Descanso Gardens Ignites the Night with 'Enchanted Forest of Light'

Each holiday season, Descanso Gardens transforms into a glowing nighttime wonderland that continues to captivate returning guests and first-time visitors alike. Time Out describes it as a “masterful mix of hands-on art installations and atmospheric, luminescent forests,” and it’s hard to disagree. The experience blends art, sound, and nature so seamlessly that you often forget you’re still in the San Gabriel Valley.

 

From November 16 through January 4, Enchanted Forest of Light invites visitors to wander through illuminated pathways, interactive displays, and softly glowing landscapes that feel straight out of a fairytale. One of the most charming highlights is the whimsical model railroad, decorated with miniature, light-up replicas of the show’s signature installations. It’s a surprisingly mesmerizing moment—one that regularly stops guests in their tracks.

 

Several fan-favorite installations return this year, including the glowing field of faux tulips that shift colors in waves and the mist-filled Ancient Forest, which continues to deliver that otherworldly, movie-set atmosphere. The event’s signature style remains refreshingly restrained: instead of overwhelming guests with bright spectacle, Enchanted uses light and shadow to enhance the natural beauty of Descanso’s sprawling gardens.

 

Visitors will also notice a few updated elements carried over from recent years. The area surrounding the rose garden now features HYBYCOZO’s intricate 3-D light sculptures, offering a warm geometric glow that’s both artistic and calming. A cozy pavilion offers food and drink options, making it an ideal stop for hot cocoa or a warm bite. Near the main lawn, artist Tom Fruin’s stained-glass–inspired houses add a kaleidoscopic pop of color, alongside interactive mini structures that allow guests to control the lighting themselves.

 

Enchanted Forest of Light covers roughly a one-mile walking route, mostly flat and clearly marked, though some paths can get a bit soft if it’s rained recently. Guests are encouraged to dress warmly—temperatures in La Cañada Flintridge often drop into the mid-40s at night, and plan to spend at least an hour exploring everything the experience has to offer.

 

Ticket prices range from $27 to $45, depending on the date, with Mondays and Tuesdays typically offering the best value. While the cost reflects the going rate for seasonal light attractions, the event maintains an edge thanks to free parking, something most competing displays can’t claim.

 

Ultimately, what makes Enchanted Forest of Light so special is its consistency. It doesn’t need to reinvent itself every season; its beauty lies in the way it blends familiar highlights with subtle new touches. For many families, couples, and holiday explorers, it has become a yearly tradition, and one that continues to deliver the quiet magic the season is meant to offer.

 

If you’re searching for a winter outing that’s peaceful, immersive, and genuinely uplifting, Enchanted Forest of Light remains one of the region’s most enchanting experiences.

 

 

Dates and entry times

 

Dates: Open now–January 4, 2026 from 5:30–10pm, closed December 24–25

 

Entry times: 5:30pm, 6pm, 6:30pm, 7pm, 7:30pm, 8pm, 8:30pm

Click here to purchase Enchanted tickets