We had the opportunity to attend Enchanted Forest of Lights at Descanso Gardens. This was our first time attending. And we were ALL impressed. After we checked in and received our tickets and media credentials, we waited in a brief line to enter. Before you enter Enchanted, there is a cafe to the left and gift shop to the right. There is also a pop up shop with all sorts of cute light up goodies for your kids or for you. This is also the perfect spot for a restroom break before you enter.
There is a wonderful photo opportunity as you enter. We got a nice photo of us in front of the illuminated event logo. And after that we entered the first are of Enchanted. Enchanted is a one mile walk through of unique and interactive lighting experiences. It is absolutely stunning. The first are we viewed reminded me of the MGM Classic, the Wizard of Oz. The scene with all the poppies. It is truly captivating, serene and tranquil. These are a few of our shots from that night. The next are we entered had these illuminated lanterns which displayed playful moving patterns on the ground. It was aesthetically pleasing to the eye and captivated the mind of the child and the adult. Dancing shadows of shapes surrounded us. Much like the 'Wish Maker" in the Greatest Showman. The pathways you walked through were illuminated by large glowing stars. And you instantly felt like you were walking in a fairy tale brought to life.
We took a stop and had some hot chocolate. They have a Pop Up bar with mixed drinks and wine and of course hot cocoa. It is right next to another decorated area with a gift shop. There is a woodsy, lodge like vibe filled with adirondack chairs and holiday lights. There are some interactive lights that you can manipulate and watch. Our teenager loved this area. And the gift shop has the cutest holiday gifts.
One of the next areas we entered, we spent at least 30 minutes in. It is literally a life sized walkway of "Candy Land". You step and hop and instantly your walk way you are on changed colors. I can not put into words how amazing this was. Kids ran, hopped, skipped and jumped. Smiles were all around. And surrounding the giant game board of colors were the most inventive illuminated benches that changed colors every so many minutes. Simply amazing. Next to that area is a amphitheater, with a stage and seating. More visual eye candy awaits you.
Some of my favorite photos of the night were taken in the last few walk throughs of the mile. You are suddenly transported into an illuminated forest with tiny little lights. Which could remind you of fire flies. Or fairies. Fairies are indeed real and they live here in this winter garden. The quiet, cool, brisk air brought to to life their story. The glowing paths, surrounded by tall and majestic strong trees can feed your should with so much hope, strength and wisdom. This by far was my favorite area of the night. It was truly spectacular. I could sit here all night. These are some of the amazing shots my teenager took. He has an eye for photos.
We had two more areas to walk through to conclude our night. The illuminated Japanese Garden was captivating and serene. The bridge was a perfect spot to take a picture and capture the tranquility the garden brings. Then before we knew it, we were at the end of our adventure.
You can have your own adventure and visit Enchanted : Forest of Light . Be sure to buy your tickets online before your time and date of preference sells out. You can purchase TICKETS here. And you can even DINE at Enchanted, before or after your walk.
We throughly LOVED our adventure and can not wait to go back next year! Thank you Descanso Gardens for inviting us!! For more info on Enchanted, read on below.
Enchanted is a gentle one-mile walk through Descanso highlighting the most beloved areas of the Gardens. There are a variety of large-scale light displays, many of which are interactive, allowing visitors to manipulate the lights and sounds. New expansions and enhancements have been made to popular displays such as “Celestial Shadows” by HYBYCOZO, the spinning polyhedral installations that explore geometry through light, shadow, and perception, as well as the “Lightwave Lake” light show at Descanso’s lake. Visitors can enjoy Jen Lewin’s popular flowing and glowing interactive landscape of meandering pathways, “Aqueous,” from new neon benches, placed around the Luminous Lawn, that shimmer in a rainbow of colors.
Enchanted will also feature new dining options in the Courtyard and a whiskey bar overlooking “Lightwave Lake.” Maple, Descanso Gardens’ restaurant, will be open nightly exclusively for Enchanted ticket holders.
Cost:
Ticket costs are as follows: General admission (adults, seniors, children 2–18): $28–$30 (depending on date and time selected) Children under 2 are free, but still require a ticket Descanso Gardens members pay $23–$25 (depending on date and time selected) During Enchanted, if you would like to dine at Descanso Gardens’ restaurant, Maple, you will need to purchase tickets that include entry into the show and a dinner reservation. The ticket price does not include the cost of your meal.
How:
Tickets to Enchanted have timed entry and must be purchased in advance at enchantedLA.com.
