The Best Light Show in Brooklyn Returns to BBG
The Lightscape Winter Light Show will be returning to the Brooklyn Botanic Garden again this year. The beloved lights will light up a mile-long trail in the garden, creating a magical holiday experience. Alongside events like the Dyker Heights light show, the Brooklyn Botanic Garden is one of the few places in the borough that puts on a holiday light show, making it a staple when it returns.
This year, over one million lights will be used in the displays. Now in its fourth year, the show has become a favorite for Brooklyn visitors and residents for the holiday season, offering a magical seasonal experience. The displays will feature all-new installations alongside returning favorites, created by artists from ten different countries on three different continents.
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Upon entry, visitors will find the illuminated fountain show in the pond of the Japanese Hill-and-Pond Garden, a fan-favorite installation that has been reimagined and reprogrammed for 2024. One of the new displays, aptly titled Ribbon Tunnel, features a kaleidoscopic installation near Bluebell Wood that will immerse visitors in a multicolored, prismatic experience. Visitors will also witness giant, 26-feet-high sculptures with unique shapes inspired by animals including butterflies and squids, made with over six thousand individual lights.
“Lightscape is New York City’s most immersive and enchanting way to spend a winter evening and enjoy the spirit of the season in the community. This year offers another magnificent multi-sensory experience for everyone who steps onto the trail,” said Adrian Benepe, President & CEO of Brooklyn Botanic Garden.
The garden will also present an expanded food and beverage menu this year. Aside from your usual cup of warm hot chocolate, adults 21 and up can enjoy mulled wine, hot cider and a wide range of other drinks, plus an expanded food menu at their onsite restaurant, The Canteen.
“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,” Benepe continued. “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.”
In addition to expanded menus, the Garden is offering curated experiences for everyone to enjoy the garden. On December 12th and 19th after 7 pm., adult visitors 21 and up are invited to grab a mulled wine or hot chocolate and enjoy all Lightscape has to offer. On December 18, 2024 and January 3, 2025, at 4 pm., adults and children with disabilities or sensory sensitivity are invited to enjoy the display without the usual high volume of people. Capacity is limited to ensure the trail remains less crowded and more relaxed.
On Tuesday, December 10th, the garden will host their fourth annual Lightscape Family Benefit fundraiser for kids and their families. Guests can enjoy trailside treats amid dazzling colors as they stroll the outdoor trail. Funds from the benefit support the garden’s youth and education programs. raises important funds to support the Garden’s youth education programs. The garden has also partnered with music company SONY this year, and visitors will also experience a playlist of over 20 songs curated specifically for the Garden.
The show comes after Saks Fifth Avenue announced that it will not be doing its iconic light show this year, citing a focus on the architectural structure and what many speculate is due to financial issues.
Tickets start at $24 for adults and $12 for children on value nights and go up to $45 and $23 on peak visit days. Tickets can be purchased on their website or in person at the garden.
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Here at New York Family, we could not love the holidays more and that’s why we’ve created A Very Merry New York Family Holiday Guide! We’ve got everything you need to make 2024 your family’s best holiday ever: Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa events, tree lightings, holiday light shows, gift guide, holiday shopping ideas, books, movies, elf ideas and so much more!
