, make sure to wear comfortable shoes since this is about 1 mile loop. Also, don’t fret if you are unable to grab refreshments at the Meadow. There is a second chance in the redwood forest area where you will find a glowing mushroom forest (one of my favorites), nature playspace, hay maze, snack bars, more live entertainment, restrooms and trailhead store. This is also where to look for the rest of the giant trolls: Rosa Sunfinger (The Botanical Troll), Kamma Can (The Treasure Troll), and Basse Buller (The Painting Troll). Make sure you don’t leave this area without seeing Slug Station. These massive glowing banana slugs almost looked like they were moving even though I knew it was my eyes were playing tricks on me.

Just when I thought this experience couldn’t be more enchanting, we spotted real, live deer eating in a meadow.

“Nightfall” is an event the whole family can enjoy even the hard-to-please teens (mine is 15 and she loved it).

It is open every night through Nov. 10 from 5:30-10pm with the last admission at 8-8:30pm. Tickets are $45-49 for adults and $35-39 for children.

For more information or to purchase tickets go to: filoli.org.

Teresa Mills-Faraudo is an associate editor at Bay Area Parent