Descanso Gardens’ much-loved “Enchanted Forest of Light” is back, delighting visitors with an immersive light, color and sound experience. Opening in the evenings, now through January 5, 2025, the different garden pathways will captivate guests as they explore dazzling installations set in the Garden’s natural beauty. 

One of the first gardens to wow guests is Flower Power with hundreds of tulip flowers dancing in lights to festive music. It’s a kaleidoscope of colors that will mesmerize guests of all ages.

Across the way this year’s Enchanted includes Descanso Railroad, with its miniature model trains and landscapes lit up for the holiday season, bringing extra magic to the journey.  Trains run along elevated tracks to replicas of iconic train stations across America.
 

Adding to the visual delights, Tom Fruin’s vibrant “stained glass” houses return to create a radiant village on the Main Lawn and floating in a pond. Enhanced with interactive lighting, they form a lively, whimsical scene that invites visitors to engage with the light and color. Under the majestic oaks, guests will discover a hanging light installation that evokes an ethereal ambiance, complementing Descanso Gardens’ serene setting. 

“We’re delighted to welcome families back to Enchanted this season,” said Juliann Rooke, CEO of Descanso Gardens. “This year, familiar favorites have been given a fresh glow, and we’ve woven in a few surprises to make sure there’s a spark of wonder for every visitor, young and old alike.”

Dazzling geometric structures by HYBYCOZO spin to reveal beautiful shadows and patterns on the ground. Some geometric structures hang in the meadow illuminating pathways, flower beds and oak trees. Colors swirl around the area creating excitement and beauty.

Experience dinner, hot and cold beverages and cocktails at Enchanted in Descanso Gardens. There are food and drink stands in different areas of the garden. One stand grills cheese patty melts, and tomato bisque soup. Another offers veggie tacos and sugary churros.

Cocktails include the gin based Frosted Juniper, tequila based Midnight Margarita, plus wine, beer, soda, hot cocoa with whipped cream and marshmallows and hot cider
 

Visit the 8th Garden in the Ancient Forest on your way along the path to Spectral Sanctuary and Garden of Good Fortune. The cool colors of the ancient forest illuminating the tall redwood trees is a sharp contrast to the red glow inside the Japanese Garden. Hundreds of red lanterns illuminate this garden, pond, stream and tea house.

Become Enchanted walking through the Forest of Light. Tickets are available at www.descansogardens.org. 
 
Pricing details for Adults:

• Members: $15-38
• Non-members: $22-45

 Pricing for Children (ages 2-12; children under 2 free):

• Members: $10-23
• Non-members: $17-30
• Descanso Gardens is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $15 for adults; $11 for seniors and students with a school I.D.; $5 for children 5 to 12, and free for children under 5.