Lightscape is the newest holiday event featuring art, lights, and sound. This one mile walk-through is located at the Los Angeles County Arboretum and is only here until January 16, 2022 so make sure to get your tickets!
Contents
Hours
You will need to buy tickets either online or at the box office the day of. The hours start from 5:45PM to 8:45PM. The last entry time is 9PM since the Arboretum closes at 10PM.
We bought tickets online for a 6:15PM entry time but was running late. There was no problem and no delay entering at a later time that day.
Keep in mind that the event is closed on the following days:
Not operating on: Nov 15, 16, 22, 23, 29, 30; Dec 6, 13, 25; Jan 10, 11.
Directions
Lightscape is located at the LA County Arboretum at 301 North Baldwin Avenue, Arcadia, CA 91007
This was also the location of the Moonlight Forest Lantern Festival.
Admission
Tickets costs $32 for adults, $20 for children, and is free for infants. You can also purchase VIP tickets for $70 which will include flexible entry time, express line with priority entrance, and free VIP parking.
Parking
Parking is free at the Santa Anita Park race track. There are also shuttles to pick you up and drop you off near the main gate. VIP parking is included in the VIP tickets but if you don’t want to get VIP tickets, you can still purchase the on-site parking for $15.
Restrooms
There are several porta-potties located throughout the event. I think we passed by 3 locations on our walk-through.
Lightscape
Since this event is after-hours and is outdoors, make sure to dress appropriately and wear comfortable shoes! The one mile path is self-guided so you can go at your own pace.
Face masks are not required and they did not take our temperatures or check for vaccines before entering.
There are over 8 unique installations that you will experience along the way. You will also see several cafe/bar areas where you can purchase food and/or drinks. We recommend getting the hot chocolate since it is a nice hand warmer while you’re sipping on your drink!
If you want something with more of a kick, get the Skrewged drink which is a fusion of a peanut butter whiskey with hot chocolate.
Here were some of the installations we saw:
Geo Forest
This was the first art installation on the path that consists of neon green lanterns that look like trees – hence the name Geo Forest.
Fire Garden
Just as the name suggests, this exhibit had fire on many, many lanterns. There was a staff member who had to kept lighting the lanterns though.
Temple
The temple was brightly colored and looked like something from an animated show.
Guardian Icons
Hollywood at the Arboretum
If you’ve been to the Hollywood Walk of Fame, this will remind you of it. There are illuminated stars on the pathway with some historic movies.
Singing Trees
In this exhibit, the trees were illuminated with lights that went along with the music. It reminded us of the movie Frozen.
SYZYGY
This is probably the oddest name that I’ve seen for an art installation haha.
Jigantics
Who wouldn’t want a garden of giant flowers?
Water Lillies on the Lake
Disko Tannsi
This was one of the more eerie art installations featuring disco people – some in the water (and naked). If you stare at the floor for too long, you will get dizzy!
Winter Cathedral
This was the main attraction (at least in my opinion) of Lightscape. It was located towards the later end of the path and does get congested since people are walking slowly through it trying to take photos.
If you are expecting to get a picture with no one in it, you will be extremely disappointed. Despite this, it was still mesmerizing to walk through the winter cathedral. This was my favorite part of the night!
We spent probably close to 2 hours at Lightscape walking at a very leisurely pace. Overall, this is a great place to go to get into the holiday spirit!
