We kicked off the holiday by visiting the Descanso Gardens for a special, unique lighting event known as the Enchanted Forest of Light. It has returned for the third year featuring a one-mile walk of interactive, night time experience.Β
Descanso Gardens is a 150-acres botanical garden located located on the former land of Corporal Jose Maria Verdugo who received it from the first Spanish governor of California for his loyal service in 1784. In 1937, E. Manchester Boddy, owner of The Los Angeles Illustrated Daily News, purchased the property. He built a two-story mansion of 22 rooms and later sold this property to Los Angeles County. Today, Descanso Gardens is operated by a nonprofit organization, in a public-private partnership with Los Angeles County.
The Enchanted Forest of Light is organized into 10 illuminated displays. Each has its own name and story. Guests are encouraged to follow the suggested order. They are also free to travel in whichever order they like. Let’s take a look at some of my favorite displays, shall we?
Flower Power
The first display guests encounter is the Flower Power, which is a field of lighted, vibrant tulips. The colors are constantly changing, making this experience magical. Pictures do not do justice as you have to view the colorful tulips in person. I thought this was spectacular and breathtaking. What a great way to get the evening started!
Starlight Garden
Starlight Garden has spiky, star light fixtures hanging from the arched garden trellis. The walkway is short, but I found it enchanting to walk through it.
Symphony of Oaks
Symphony of Oaks features coast live oak trees, some of which are 500 years old, that sing with color from the platform under each tree. Guests can jump on the uplight discs to direct a symphony of hues.
Luminous Lawn
The Luminous Lawn is another fun, interactive display that has curving light up sidewalk. This is young guests’ favorite as they enjoy running on the colorful pathways.
Garden of Good Fortune
The Garden of Good Fortune is the last and most stunning display. It is a Japanese Garden filled with hundreds of glowing red lanterns. It was definitely a powerful way to end the enchanted experience.
Overall, we enjoyed the Descanso Garden’s Enchanted: Forest of Light. We found it to be fascinating and unique holiday experience. It was definitely a wonderful way to enjoy that famous botanical gardens. Don’t forget to check out the Gift Shop which carries a variety of unique and seasonal merchandise for gardeners, nature lovers and more.
Tips Before You Go
- Enchanted: Forest of Light runs daily from 5:30 to 10:00 p.m., November 18, 2018 β January 6, 2019.
- Tickets are timed and must be purchased in advance.
- Due to safety concern, tripods are not allowed.
- Monopods and selfie sticks are permitted.
- A number of food and beverage options are available both before, during and after the Enchanted experience
- Dress warm and wear comfortable shoes.
Price
- Tickets range from $28β$30 for the general public, and $23β$25 for Descanso Gardens members.
- Free parking available in the Descanso Gardens’s main parking.
Descanso Gardens
1418 Descanso Drive
La CaΓ±ada Flintridge, CA 91011
818-949-4200
https://www.descansogardens.org/
What was your favorite display at the Descanso Garden’s Enchanted: Forest of Light?