Brooklyn Botanic Garden has officially kicked off the holiday season with the opening of Lightscape, its mile-long illuminated trail, which debuted on Nov. 21. Now celebrating its fifth year, the winter spectacle has already captivated hundreds of thousands of visitors, transforming the garden into a glowing wonderland of light art and nature.
This year brings a fully redesigned experience with a new trail layout, a curated soundtrack and expanded dining and drink options. Interim Co-Director Kathryn Glass joined local elected officials to mark opening night by flipping the ceremonial switch on tens of thousands of moving lights across Cherry Esplanade.
“We’re excited to once again welcome New Yorkers to Lightscape to begin the holiday season,” said Kathryn Glass.
Inspired by the Garden’s flora and fauna, Lightscape creates an enchanted forest experience featuring more than a dozen new installations alongside returning favorites. Visitors can expect 19 distinct works, including:
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U.S. Premiere: Fluxit by Vendel & de Wolf – hundreds of LED tubes that mimic flickering firelight in the Plant Family Collection
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Forest Dancers and other winter woodland-inspired works by Culture Creative and BBG horticulture staff
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Flock by Geraldine Pilgrim and Culture Creative – 175 luminous birds in mid-flight across the Plant Family Collection
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Bluebonnets by Mandylights – 3,000 glowing flowers lining Oak Circle
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Firefly Field by Studio Toer – 400 kinetic fireflies lighting up the Osborne Garden
Beloved returning installations include Winter Cathedral by Mandylights, Sea of Light reimagined on Cherry Esplanade and a new fountain show in the Japanese Hill-and-Pond Garden by Sense Effects.
Food and Drinks Along the Trail
Lightscape Lodge and the Lightscape Bar return with seasonal menus by Union Square Events and Restaurant Associates at the Palm House and Yellow Magnolia Café. Expect festive classics, specialty cocktails, a kids’ menu, desserts and trailside pop-ups serving warm drinks and sweet treats.
Special Nights and Ticket Details
Tickets are available at bbg.org/lightscape.
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Adults: $29–$44
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Kids 3–11: $15–$28
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Children 2 and under: free
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Value Nights and Off-Peak Nights offer reduced pricing
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BBG members receive discounts on tickets, dining, and retail
Expanded offerings this year include:
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21+ Nights – every Thursday in Dec., featuring seasonal cocktails and a more adult-oriented trail experience
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Sensory-Friendly Early Entry – Dec. 5 and 30 with limited capacity for visitors with disabilities or sensory sensitivities
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Lightscape Family Benefit – Dec. 9, raising funds for BBG’s youth education programs
"Flipping on the giant switch for BBG's Lightscape is one of my favorite NYC holiday traditions, filling the garden with a bright, awe-inpsiring cultural experience," said Cultural Affairs Commissioner Laurie Cumbo.
Lightscape runs throughout the holiday season. For updates, visit bbg.org/lightscape or follow @brooklynbotanic on social media.
