There is something undeniably magical about winter in New York City—the crisp air tinges with the aroma of roasted chestnuts, the comforting glow of festive lights spilling over brownstone stoops, and at the heart of it all, the spellbinding Lightscape at Brooklyn Botanic Garden. This beloved tradition returns for its 2024 season, promising an even more dazzling experience. Its new light installations feel like stepping into a living dream and cherished favorites that tug at the heartstrings of regular visitors like a familiar melody.

I remember my first visit to Lightscape a few years ago—bundled in my coziest scarf, gripping a cup of hot chocolate that seemed to steam in rhythm with my breath. It was not just the lights, though those were breathtaking. It was the feeling that I had wandered into a world where the ordinary rules of reality did not apply. Trees shimmered with fairy lights, ponds mirrored celestial constellations, and strangers paused to share a smile over the sheer wonder of it all.

This year, the event promises to outdo itself. Over one million lights will illuminate a one-mile trail, weaving art, music, and nature into a tapestry of enchantment.

As you step onto the trail at Lightscape, you’ll be enveloped by the dazzling light displays and the seasonal cheer that fills the Brooklyn Botanic Garden. The event is designed to engage your senses, with everything from the breathtaking visuals to the soundtrack enhancing the experience. It’s the perfect winter outing for New Yorkers and visitors alike.

Adrian Benepe, President & CEO of Brooklyn Botanic Garden, sums up the experience:

“Lightscape is New York City’s most immersive and enchanting way to spend a winter evening, and enjoy the spirit of the season in community.

This year offers another magnificent multi-sensory experience for everyone who steps onto the trail. The visual dazzle created by the world’s best light artists is complemented by a gorgeous soundtrack, and delicious food and drink to warm up with—all of it honoring the beauty of BBG.

We can’t wait for New Yorkers and visitors to gather with friends or family, grab a hot cider, and experience the otherworldly magic of Lightscape.”

This sentiment beautifully encapsulates the magic that Lightscape brings to Brooklyn Botanic Garden each winter. Whether you are visiting for the first time or returning for another season of holiday cheer, it is an experience you will not want to miss.

The Experience

Imagine marveling at the kaleidoscopic tunnels, towering sculptures, and that iconic Winter Cathedral bathing you in golden light as you walk through. Add to that an expanded menu of winter treats—think mulled wine, spiked hot chocolate, and desserts too good to resist. It is clear Lightscape is not just an event; it is an experience.

Let’s dive into what makes this year’s Lightscape unmissable and, more importantly, how to savor every glittering moment.

Event: Lightscape

• Date: November 22, 2024 through January 5, 2025
• Location: 990 Washington Avenue—Crown Heights
• Website: Brooklyn Botanic Garden
• Highlight: Lightscape at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden is an enchanting after-dark experience featuring illuminated trails, artistic light installations, and seasonal magic.

An Unforgettable Journey Through Light and Art

Lightscape at The Brooklyn Botanic Garden

This year, Lightscape transforms over a mile of the Brooklyn Botanic Garden into a radiant masterpiece, showcasing 16 stunning light sculptures crafted by artists from 10 countries spanning three continents. This outdoor marvel seamlessly blends artistry and cutting-edge technology. And will draw visitors on an enchanting, multisensory journey. With over one million lights illuminating the trail, the experience reimagines the Garden’s iconic landscape, turning it into a dazzling celebration of creativity and wonder.

Among the standout installations for 2024:

• Ribbon Tunnel: Step into a kaleidoscope of light with this mesmerizing installation by Culture Creative. Located near the enchanting Bluebell Wood, the Ribbon Tunnel immerses visitors in a cascade of vibrant, prismatic hues that dance and shimmer with every step, creating a dreamlike journey through a world of color and magic.
• Singularity: A breathtaking masterpiece by Squidsoup. This towering 26-foot-high sphere is a celestial wonder of over 6,000 individual points of light. Each glowing element pulses with its own rhythm, creating an ethereal, otherworldly experience that feels like stepping into a star-filled universe.
• Winter Reflections: A spellbinding favorite by ITHACA returns to the Cherry Esplanade, reimagined to captivate once more. This expansive installation weaves together an enchanting symphony of light and music, transforming the esplanade into a shimmering wonderland where every flicker and note feels like a celebration of winter’s magic.
• Butterfly Effect: A whimsical creation by Masamichi Shimada & Light Art Collection, this enchanting new installation graces the Lily Pool Terrace with an air of dreamlike wonder. Illuminated butterflies seem to flutter and glow, casting delicate reflections that transform the terrace into a serene, magical haven of light and imagination.
• Winter Cathedral: Step into a realm of glowing enchantment with this iconic tunnel by Mandylights. Thousands of warm lights arch overhead, creating a radiant pathway that feels like walking through a shimmering sanctuary of light. Perfectly photogenic and utterly magical, it is a moment where winter’s beauty feels infinite.

Each installation comes alive with a curated playlist of over 20 tracks, weaving a rich tapestry of sound that harmonizes with the visual brilliance, transforming the experience into a symphony of light and music.

Expanded Culinary Offerings

This year’s Lightscape delights more than just the eyes—it is a celebration for the palate, too. Along the trail and at the expanded Lightscape Lodge at Yellow Magnolia Café, visitors can savor an enticing array of culinary delights, from festive treats to warming drinks, adding a delicious layer to the enchanting experience.

Highlights include:

• Trailside Treats: Warm up with a cup of spiked hot chocolate, mulled wine, or spiced cider, each sip enveloping you in cozy winter magic. Pair your drink with a selection of sweet and savory handheld snacks. These are ideal for nibbling as you wander through this glowing wonderland.
• The Canteen: For those craving something more substantial, The Canteen offers hearty, soul-warming dishes that will nourish you through the night. With every bite, you will find the right balance of comfort and flavor, keeping you fueled as you journey through this luminous adventure.
• Lightscape Bar: Nestled within the enchanting Palm House, this cozy hideaway invites you to unwind with a selection of festive cocktails, wine, and beer. It is a wonderful place to warm up and sip something delicious as you immerse yourself in the glowing beauty of Lightscape.

Additionally, the new 21+ Nights on December 12 and 19 offer adults a chance to enjoy Lightscape in a laid-back, festive atmosphere. The experience is enhanced with specialty cocktails and spiked beverages, infusing an extra layer of warmth and cheer into the evening.

Unique Ticket Options

Tickets for Lightscape are available at a range of prices, ensuring there is an option for every budget. Choose from the following:

• Value Nights: Reduced pricing at $24 for adults and $12 for children.
• Peak Entry: Ideal for those who want to experience Lightscape on popular dates, priced at $45 for adults and $23 for children.
• Off-Peak Entry: Discounted tickets at $36 for adults and $18 for children on select dates.
• 21+ Nights: Special adult-only evenings with tickets at $36 per person.
• Sensory-Friendly Early Entry: Designed for visitors with disabilities or sensory sensitivities, offering a less crowded, more relaxed experience.

Children under two years old can join the magic at no cost.

Five Insider Tips for an Unforgettable Visit

1. Arrive Early for Parking and Photos

Given BBG’s popularity, parking tends to fill up fast, especially on peak nights. Arriving early not only guarantees a spot but also gives you a chance to capture photos before the trail gets crowded.

2. Dress for the Weather

Though the event is a visual spectacle, it takes place entirely outdoors. Bundle up in layers to stay cozy, and consider wearing waterproof shoes to keep your feet comfortable as you explore on crisp winter nights.

3. Plan Your Dining Experience

Enhance your Lightscape experience by making a reservation at the Lightscape Lodge, where you can savor a sit-down meal featuring winter classics and desserts in a cozy, inviting atmosphere. Alternatively, if you are seeking something more laid-back, you can grab handheld treats and warm drinks along the trail. It is an easy way to stay energized as you take in the dazzling displays.

4. Visit on a Value Night

For a more relaxed experience and a lower ticket price, consider visiting on a Value Night. You will be able to enjoy the same enchanting displays, minus the crowds, and with a more affordable entry fee. It is the ideal way to embrace the magic of Lightscape without the hustle and bustle of peak days.

5. Bring a Camera with Night Mode

The mesmerizing lights and radiant sculptures create a photo lover’s dream. To capture the magic in all its glowing glory, switch your phone or camera to night mode. This will help you snap crisp, dazzling photos that are sure to impress and are excellent for sharing.

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Lightscape: A Multi-Sensory Celebration

What makes Lightscape truly unforgettable is its ability to transform the already stunning Brooklyn Botanic Garden into an ethereal winter wonderland. The illuminated fountain show at the Japanese Hill-and-Pond Garden is a breathtaking spectacle and the grand finale. It features the towering, glowing tree sculpture along Cherry Esplanade—which never fails to leave visitors in awe.

Adding to the enchantment is a thoughtfully curated playlist, where the music remarkably aligns with the illuminated scenes. As you wander through the Ribbon Tunnel, wrapped in prismatic lights, or stand in awe of the delicate, intricate beauty of the Butterfly Effect, it is impossible not to feel transported to another world, where every corner pulses with magic.

Supporting a Great Cause

Lightscape is more than just a captivating visual experience. It is also a chance to support the Brooklyn Botanic Garden’s important community initiatives. On December 10, the Garden will host its annual Lightscape Family Benefit. A fundraising event dedicated to supporting youth education programs.

This family-friendly evening allows attendees to immerse themselves in the dazzling light displays. While also contributing to the Garden’s ongoing efforts to provide enriching educational experiences for local youth. What an ideal way to combine the joy of the season with the spirit of giving.

Why You Should nOt Miss It

The Lightscape at Brooklyn Botanical Gardens

With its seamless fusion of art, nature, and community spirit, Lightscape at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden has become a must-see highlight of New York City’s winter season. It is an opportunity to gather with loved ones, experience world-class light installations, and create lasting memories beneath a sparkling winter sky.

Tickets are available now at bbg.org/lightscape. Whether you are a local Brooklynite or a first-time visitor to the city, Lightscape promises an unforgettable evening full of enchantment.

Get ready to be spellbound, and be sure to share your glowing moments by tagging your photos with #BrooklynBotanicGarden and #LightscapeBrooklyn. See you on the trail.