Around Town … with Robert Airoldi: Gilroy Gardens offers plenty of specials during this holiday season

A brand-new live musical show, The Magic of Santa, bring out the spirit of the season

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By Robert Airoldi

South Valley children and families are getting an extra-special holiday gift this year: the new “North Pole Nights” celebration at Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park. During this immersive experience (on select dates from Nov. 24 through Dec. 31), visitors will step into the wintry wonderland of the North Pole to enjoy favorite holiday traditions along with all-new adventures and festive food and drinks throughout the park.

A brand-new live musical show, The Magic of Santa, plays multiple times each night at the Lakeside Amphitheater and introduces jolly characters like Rudy the Polar Bear, Skitter the Mouse, and Tinsel the Christmas Tree. Guests can sing and dance along to help everyone find their special wish for Santa — and maybe even make some Christmas magic of their own.

Discount tickets and memberships can be purchased online at www.gilroygardens.org. For a limited time, guests who purchase 2024 Premium Memberships receive a special gift voucher for up to $30 that is valid until Dec. 31 at in-park shops and restaurants. Premium Members also enjoy unlimited free admission, free parking, and other exclusive benefits for the rest of 2023 and all of 2024.

Congratulations to the Lujan family, who traveled to New York earlier this month to watch Sami Holder Lujan run in the New York Marathon Nov. 5. Sami had overcome an injury earlier in the year and was determined to finish the race after subsequently winning the lottery to participate.

During the race, her husband, Eric Lujan, kept track of her location, and carried any items she may have needed. Her sister, Nicole Holder, guided the family through dozens of subway rides to pre-designated cheer points. At each three-to-six-mile mark of the 26.2 mile run, the family team cheered and waved as Sami passed by. Her dad, John Holder, recorded videos, while Kristi Holder held an encouraging sign and rang a bell.

They joined a sea of spectators, who, like them, supported each runner, not just their own. “Sami crossed the finish line of her first marathon, making her family proud and inspired,” Kristi said. “We enjoyed the quality family time and teamwork, and the overall spirit of encouragement and kindness embodied in the race. We are also thankful for all who cheered her on from afar.”

We got some good news from Lana Wright of Lana’s Dance Studio which took home first place for the best jazz performance, choreographed by former student of 15 years, Josh Escover. The Industry Dance Awards is formed from 12 major dance competitions, and seven conventions held throughout the United States and abroad. Nominees are selected from these venues to represent the best of the best in each genre of dance. This final competition was held in Hollywood last month. “It was a thrill and an honor to represent Morgan Hill and the surrounding cities of so many talented dancers,” Wright told us.

The National Pony Express Association, California Division, will hand-cancel your Christmas Cards with a Commemorative Postal Cancellation stamp and place the cards in the mochila sack to be carried by 11 riders. They will travel the 30 miles of Historical Pony Express Trail from Folsom Museum to the Old Sacramento USPS starting at 10 a.m. Dec. 9. Pony Express member Lyn Fellows has placed a collection chest with Brad Jones at BookSmart in Morgan Hill and with Amy Boucher at Saddles and Treasures in Gilroy. Your Christmas cards must be dropped at one of these two locations by Dec. 5.

St. Joseph’s Family Center of Gilroy received a $5,000 donation earlier this month from Spectrum through the company’s national community philanthropic program, Spectrum Employee Community Grants.

SJFC is an independent, safety-net service provider that has been serving the community for more than 50 years. SJFC collaborates with other nonprofits to coordinate and streamline access to resources to needy families, the homeless and unhoused.

By providing this $5,000 grant, SJFC will continue to provide critical resources, like financial assistance and food, to families impacted by poverty.

“Through Spectrum Employee Community Grants, we’re proud to provide support to vital community organizations with which our local employees are already volunteering time and talent,” said Lisa Ludovici, director of government affairs for Spectrum.