Descanso Garden’s Enchanted Forest of Light, The Garden of Good Fortune, Monday, Novemeber 18, 2024. Photo by Monique A. LeBleu
Descanso Gardens once again brings Enchanted Forest of Light for the holidays, a uniquely serene and dazzingly light display and interactive art experience to enchant all, open now until January 5, 2024.
This year’s display is a mix of new features as well as the return of several favorites. The Promenade once again sees the return of “Flower Power” as waves of light dance in a marching glow through thousands of incandescent tulips. The Pixel Grove lights a magical and glimmering to the Ancient Forest, where their prehistoric trees and plant life are given the generous limelight they well deserve.
According to Lightswitch, designers of much of the lighted display, Flower Power contains “4,000 pixel-mapped tulip-shaped LED lights inspired by Descanso’s well-known spring tulip display,” and that roughly 45% of the elements of “Enchanted” were custom designed, including various custom light fixtures and interactive sensors and controls–such as the step lighting by 4Wall design within the Symphony of Oaks.
Descanso Garden’s Enchanted Forest of Light, the Symphony of Oaks display, Monday, Novemeber 18, 2024. Photo by Monique A. LeBleu
Chris Medvitz of Lightswitch said on their website that Descanso Gardens was “looking for something different than the normal holiday lights display…they wanted something that was less about covering everything with twinkle lights, and more of a ‘nature+light’ creative approach.”
Other highlights include the return of the colorful, interactive town of “stained glass” houses by contemporary sculptor Tom Fruin on the Luminous Lawn, geometric installations from HYBYCOZO, the Lightwave Lake, and the truly sublime Garden of Good Fortune in the Japanese Garden.
The Rose Pavillion is nicely cozy with space heaters for a quick warm-up, including an assortment of comfort foods, vegan options, sweets such as Churros, hot drinks, and some additional liquid holiday cheer on the side as well.
Enchanted is a “rain-or-shine” event open even in inclement weather, and the evening forest requires you dress for warmth. Tickets are non-refundable, have timed entry, and must be purchased in advance.
Enchanted Forest of Light is open now through January 5, 2024 and advance tickets are required. Hours are 5:30 pm –10 pm, and the event is closed December 24–25, 2024.
Adult ticket prices
$28–38 (members)
$35–45 (non-members)
Children’s ticket prices (ages 2-12)
$18–23 (members)
$25–30 (non-members)
