Food
Celebrate Thanksgiving in Pasadena
Get ready to get stuffed this holiday season with all these things to do on Thanksgiving Pasadena. Join a turkey trot at America's Stadium, go…
Enchanted Forest of Light
November to January
Experience the magic of the season at Descanso Gardens, where the Enchanted Forest of Light transforms into a breathtaking spectacle of luminescent forests and botanical gardens every evening.
Step into a winter wonderland at Descanso Gardens’ Enchanted Forest of Light, an annual celebration that captivates visitors of all ages. Journey through ten breathtaking experiences, including interactive art installations and glowing botanical landscapes, at this family-friendly event.
Event Details
Dates
Mark your calendars! The Enchanted Forest of Light is open nightly from November 17, 2024, to January 5, 2025. Please note that the exhibit will be closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day.
Hours
The event is open from 5:30 to 10 p.m. each night, with timed entry starting at 5:30 p.m. and continuing every 30 minutes until 8:30 p.m.
Location
The Enchanted Forest of Light takes place at Descanso Gardens (1418 Descanso Dr, La Cañada Flintridge, CA 91011). Just a short 15-minute drive from Old Pasadena and the iconic Rose Bowl Stadium, it's easy to add this spectacular event to your holiday itinerary.
Tickets
Ticket prices vary depending on the day. Descanso Gardens members can enjoy discounted rates, with adult tickets ranging from $15 to $38, and children's tickets (ages 2-12) from $10 to $23. Non-members can purchase tickets for $22 to $45 for adults and $17 to $30 for children. To secure your spot, all tickets must be purchased in advance through the Descanso Gardens website.
Top Experiences
Enchanted Preview Party
Saturday, November 16, 2024 from 7 - 10 p.m.
Join the Enchanted Preview Party, a fundraising event supporting Descanso Gardens’ mission to connect people with nature and one another. For $250, enjoy unlimited food, drinks, and an exclusive first look at the Enchanted Forest of Light, along with special entertainment and surprises. It’s a magical evening you won’t want to miss!
Wander Through Colorful Light Displays
Step into a world of wonder as you explore the colorful light displays that make the Enchanted Forest of Light truly magical. Marvel at the Flower Power exhibit, where a field of color-changing flowers glows beneath the night sky. Explore the Ancient Forest, where lights highlight the beauty of towering redwoods and ferns. Don’t miss the Garden of Good Fortune, a stunning display of red lanterns in the tranquil Japanese Garden.
Explore Interactive Exhibits
Engage with the lights at Symphony of Oaks, where raised platforms surrounding oak trees light up and create sound with every step. On the Luminous Lawn, explore large, geometric structures by HYBYCOZO, some with moving lights and some of which you can walk inside. Visit the village of glowing, stained-glass-inspired houses by sculptor Tom Fruin for a truly immersive experience.
Capture Stunning Photos
With colorful fields of flowers, illuminated forests, and glowing structures, every corner of the Enchanted Forest of Light is a photographer’s dream. Whether you’re posing under the stars in the Starlight Garden or snapping a selfie inside a "stained glass" house, there’s no shortage of picture-perfect moments to capture and share.
More to Explore
Things to Do
Botanical Gardens in Pasadena
Pasadena, California is where the sunshine blankets over a horticultural paradise that was once an acorn-rich home for the Tongva tribe, whose name translates to…
Holidayfest! on South Lake Avenue
Celebrate the season at this festive holiday event on South Lake Avenue, where you can enjoy live music, holiday activities, in-store promotions, photos with Santa, cookie decorating, and more!
Rose Bowl Game Guide
The Rose Bowl Game is the oldest of bowls, it began in 1902.
Floatfest
Plan your Floatfest experience with our event guide on the official schedule, tickets, parking, and more.
Equestfest
Get up close and personal with the Rose Parade equestrian units at Equestfest. Watch beautiful horses and talented riders perform drills and dances and demonstrate trick riding and roping.
