ACE NorCal Holiday Party 2026 at Gilroy Gardens

Location

Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park
3050 Hecker Pass Hwy
Gilroy, CA 95020
When:  Sat, Dec 5, 2026 from 12:00 PM to 09:00 PM (PT)
Associated with  Northern California Region
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Join us for the 33rd Annual ACE NorCal Holiday Party, being held at Gilroy Gardens on Saturday, December 5th! 

Park Operating Hours: 1:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Schedule of Planned Festivities:

12:00 PM = Check-in at the Front Gate

12:15 PM = Early Backstage Park Walk with the Maintenance Manager

12:45 PM - 1:15 PM = 30 Minute ERT on Timber Twister

1:30 PM - 2:00 PM = 30 Minute ERT on Quicksilver Express

2:00 PM - 3:00 PM = Grand Holiday Feast in the Events Plaza (white tent near Paddle Boats)

3:00 PM - 3:45 PM = Annual White Elephant Gift Exchange

3:45 PM - 9:00 PM = Free Time to enjoy North Pole Nights

9:00 PM = Gilroy Gardens closes, event ends

GRAND HOLIDAY FEAST MENU:

Drinks: Coca-Cola Beverages, Water, Hot Chocolate

Starters: Cranberry Spinach Salad

Entrées (2-3 options to be available): Sliced Turkey, Sliced Ham, Spaghetti in Marinara, Hot Dogs (we are assuming at least 1 vegetarian option will be available)

Sides: Stuffing, Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Hawaiian Rolls, Gravy, Cranberry Sauce, Hot Mustard, Butterchips

Dessert: Christmas Sprinkles Brownies

GIFT EXCHANGE RULES: Bring a roller coaster / theme park related gift if you want to participate! Common gifts include t-shirts, map bundles, books, movies, novelty items, small models (Coasterdynamix), dishware, and antiques. First time participating? Approximately $25 in value is a good target, but we've had a wide variety over the years. Bring a single item or a box of goodies. Participation is not mandatory, but you'll definitely wish you had if you don't!

REGISTRATION DEADLINE: Sunday, November 29th, 2026 at 11:30 PM (PST).

Pricing:

Early Bird (before 11/23):

  • ACE Members w/out season pass: $65.26
  • ACE Members with season pass: $28.54
  • ACE Guest w/out season pass: $70.36
  • ACE Guest with season pass: $33.64

Early Bird Pricing is available until Sunday, November 22nd, 2026 at 11:30 PM (PST).

QUESTIONS? Address any event questions to Liz Tan, ACE NorCal Regional Representative, at: ltan@aceonline.org. 

Tickets include park admission (if the non-passholder option is chosen), free parking, a catered meal, ERT on Timber Twister & Quicksilver Express, and a complimentary Ice Skating Voucher!!

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SCHEDULE ADVISORY

Inclement weather, equipment problems or other unforeseen circumstances may affect the published schedule. The park will do its best to provide ride times and rides as listed; however, the schedule of events remains tentative and is subject to change based on the park's operational status and local health restrictions at the time of the event.

ACCESSIBILITY

Should you need special accommodations such as a wheelchair, speech/hearing, etc., refer to the participating parks policy prior to the event date. Most parks offer a complete guide for guests with a disability.

REFUNDS AND REGISTRATION FEES

Refunds will not be given. Registration fees will not be prorated for partial attendance and tickets are nontransferable. Event attendee substitutions are at ACE’s discretion. Permission must be obtained prior to the event, in writing, from the event contact.

The payment of registration fees by, for, or on behalf of participants releases and holds harmless the American Coaster Enthusiasts Worldwide Inc. and its Officers, Directors, Executive Committee Members and representatives from any and all liabilities related to those activities. Returned checks and chargeback disputes will be treated as uncollected debt. ACE reserves the right to execute debt collection following the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act.

COVID-19 SAFETY INFORMATION

Although our host parks are making every effort to keep you as healthy and safe as possible, there remains an inherent and elevated risk of exposure to COVID-19 in any public place and place where people are present. Refer to park policies for additional information, requirements and latest updates.

CODE OF CONDUCT

Members and their guests should be especially aware that their behavior affects ACE’s reputation, and they are expected to abide by ACE’s Code of Conduct at all times during the event and follow all host park policies, including, but not limited to, alcohol consumption. Members are responsible for the conduct of their nonmember guests. Parents and/or guardians are responsible for supervising minor event attendees. Members found to be in violation of the code are subject to ACE's disciplinary procedures, which may be in the form of, but not limited to, verbal or written warning, membership suspension or involuntary termination.

Any violations of park policies, including underage alcohol consumption are a violation of section C.1 of ACE’s Code of Conduct and could result in suspension of the member’s ACE membership as well as action by the park.

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You must be registered and your official event name badge must be visible to participate in scheduled event activities.