Enchanted Forest of Light

Wonderous shimmering night garden

By day, Descanso blossoms and chitters with cheerful and welcoming, sunlit landscapes. By night, Enchanted Forest of Light transforms the gardens into an entirely different realm of magic, mystery, and incandescence.

Enchanted’s inventive installations cultivate a parallel world with light, color, and ambient music that transform familiar garden spaces into whimsical, dramatic, and sublime botanical artscapes.

Returning favorites and fresh delights

Expect to see popular returning installations, including an entire town of magical “stained glass” houses by contemporary sculptor Tom Fruin; sparkling geometric installations from HYBYCOZO; Flower Power on the Promenade; and exquisite lighting effects in the Ancient Forest.

A magical route through the garden

Preview the route that takes you through some of the most beloved parts of Descanso.

Rain or shine – Enchanted lights up the night

Enchanted is a “rain-or-shine” event that stays open even in inclement weather
Tickets are non-refundable, have timed entry, and must be purchased in advance
Dress for warmth. Enchanted Forest of Light can be unusually chilly from the fabled breeze off the lake, or due to some mystic bewitched weather spell. We recommend cozy coats and sweaters.
Hot drinks and other delicious treats will be available for purchase

Dates and entry times

Dates: Nov. 17, 2024–Jan. 5, 2025 (closed Nov. 28, Dec. 24–25). Open 5:30–10pm

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

Tickets

Descanso members get a discount and early ticket access for events like Enchanted

Become a member

Don't miss the magic

Ancient Forest © Kathryn Rapier

Starlight Garden © Kathryn Rapier

‘Celestial Shadows’ by HYBYCOZO © Kathryn Rapier

‘Camouflage House’ by Tom Fruin © Kathryn Rapier

Fantasy Forest © Kathryn Rapier

Flower Power © Kathryn Rapier

Enchanted Forest of Light © Kathryn Rapier

Top Enchanted FAQs

Do Descanso Gardens members get free Enchanted tickets?

We offer our members a discount on Enchanted tickets, but Descanso members don’t get free tickets to Enchanted.

Can I reschedule or get a refund on my ticket?

Enchanted tickets cannot be rescheduled or refunded. If you’re unable to attend your initial date, please consider your ticket a donation to the Descanso Gardens Foundation.

Could Enchanted be canceled due to bad weather?

Enchanted will happen rain or shine. Dress code: Comfy shoes and warm layers. Remember to bring your magic umbrella to ward off any rain.

How long is the walk through Enchanted and what’s the route like?

The event route is about 1 mile long and takes most visitors about one hour to complete. Plan to spend about 90 minutes to fully experience Enchanted.
While it’s a relatively easy walk, we do recommend comfy, stable shoes.
The route is accessible for strollers, wheelchairs, and mobility assistance devices.
Enchanted pathways have plenty of well-lit signage, plus friendly staff if you need assistance or directions.

Is there any other practical or experiential info I should know?

It get’s chilly here at night! We highly recommend a coat and even a scarf, hat, and gloves.
Enchanted Descanso by night doesn’t look like Descanso by day. Familiar places are transformed by the installations in fun and surprising ways.
There is an ambient musical soundscape throughout the experience.
There are some flashing lights in the installations.
Some of the installations are interactive. Some installations cycle through changes in color or sound over a short span of time, so we recommend lingering a bit.
Refreshments, including hot drinks and yummy treats, are available for purchase.
Our gift shop (The Store) will be open and has a wonderful selection of holiday and plant-themed crafts and goods.
Restrooms will be open.
If you need help with anything, ask our friendly Guest Services staff.

Can groups come to Enchanted? Buses?

We do welcome buses and groups to Enchanted but because of our limited parking, we ask that you visit on a non-peak night. You must reserve tickets for groups and parking for buses over the phone.

Our staff can help you pick a date, purchase tickets, and answer any questions at 818.949.4200.

“The fall-winter Enchanted Forest was quite simply the most stunning display of lights I have ever seen . . . . We spent hours there and I was quite simply amazed by the special characteristics of each setting.”

ENCHANTED GUEST

Enchanted Forest of Light is generously sponsored by:

Luminous Sponsors
Marie Song

Magical Sponsors
John D’Angona
Heather Sturt Haaga and Paul Haaga Jr.
The Mary E. Bazar-Robin Foundation
Ann and Peter Murphy
Blythe, Tyler, June and Adelaide Parker
Brad and Vicki Schwartz
Jessica and Lisa Son

Dazzling Sponsors
Construction Law, Inc.
Janet Hotchin
James Levin and Sarah Mac Dowall
The Mary E. Bazar-Robin Foundation
Kristy and Ian McCarthy
Marie and John Queen
Linda and Peter Segal
Jacob and Tamar Tujian
Donald Voss
And those who wish to remain anonymous

Sparkling Sponsors
Karine and Ara Aslanian
The Atwater Family
The Cripe Family
Laura and Mark Furey
Christy Hobart
Lovell Holder
Douglas and Jane Krech
Sandra Mays and John Marshall
Patricia and William Pinney
The Rooke Family
Hope Tschopik Schneider
The Scolnik and Kopchak Families
Clarissa and Brad Weirick

Twinkling Sponsors
AnyKey Consulting
Vince Bertoni and Damon Hein
Dimple Bhasin and Ben Pradhan
Diane Binney and Mike Brown
Georgianna Erskine
Stephanie Fortin
Debra and Tracy Jeandron
Ellen and Harvey Knell
Kimberly and Dana Laurence
Edward and Daniela Lesnansky
Lucia and Ben Logan
Roma and Tom Mahrer
Laurie and Craig Poindexter
Jeff Schultz
Karen and Robert Wicke

Corporate & Community In-kind Sponsors

For working media: Descanso Gardens gives qualified media and influencers an opportunity to experience the gardens

Media pass policy

Hours

Location

Enchanted Forest of Light