When darkness falls over Descanso Gardens this winter, a different kind of magic emerges. For the tenth consecutive year, Enchanted Forest of Light transforms the historic 150-acre botanical garden into a nighttime realm where light, color, and sound converge along a mile-long pathway through illuminated landscapes.
Running from November 16 through January 4, the event operates nightly from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., with the exception of November 17, Thanksgiving, and Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
The experience features dynamic, interactive installations from acclaimed artists including Tom Fruin’s beloved stained-glass cottages and HYBYCOZO’s dazzling geometric sculptures. Visitors encounter the Flower Power experience along the Promenade and the luminescent Ancient Forest, where lighting effects highlight towering redwoods and ferns with soft light and mist.
This season introduces a fresh twist with two exclusive nights of music and mixology on December 10 and 11. Yachty by Nature, a six-piece yacht rock band, will perform at 6 p.m. and 7:45 p.m., included with regular admission. Guests can sip craft cocktails while enjoying live yacht rock performances.
Lightswitch, a lighting and visual design firm, has been the mastermind behind Enchanted since its 2016 inception. Chris Medvitz, principal at Lightswitch, serves as creative director, overseeing the entire production. About 45 percent of the elements are custom designed and fabricated specifically for this experience.
Since its debut, Enchanted has become a year-end tradition in Southern California, consistently drawing sellout crowds and generating revenue for the nonprofit botanical garden.
Ticket prices range from $10 to $45 depending on membership status and age. All tickets must be purchased in advance with timed entry.
Enchanted Forest of Light will run from Nov. 16, 2025, through Jan. 4, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. nightly (closed Nov. 17, Nov. 27, Dec. 24-25). Descanso Gardens, 1418 Descanso Drive, La Cañada Flintridge. For more information, call (818) 949-4200 or visit www.descansogardens.org/events-and-activities/enchanted/. Ticket prices: $10-$45.
