As the autumn leaves start changing colors, and gourds are displayed in stores, Descanso Gardens is bedecked in pumpkins of every size and color. Carved is back and it’s better than ever!

“We are thrilled to welcome everyone back to Descanso Gardens for Carved,” said Chief Executive Officer Juliann Rooke. “These event has become a treasured tradition, and this year, we’ve gone above and beyond to introduce new features that will make the experience even more magical in our beautifully illuminated gardens.”

At opening night (October 4, 2024) ticket holders stepped into the dazzling world of Carved. Following along a designated paved and groomed pathway, one sees a brightly colored Dia de los Muertos ofenda (altar) for guests to admire and leave a written message to honor a dearly departed loved one.

Here are 10 Things to See and Do at Carved:

Follow the path to see hundreds of Illuminated pumpkins. This immersive spectacle of lights, sights and music is one of the first large displays you will see underneath a canopy of ancient oak trees.

New to Carved is the new model trains of the Descanso Railroad. This area is filled with replicas of iconic train stations across the U.S., that are made with natural elements. The are aglow with special lighting as miniature trains make round trip journey’s around the track. It’s magical to see in the evening as the sun sets. Peek inside the train control room and learn about Model Train Scale and Gauge.

Visitors will encounter a whimsical family of wood spirits, carved by Chainsaw Jenna from five massive logs, adding a playful touch to the event.

Marvel at the intricate jack-o’-lanterns, and hand-carved giant pumpkins. Carvers are on hand designing, carving and meeting guests. “Ask me any question,” carvers say to those who watch them at work. Learn how they select a pumpkin based on shape, and imagine the designs they will carve.

At the entrance is a creative gourd covered water serpent. There is also a family-friendly Hay Maze and a changing color web called “Rhizome.” It features different sounds synched to the lights as you walk around the labyrinth. Rhizome was installed by artists Tom and Lien Dekyvere.

There are different food and beverage tents throughout the venue. The Beer Garden near the Hay Maze sells plant-based Hot Italian Brats with deli mustard on a house roll, and served with vegan coleslaw ($18). There are Cheddar Brats with sauerkraut ($17), Hot Bravarian Soft Pretzels ($6.75) and a vegan Ficelle Pretzel with cheese sauce and deli mustard for ($4.75).

Drinks in this area include small 12 ounce cans of Miller Lite, Modelo, Golden Road Mango Cart, Blue Moon, Samuel Adams Octoberfest, Firestone 805 and Firestone Mind Haze IPA ($12). They also have large (24 ounce) cans of Miller Lite, Modelo and Firestone 805 ($18.50). Enjoy a glass of house red or house white ($13.50) or bottle of Aquafina ($5).

The Sweet Stop booth offers warm Pumpkin Spiced Churros ($6) and Apple Pie Sugar cookies. Sip Hot Cider ($6) or Hot Cocoa with whipped cream and tiny marshmallows($6). Adult can spike both of these beverages to stay warm.

The Rose Garden Sweets include Churro Donuts (2 per order $6), Nutella Stuffed Beignets ($6), and Chef’s Holiday Inspired Desserts ($6).

There is also an eery shipwreck area in the gardens with an enormous octopus illuminated, and eye-catching orange spheres that appear to be floating on a pond of water.

Be sure to walk under the illuminated archway into the Rose Garden to see hundreds of baskets lit to resemble jelly fish. Also in the garden are creative wire figures light up in the garden.

Carved runs through October 30, 2024. It opens at 6 pm. Entry times are every half hour starting at 6 pm, 6:30 pm, 7 pm, 7:30 pm, 8 pm, 8:30 p, and 9 p.m. The even closes at 10pm.

Both Carved and Enchanted are rain-or-shine events. Tickets are timed and must be purchased in advance. Children under two years of age are free. Adult tickets are $28–$38 for members, $35 to $45 for non-members. The ticket price for members children ages 2 to 12 is $18 to $23, non-members is $25 to $30.

Tickets are non-refundable. Tickets are available for purchase through the Descanso Gardens website at www.descansogardens.org.