Lightscape Returns to the LA Arboretum in Arcadia

Lightscape is returning to the LA Arboretum in Arcadia this holiday season select nights from November 17, 2023 through January 2, 2024. Reimagined brighter and bolder for 2023, the self guided trail spans one mile and features spectacular illuminated sights with eye-catching artistic installations that come alive with color, imagination, and sound after-dark . If you haven’t experienced Lightscape before, I highly recommend it! It’s a perfect way to kick off the holiday season with the family at the beautiful LA Arboretum.

Lightscape’s magical pathways shimmer with hundreds of thousands of twinkling lights used in various creations designed to highlight the natural grandeur of the Arboretum grounds. Installations include returning favorites Winter Cathedral’s heavenly arch tunnel and Fire Garden’s dynamic glowing blazes. New installations include Feast of Light’s glittering suspended beaded curtains, Dancing Palms’ rows of radiant swaying trees, Snowflake Avenue’s fanciful feathery ice crystals, Flower Lawn’s beautiful blooms towering over 10 feet in the air, along with twelve additional dazzling activations.

New this year! In the days leading up to Christmas, meet Santa Claus on the following designated Santa Nights: December 7, 8, 9, 15, 16, 17, 20, 21, 22 & 23. Mr. Claus will greet families and pose for photos where guests can use their own devices to capture cost-free memories with Santa. Visitors will revel nightly in holiday cheer as Michael Bublé classics “Holly Jolly Christmas,” “Winter Wonderland” and “Cold December Night” along with Trans-Siberian Orchestra’s merry rock symphonies “Christmas Eve / Sarajevo 12/24” and “Wizards in Winter” among other spirited tunes will fill the air.

 “I’m so excited to welcome everyone to our signature holiday light show, Lightscape! We have pulled out all the stops this year to deliver an incredible multi-media experience unlike any other holiday event,” says Michael Desplaines, CEO of Los Angeles County Arboretum & Botanic Garden. “Lightscape is sure to entertain kids of all ages. We can’t wait to see you here!”

In addition to the acres of extraordinarily photogenic visually luminous backdrops, Lightscape will also quench your palate. Multiple food trucks offering a wide variety of delicious fare will be stationed around the Arboretum’s famous Bauer Fountain and three full-service bars featuring specialty Lightscape cocktails will pepper the property. Plus, Lightscape will have two pop-up shops selling child-friendly glow-in-the dark items, traditional holiday gifts and more.

Tips and some FAQ’s on visiting Lightscape:

• Wear comfortable closed toe shoes as there are different ground coverings and transitions throughout the trail.

• Temps at the Arboretum can get chilly in the evenings so bring a jacket or wear layers.

• The trails are stroller friendly

• The experience takes aprox. 1.5 hours to complete

• Last year there were strobe lighting effects involved

• Admission tickets are available in 30-minute time slots; this is your entry time to start the trail. 

• Please arrive on time. Early entry will not be accommodated, and late entry will be at the event management's discretion. 

• The event begins at 5:30pm each night. Last entry to the event will be 8:30pm. All visitors must leave the grounds by 10:00pm.

• Important Parking info: On-site Parking - LA County Arboretum & Botanic Garden, 301 N. Baldwin Avenue Arcadia, CA 91007 – $20 Per Vehicle  MUST be purchased in advance. Parking is NOT sold on-site.

• ADA designated spots available. Please inform a parking attendant upon arrival if you require an ADA parking spot. 

• Rideshare/Drop-off Zone at 301 N Baldwin Ave. Arcadia, CA 91007 All guests can use the drop-off zone to drop off passengers. The drop-off zone is located at the main entrance to the Arboretum, at Arboretum Way. You will be directed by the parking staff. You will not be able to leave your car unattended. 

• There is no parking fee for guests who use the drop off zone. To avoid traffic, enter from Baldwin Avenue at the Arboretum Way traffic signal and turn into the parking lot.

  Plan now for the best holiday light experience.

Experience a winter walk on the dark side of the garden and let your imagination soar with the new sights and sounds along the Serpent Trail and Forest Path. The reimagined Lightscape merges nature and art in the mesmerizing Fire Garden, awesome Arch of Light, eye-catching Feast of Light, exotic Dancing Palms, and other spectacular installations. Fan favorite, the magnificent Winter Cathedral, returns! Food trucks every night and a full bar too. Pssst--Santa is coming to Lightscape on select nights. Arboretum members save up to $6 a ticket.

Santa Nights: Dec. 7, 8, 9, 15, 16, 17, 20, 21, 22, 23

Ticket Prices & Dates: 

Off-Peak Day Prices 

Non-Members: Adult: $29 | Child (3-12): $14 
LA Arboretum Members: Adult: $23 | Child (3-12): $10 
Off-Peak Pricing Dates: Nov. 17, 19, Dec. 1, 3, 7-8, 10, 14

Regular Day Prices 

Non-Members: Adult: $32 | Child (3-12): $16  
LA Arboretum Members: Adult: $26 | Child (3-12): $12 
Regular Pricing Dates: Nov. 18, 22, 26, Dec. 2, 9, 15, 18-21, 27-28, Jan. 1-2 

Peak Day Prices

Non-Members: Adult: $35 | Child: 3-12 $18 
LA Arboretum Members: Adult: $29 | Child (3-12): $14 
Peak Pricing Dates: Nov. 24-25, Dec. 16-17, 22-24, 26, 29-31 

There are no shows on the following dates: Nov. 20-21, 23 (Thanksgiving Day), Nov. 27-30, Dec. 4-6, 11-13, and 25 (Christmas Day). 

All tickets are subject to a $4 booking fee. Day-of-event ticket purchases, if available, are an additional $4. In addition to the captivating light displays, guests can enjoy festive food and drinks, including roasting s'mores (additional fees apply).  

Lightscape was conceived and designed by a core team of 12 visionaries from around the world. A full-time team of 21 local electricians, carpenters, and artists with help from an auxiliary team of 40 vendors and specialists takes 20 days to install the illuminated trail. The Los Angeles County Arboretum & Botanic Gardens together with Sony Music and Culture Creative produce Lightscape in Los Angeles. Year after year, Lightscape has amazed millions of people with similar shows in multiple locations across the U.S., U.K., and Australia.  Visit arboretum.org/lightscape to purchase your tickets.