A witch has cast a curse on the historic Filoli house, freezing it in time. Dinner guests have disappeared. Nature, cobwebs and crows have reclaimed the mansion’s decadent rooms, and the nearby woods have become a witches’ village where magic is unraveling. That’s the story behind “Nightfall,” the Woodside estate’s annual after-dark immersive Halloween adventure.
Now in its third year, the popular family event runs from Sept. 26-Nov. 1 and offers magical, mythical and spooky fun for all ages. The press was treated to a preview night on Sept. 25 where guests were treated to a wondrous journey displaying this enchanting story.
Before entering the mansion, visitors were greeted by an old Ford Model T car filled with crows and revving its engine as if it were alive. Inside, a perky yet ghostly maid welcomed guests to the unsettled house, where trees and bushes appeared to be growing through its halls. Meals and desserts sat out on tables as if left suddenly, while the lady of the house wandered through rooms in hysterics.
It was a little less spooky outside the house at the Meadow Harvest Party, where a bluegrass band played and there were firepits, games, food and plenty of photo ops like the pumpkin arches.
On the Redwood Trail to the woods, guests were greeted by hundreds of scarecrows with glowing jack-o’-lantern heads, glowing trees, spooky sound effects and giant slugs. Once in the hidden witches’ village, there were magical broomsticks in trees, a tarot reading, and a giant glowing cauldron that appeared to hold a steaming witch’s concoction.
New this year in the woods is the Haunted Railway with eight miniature trains endlessly looping through the shadows. Once exiting the railway area, guests may spot a ghostly train conductor who may make the hair on the back of your neck stand up. The nearby Haystack Critter Trail is fun for jump scares as guests walk through a maze with sudden loud sound effects and a creepy overgrown greenhouse.
In the middle of the witches’ village is what looks like a giant troll from last year’s “Nightfall.” Visitors can climb to the troll’s hands for a good view of the woods or a photo op.
Guests are encouraged to wear comfortable shoes since the entire experience is about a 1-mile loop. Costumes are welcome as long as they are family-friendly.
“Nightfall” is daily with entry times from 5:30-8pm. Tickets range in price from $35-65. It’s recommended that tickets be purchased in advance because they are selling out fast.
For more information or to purchase tickets go to filoli.org.
Teresa Mills-Faraudo is an associate editor at Bay Area Parent.
