O Enchanted Night!

Visiting the Enchanted Forest of Light in Descanso Gardens

Prepare to be mesmerized! Holiday-season nights in Descanso Gardens are a magical interplay of lights and natural beauty that dazzle as you stroll through the Enchanted Forest of Light. Kids and adults alike will thrill as they enter 10 themed gardens, each beckoning visitors to slow down and savor the sparkling and serene displays.

Each light installation plays off of the plant life found in the gardens, creating a seamless blend of art and nature. One moment you’re in a prehistoric forest; the next, you’re shooting lasers across a lake. Follow a path where the colors change with every step you take (kids go crazy with this!), and end up in a colorful forest where you might expect a unicorn to emerge any moment.

Tickets have a timed entry and must be purchased in advance, but once inside, you’re free to stay as long as you please.

Get Our Weekly Email

Find inspiration and ideas for outdoor adventures and travel in California and the West.

Don’t worry about becoming hungry or thirsty while you explore, because Descanso Gardens has plenty of dining options, including vendors positioned throughout the Enchanted Forest! Grab a glass of wine and some hot chocolate for the kids while you walk the mile-long path. Maybe make it a fancy date night by dining at their signature restaurant, Maple (reservations suggested), before wandering through the labyrinth of lights.

Yes, it’s a labyrinth, but just follow the arrows; you’ll see everything and end up right back where you started. Be sure to bring warm clothes—it’s as chilly as it is enchanting!

Enchanted Forest of Lights.

From Verdugo Blvd. in La Cañada, go south on Descanso Dr. You’ll find Descanso Gardens on the right. Free parking, but the lot is small, so arrive early to find a spot. No dogs.

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Woman walking down the stairs overlooking the ocean on the Coastal Trail in San Francisco

    America's Best Urban Hike

    Long ago we dubbed it the “Grand Walk” and said it was one of the most scenic and stunning trails in the West. We were wrong. This is the most scenic urban hike in America!

    View
  2. Hike or Bike the Skyline

    A new section of the Bay Area Ridge Trail is open for biking, hiking, or horseback riding along the 12-mile (out-and-back) Skyline Watershed Ridge Trail.

    View
  3. Hiker on the SCA trail in Marin Headlands with view of the Golden Gate Bridge

    Headlands Over Heels

    People come from all over the world to get a glimpse of the Golden Gate Bridge. Get a dramatic and novel view of the bridge without all the people on this moderate 6-mile hike in the Marin Headlands.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Lagoon Swoon

    We all love an underdog story, especially in the shadow of the greats. Enter a truly SoCal coastal version: Malibu Lagoon State Beach. Though situated next to Surfrider Beach, a fa

    View
  2. Sponsored

    Extra-Celestial Central Oregon

    Some trips promise you the moon and the stars. And this one delivers in a big way, plus throws in some extra planets for your viewing pleasure. From Bend, Sunriver, and Sisters to Antelope Basecamp in the remote high desert.

    View
  3. Tree Town

    Home to an estimated 21,000 trees and 100 acres of parkland, South Pasadena has earned its nickname: the City of Trees. This 2.5-mile neighborhood walk lets you experience its leafy canopy up close, winding through charming streets and three of the city’s beloved parks.

    View