Imagine wading through a field with thousands of tulips glowing white, pink, and purple. Or emerging from a blue mist to see giant oak trees with their canopy lit up with changing colors. This journey into a land more whimsical than even Alice’s imagination takes place at Descanso Gardens, just outside of Los Angeles.
Although Enchanted Forest of Light is only available from November 17 to January 5, this isn’t an ordinary holiday light show. Instead of gaudy Santa Claus blow-ups and decorated Christmas trees, Descanso Gardens relies on the natural beauty of its 150 acres of varying tree and flower displays. According to Marketing Manager Jennifer Errico, this was a conscious decision the organization’s executive director made four years ago when researching the idea of a holiday light display.
“Even though it’s during the holidays and it’s very festive and fun, it’s really about the garden more than anything. You come to Enchanted and we highlight the most beautiful and popular parts of the garden with lights and experiences,” she said.
One of the first installations visitors will see at Enchanted is the Electric Tulips, a field of several thousand electric tulips that light up in different configurations and waves and colors. This represents the garden’s 30,000 real tulips that grow in the spring.
Then there’s the Oak Grove, which features platforms around the base of the garden’s many oak trees. When a visitor steps on the platform it shoots a different color up into the oak’s canopy.
The light display and art shown during a visit to Descanso Gardens [Photo/Descanso Gardens]
“You see them in a different way than you’ve ever seen them before,” said Errico. “I love the oak trees. We have thousands of them on the property. I love them because in the summer you can sit under them and it’s cool and refreshing. In the spring they’re green and beautiful. And in Enchanted, you see them in a new way with lanterns shining into them. It’s just quite beautiful.”
At Enchanted, it’s about elevating and riffing off of the various parts of the garden’s natural beauty. Each interactive installation is inspired by the plants all around them, allowing guests to witness them in a new light. Literally.
The mile and a half walk takes people through every section of Descanso Gardens, with 12 major light displays to explore. This includes meandering through the grounds’ tranquil Japanese garden, the majestic Oak Forest, and across colorful tiles that change colors as visitors follow the path.
Errico explained that the interactive aspect of Enchanted is to continue people’s curiosity, even in the colder winter months when not much is in bloom. In the spring, Errico told The Buzz, people will sit and watch the lake, run on the main lawn, or walk over the bridges in the Japanese garden. Even though Enchanted is not open during that most popular season - and is at night - they want guests to continue having those type of interactive experiences, exploring what they see around them instead of just walking through.
“People love Enchanted,” Errico gushed. “It’s really become a tradition. Some people come every year.”
Because of people’s continued interest in Enchanted, the garden attempts to change up the experiences and displays each year. This year, an artist created a stained glass house on one of the ponds. There are also lanterns in the rose garden that are more than 10 feet tall. Artist Jen Lewin and others start planning their designs and displays in October. A few weeks before Thanksgiving, the lights and other structures are placed throughout Descanso Gardens. It takes about a month and a half to have everything ready for the program, explained Errico.
Located in La Cañada Flintridge, just a few miles from the bustling concrete jungle of Los Angeles, Descanso Gardens is an escape from the busy sidewalks of DTLA, or the fast-paced tourist-riddled Santa Monica Pier.
“When you come here, it’s just so peaceful. It really feels like you’re in a different world,” said Errico. “It’s a really safe, wonderful place to experience nature. To take a breath.”
Errico has been working with Descanso Gardens for two years, drawn to the organization because of her love of nature and the environment. A big outdoors person, Errico said that she wouldn't ever want to leave behind the garden she discovered in one of the busiest cities on earth.
“This 150 acre gem is right in LA for people to come and experience… I just think it’s so important to preserve that and be a part of that,” she said.
Descanso Gardens is a nonprofit, and the Enchanted event is basically a big fundraiser for the grounds, Errico said. The money raised from Enchanted helps them plant more spring flowers as well as continue to maintain the gardens all year round. It also goes towards programming, which includes bird walks, story times for children, and tai chi classes.
Enchanted is currently running now through January 5 each night from 5:30 to 10 p.m. PT, except for Christmas Eve and Christmas day. Some days require a membership to attend. More information on the light show can be founded at EnchantedLA.com.
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