Summer is slipping away in Brooklyn, and as temperatures drop and the nights get longer, the Brooklyn Botanic Garden is gearing up for “Lightscape,” its annual holiday light and music spectacular.
From Nov. 21-Jan. 4, BBG will be transformed into a twinkling enchanted forest, decked out with millions of glittering lights and nearly 20 illuminated installations. This year’s display is inspired by the garden’s natural flora and fauna and features more than a dozen new works and some old favorites.
“Lightscape has become one of New York City’s most cherished winter traditions, and BBG is excited to keep reinventing the experience — with even more captivating moments and community spaces this year,” said Adrian Benepe, president and CEO of Brooklyn Botanic Garden, in a statement. “For our fifth year, we are inviting guests to enter the enchantment of a winter wonderland, populated by magical forest creatures and their habitats. We hope new and returning visitors can make joyful memories with family and friends at Lightscape.”
As visitors explore the twisting one-mile trail, they’ll come upon “Fluxit,” a new installation with hundreds of individually-rigged LED tubes designed to mimic firelight, in the Plant Family Collection. Nearby, Geraldin Pilgrim and the Culture Creative’s “Flock” of 175 translucent, glowing birds forage through the leaves and perch on tree branches.
Some installations will harken back to summertime — 400 glowing kinetic fireflies will flit about in “Firefly Field,” and a sea of luminescent bluebonnets will light up the garden’s lawns. This year, even BBG staff got in on the fun, working with Culture Creative to create an “enchanting town square” with woodland-inspired living art, a fountain of light, and magical “Forest Dancers” at Lily Pond Terrace.
The beloved and dazzling “Winter Cathedral” will return, as will the dazzling “Sea of Lights.”
“Lightscape” will also feature special culinary offerings curated by Union Square events and Restaurant Associates at the Lightscape Lodge and Lightscape Bar, with festive winter classics, specialty cocktails, and desserts. Pop-ups along the trail will also offer warm drinks and sweet treats to keep the chill away on blustery winter nights.
Tickets go on sale on Sept. 24, with member presale starting on Sept. 17. Value night tickets, available for certain dates, start at $29 for adults and $15 for children, with typical peak tickets at $44 for adults and $28 for children. BBG will also offer several special 21+ nights and sensory-friendly early entry on Dec. 5 and 30 for adults and children with disabilities and sensory needs.
“Lightscape” runs at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, 990 Washington Ave. near Classon Avenue, on select nights from Nov. 21, 2025-Jan. 4, 2026. Ticket sales begin Sept. 24. Times and ticket prices vary, check online for more information.
