The Gilroy area has 3 Christmas events for kids we could confirm for the 2026 season, from North Pole Nights in Gilroy on November 21 to Lunch with Santa in Gilroy, which runs through December 13. 1 of them is free, and every listing links straight to the host. It is one stop on our guide to Christmas events for kids in California, part of our guide for every state.
The short version
- 3 kids’ Christmas events confirmed in Gilroy for 2026, in Gilroy
- First: North Pole Nights, Gilroy, November 21. Runs latest: North Pole Nights, Gilroy, through December 31
- Free: Holiday Festival & Parade
- Checked on each host’s own page; each listing links straight to it
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Christmas events for kids in Gilroy
3 confirmed events for kids in Gilroy, soonest first.
Holiday lights
North Pole Nights
- When: Saturday, November 21, 2026 to Thursday, December 31, 2026 (select evenings)
- Where: Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park, Gilroy
- Cost: Park admission ticket or Premium Membership required
- Ages: All ages
Details, tips and host
Gilroy Gardens celebrates the holidays with North Pole Nights on select evenings from November 21 through December 31, 2026. Entry takes a single-day admission ticket or a valid Premium Membership, and the park's calendar lists the exact evening hours.
Kids can meet characters in Rudy's Road Trip, ride Tinsel's Groove Train through the redwood forest and watch the North Pole Tonight talk show. The musical show The Magic of Santa features Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus, Rudy the Polar Bear and reindeer several times each night. Children can also send letters to Santa at the North Pole Post Office, skate at the ice rink and walk through the light tunnel.
Parent tip: Check the park calendar for open evenings and show times before you drive out.
- Host
- Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park (opens in a new tab)
- Address
- Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park, 3050 Hecker Pass Hwy, Gilroy, CA 95020
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Holiday paradeFree
Holiday Festival & Parade
- When: Saturday, December 5, 2026, 3 pm
- Where: Downtown Gilroy, Gilroy
- Cost: Free
- Ages: All ages
Details, tips and host
The Gilroy Downtown Business Association hosts its Holiday Festival and Parade on Saturday, December 5, 2026, starting at 3 pm. The afternoon is free and aimed at families, with two stages of live entertainment from 3 to 5 pm and seasonal food from festival vendors.
Kids can meet Santa in Santa's Village, follow the Trail of Treats from 3 to 5 pm for goodies, visit a petting zoo and get a photo with Chillroy. The Community Christian booth also has children's activities. The mayor and a downtown association representative light Gilroy's Christmas tree to start the season, and the parade features illuminated entries and a float contest.
Parent tip: Come early for the Trail of Treats and the petting zoo, and bring warm layers for the evening parade.
- Host
- Gilroy Downtown Business Association (opens in a new tab)
- Address
- Downtown Gilroy, Monterey St & 5th St, Gilroy, CA 95020
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Story time with Santa
Lunch with Santa
- When: Sat December 12 and Sun December 13, 2026, 1 to 3 pm
- Where: Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park, Gilroy
- Cost: Park admission required, kids under 12 eat free
- Ages: Kids under 12 eat free
Details, tips and host
Lunch with Santa takes place at Gilroy Gardens on Saturday and Sunday, December 12 and 13, 2026, from 1 to 3 pm. Entry to the park requires a single-day admission ticket or a valid Premium Membership.
The meal comes with a storytime and a Christmas craft, and children under 12 eat free. It fits well with a day at the park, which is also open for the North Pole Nights season, with its ice rink, light tunnel and holiday train.
- Host
- Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park (opens in a new tab)
- Address
- Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park, 3050 Hecker Pass Hwy, Gilroy, CA 95020
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Look inside the book
Story time with Santa in Gilroy? Bring Rally home.
Rally Takes the Train is a five-minute rhyming picture book about a corgi’s first train ride, hand-painted in real watercolor. It makes a cozy bedtime story after a big day with Santa. Turn a few pages here.
Rally Takes the Train
Eight pages from the book
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See who’s waiting at the station
Grandmommy and Papa are at the last stop. Get the full hand-painted book, $16.99 on Amazon.
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Every page is real watercolor on paper, painted by hand by Leslie Dunn. Nothing in this book was made with AI.
Every event above was confirmed on the host’s own page, with the date, time, cost and the small things parents ask about (sign-ups, ages, what is included). Looking for a Santa train instead? Those are on our California Christmas train rides page.
Gilroy Christmas events for kids at a glance
- Kids’ Christmas events
- 3 confirmed for 2026
- Cities
- Gilroy
- Season
- November 21 to December 31, 2026
- Free events
- 1
- Kinds of events
- holiday lights, holiday parade and story time with Santa
- Last checked
See every event on a December calendar
Plan your December
When each Gilroy Christmas event for kids happens
The first is North Pole Nights in Gilroy on November 21; the last runs to December 13. Each bar spans an event’s dates, not every hour in them, so check the host’s page for times.
- North Pole NightsGilroy · Nov 21 to Dec 31
- Holiday Festival & ParadeGilroy · Dec 5
- Lunch with SantaGilroy · Dec 12 to Dec 13
Looking further afield? Our California Christmas events for kids guide lists every confirmed event in the state, and we have city guides for Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Jose, San Diego, Sacramento, Fresno, Bakersfield, Riverside, Long Beach, Oakland, Anaheim, Irvine, Stockton, Modesto, Santa Barbara, Oxnard, Santa Rosa, Palm Springs, Fontana, Simi Valley, Victorville, Indio, Chico, Santa Clarita, Escondido, Temecula, Visalia, Thousand Oaks, San Clemente, Santa Cruz, Madera, Hanford, Delano, Oceanside, Salinas, Murrieta, Santa Maria, Vacaville, Hesperia, Redding, Hemet, Merced, Yuba City, Porterville and Watsonville. The national search sorts every event by distance from your town.
A story for the drive home
A morning with Santa or an evening of holiday stories tends to end the same way: tired kids, a long drive and one more book before bed. Our picture book follows Rally the corgi on his first train ride to see his grand-paw-rents, and every page is painted by hand. If your family is spending December missing someone, it was written for that too. For the car, print our free corgi and train coloring pages.
A bedtime story after seeing SantaRally Takes the Train is a five-minute rhyming picture book about a corgi’s first ride on a California train, hand-painted in watercolor. $16.99 on Amazon, ages 0 to 8.
Buy on Amazon2026 Christmas events are coming in late November
More Christmas events arrive in late November: unlock the list and we'll email you as soon as we confirm them.
The story of Christmas in Gilroy
In Gilroy, the season starts downtown with a Trail of Treats, a petting zoo and a lighted parade. A few miles away, a redwood-filled theme park becomes a North Pole after dark.
How Gilroy celebrates
Gilroy's season begins downtown, where the Gilroy Downtown Business Association hosts the free Holiday Festival and Parade. Families meet Santa in Santa's Village, walk the Trail of Treats, visit a petting zoo and watch a lighted parade before the mayor and a business association representative light the city tree. Out on Hecker Pass, Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park runs North Pole Nights on select evenings through Dec. 31. We could not find a founding year for the downtown festival, so we leave it out.
Christmas last year in Gilroy
In 2025 the downtown festivities started at 3 p.m. on Dec. 6, with the parade at 5 p.m. and Grinchville along the way. That same day, Santa's Farmhouse Faire ran from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at LJB Farms with vendors, sweets and photos with Santa. Gilroy Gardens ran North Pole Nights from Nov. 28 to Dec. 31, with live shows, ice skating, Santa's Workshop photo visits and a 100-foot animated musical light tunnel. Gilroy's second annual SantaCon, an adults event, followed on Dec. 19.
Fun facts about Christmas in Gilroy
Gilroy Gardens calls itself a horticultural amusement park, and its more than 40 rides and attractions include a holiday train through a redwood forest. Its show The Magic of Santa stars Rudy the Polar Bear, Mrs. Claus, Tinsel the Tree and Skitter the Mouse. Gilroy Premium Outlets, home to the California Welcome Center, has more than 110 stores. Downtown has a character named Chillroy, who is a photo spot for kids at the festival.
Trains and Christmas near Gilroy
Gilroy's own holiday train rolls through the redwoods at Gilroy Gardens, where Tinsel's Groove Train is part of North Pole Nights. For real rail history, the South Bay Historical Railroad Society runs a free museum in the 1863 Santa Clara Depot, with model railroads and artifacts. In San Jose, History San José's Trolley Barn keeps restored streetcars in its History Park, and the California Trolley and Railroad Corporation restores vintage trolleys there.
- South Bay Historical Railroad Society: A free museum inside the 1863 Santa Clara Depot with model railroads and railroad artifacts.
- History San José Trolley Barn: A trolley barn inside San Jose's History Park where restored streetcars are kept and repaired.
- California Trolley and Railroad Corporation: Volunteers restore vintage trolleys at the History Park trolley barn.
Traditions today
- Holiday Festival and Parade: A free downtown festival with Santa's Village, a Trail of Treats, a lighted parade and the city tree lighting.
- Trail of Treats: Kids collect goodies, visit a petting zoo and pose with Chillroy.
- North Pole Nights at Gilroy Gardens: Ice skating, live shows, Santa photos and a 100-foot animated musical light tunnel.
- Lunch with Santa: A holiday lunch with storytime and a craft at Gilroy Gardens.
- Santa's Farmhouse Faire: A morning market with sweets and photos with Santa at LJB Farms.
- Letters to Santa at the North Pole Post Office: Kids mail their wishes from the post office at Gilroy Gardens.
A fact for kids
Gilroy has a character named Chillroy who is a photo spot at the downtown holiday festival. At Gilroy Gardens, you can walk through a light tunnel that is 100 feet long.
Questions about Christmas in Gilroy
What is Gilroy's main Christmas tradition?
Downtown Gilroy's Holiday Festival and Parade is the town's main kickoff to the season. Run by the Gilroy Downtown Business Association, it combines Santa's Village, a Trail of Treats, live music, a lighted parade and the lighting of the city Christmas tree. It is free and family-friendly. See our Gilroy Christmas events guide on this page for this year's date.
When is Gilroy's tree lit?
The tree lighting is part of the Downtown Holiday Festival and Parade. In 2025 the festivities began at 3 p.m. on Dec. 6 and the parade started at 5 p.m., ending with the lighting of the holiday tree. The 2026 festival is set for Saturday, Dec. 5, starting at 3 p.m. The mayor and a downtown association representative light the tree.
What is the Trail of Treats in Gilroy?
It is a kids' stop at the Downtown Holiday Festival, open from 3 to 5 p.m. in 2026, where children collect goodies. Nearby there is a petting zoo and a photo spot with Chillroy.
Who is Chillroy?
Chillroy appears on the Downtown Gilroy festival page as a photo opportunity for kids at the Holiday Festival and Parade. The page does not explain the character's origin, so we cannot say more. Families can pose for a picture near the Trail of Treats and petting zoo.
Does Gilroy have a Santa's Village?
Yes. Santa's Village is part of the Downtown Holiday Festival, where children can meet Santa at a holiday stop sponsored by Keller Williams in Downtown Gilroy. The festival is free. Hours and details are in our Gilroy Christmas events guide on this page.
What are the Gilroy Holiday Parade floats like?
The parade features illuminated entries and a float contest. It starts at 5 p.m. in the 2025 schedule, after the afternoon festivities. The 2026 festival names a Grand Marshal and a Junior Grand Marshal, who lead the parade.
What is North Pole Nights at Gilroy Gardens?
North Pole Nights is Gilroy Gardens' holiday celebration, running on select evenings in late November through Dec. 31. It includes Santa's Workshop photo visits, live shows, ice skating, a North Pole Post Office for letters and a 100-foot animated musical light tunnel. The park is known as a horticultural amusement park with more than 40 rides and attractions.
What shows are at Gilroy Gardens at Christmas?
The musical show The Magic of Santa features Santa Claus with Rudy the Polar Bear, Mrs. Claus, Tinsel the Tree, Skitter the Mouse and reindeer, and runs several times each night. Kids can also catch the North Pole Tonight talk show and meet characters in Rudy's Road Trip. Show times are on the park's calendar.
Can kids send letters to Santa in Gilroy?
Yes. Gilroy Gardens has a North Pole Post Office, where children can send letters to Santa during North Pole Nights. It sits alongside the ice rink, light tunnel and the holiday train through the redwood forest. A park ticket or Premium Membership is needed to enter.
What is Lunch with Santa at Gilroy Gardens?
It is a holiday meal at the park with Santa, a storytime and a Christmas craft. In the 2026 season it is held Dec. 12 and 13 from 1 to 3 p.m., and children under 12 eat free. A park admission ticket or Premium Membership is also required to enter.
Is there a Holiday Feast at Gilroy Gardens?
Yes. The 2026 holiday page lists a Holiday Feast on Dec. 19 and 20 with seatings at 5, 6 and 7 p.m. Children under 12 eat free at the feast, as at Lunch with Santa. Entry still needs a single-day admission ticket or a valid Premium Membership.
Does Santa visit anywhere else in Gilroy?
Yes. In 2025 Santa's Farmhouse Faire ran from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Dec. 6 at LJB Farms, with local vendors, sweet treats and photos with Santa. Check our Gilroy Christmas events guide on this page for this year's confirmed visits.
Is the Gilroy holiday festival free?
Yes. The Downtown Gilroy Holiday Festival and Parade is free and family-friendly, so families can enjoy the music, Santa's Village and parade without tickets. Gilroy Gardens' North Pole Nights is different and requires a park ticket or membership. Always check each host's page for the current year's details.
How do I explain the tree lighting to young kids?
Tell your child that the whole town counts down to turn on the Christmas tree's lights, and that the mayor lights it. In Gilroy, a downtown association representative joins the mayor. Mention the parade and music first, so the quiet moment of the tree lighting feels like the big finish.
What is SantaCon in Gilroy?
Gilroy's SantaCon is an adults event with Christmas karaoke, specialty cocktails and ugly sweater contests at stops around downtown. The 2025 edition was the second annual and was held Dec. 19. It is not meant for kids, so families should plan their downtown time around the afternoon festival instead.
Does Gilroy have outlet shopping at Christmas?
Gilroy Premium Outlets has more than 110 stores and houses the California Welcome Center. Visit Gilroy mentions it among the town's holiday attractions. Hours for the stores are on its own site.
Where do Gilroy kids see Christmas lights?
The biggest light display is at Gilroy Gardens' North Pole Nights, including a 100-foot animated musical light tunnel. Downtown Gilroy also glows with its tree and a lighted parade at the Holiday Festival. See our Gilroy Christmas events guide on this page for dates, and bundle up for evening outings.
Are there train museums near Gilroy for Christmas?
Yes, several in the South Bay. The South Bay Historical Railroad Society runs a free museum inside the 1863 Santa Clara Depot with model railroads and artifacts. In San Jose, History San José's Trolley Barn keeps restored streetcars, and the California Trolley and Railroad Corporation restores vintage trolleys there. Check hours before you go.
Can kids ride a train at Gilroy Gardens?
Yes. Tinsel's Groove Train takes kids through the redwood forest during North Pole Nights. For rail history, the South Bay Historical Railroad Society museum in the Santa Clara Depot is a drive north and has model railroads, which suit younger children.
Where can I find this year's Gilroy Christmas events?
Our Gilroy Christmas events guide on this page lists kid-friendly events that hosts have confirmed with 2026 dates, including the Downtown Holiday Festival and Gilroy Gardens' holiday season. Also check Visit Gilroy and the Gilroy Downtown Business Association for updates as more events are announced.
Sources
- Holiday Festival & Parade, Gilroy Downtown Business Association
- Celebrate the holidays in Gilroy: Santa sightings, festive events and seasonal fun, Visit Gilroy
- North Pole Nights, Gilroy Gardens
- South Bay Historical Railroad Society, Rally Takes the Train
- History San José Trolley Barn, Rally Takes the Train
- California Trolley and Railroad Corporation, Rally Takes the Train
Gilroy Christmas events for kids: questions parents ask
What are the best Christmas events for kids in Gilroy this year?
We confirmed 3 for the 2026 season, and 1 of them are free. Good places to start: North Pole Nights (Nov 21 to Dec 31), Holiday Festival & Parade (Dec 5) and Lunch with Santa (Dec 12 to Dec 13). Every event on this page has the times, the cost and a link to the host.
Are there free Christmas events for kids in Gilroy?
Yes, 1 of the 3. Some free events still need a reservation, so check the listing before you go.
Where can kids meet Santa in Gilroy?
3 events here include a visit with Santa. Breakfasts with Santa usually sell out first, so book those as soon as you pick a date.
Are there Christmas story times for kids in Gilroy?
Yes. Library story times are usually free and walk-in; ones with a meal or a show are ticketed.
Is anything on for kids in Gilroy on Christmas Eve or after Christmas?
Yes. North Pole Nights runs through Dec 31.
Do we need tickets or reservations?
For 2 of the 3 events, yes: they sell tickets or ask you to sign up ahead. Meals with Santa and ticketed shows fill up first. Most library and park events are walk-in, and each listing says which is which.
Are there Christmas train rides for kids in Gilroy?
Yes, but they have their own guide. Santa trains and holiday train rides are listed in our Gilroy Christmas train rides guide, so this page sticks to story times, Santa visits and other events off the rails.
How do you confirm these events?
We list an event only after we find this season’s date on the host’s own website or an official city or tourism calendar. We last checked every listing on November 4, 2026. Hosts change details, so always confirm on the host’s page before you go.
Event names belong to their hosts. Rally Takes the Train is a family picture book and is not affiliated with, sponsored by or endorsed by any host listed here. Confirm dates, times and prices on each host’s own site before you go.