'Enchanted Forest of Light' @ Descanso Gardens

Descanso Gardens is a beautiful place to visit any day of the week, but during the winter it becomes a gorgeous other-worldly celebration of light.

A one-mile walk through the gardens at night, the "Enchanted: Forest of Light" in a one-of-a-kind, often-Zen-like experience that relaxes just as much as it dazzles. Whether walking through a field of lit colorful-flowing flowers or traveling underneath gorgeously lit sequoias, the Descanso event truly earns the word enchanted.

Because the Gardens staggers the entrance times, there is never an in-flux of spectators; so aside from the occasional noisy clueless visitor, the grounds are fairly quiet and produce a meditative type experience. With a spa-like score pumped in through hidden speakers, the result is a feeling of being on another planet. "Avatar" came to mind, especially in the section of the grounds where the trees are lit up a deep blue while green specks softly fade in and out of the trees like fireflies.

There are some interactive features like lights that change when touched or stepped on and an area where guests can change the color of the lights shining on the trees in front of them.

There is an Asian lantern themed area, shafts of color floating over a lake, and plenty of selfie opportunities. Throughout there are spots to enjoy a cocktail, hot chocolate or hot cider. A gift shop is located about halfway through the trail offering ornaments and other trinkets, as well as gloves in case you didn't realize how cold it would get. (It got cold!)

It's hard to really describe the "Forest of Light" as it's more of an experience. It's nice to go into it without specifics for all that you will see so I won't give you any expectations except it's a really lovely evening. Another note is that, while the gift shop at the entrance to the Gardens carries a lot of holiday gifts, the "Forest of Light" itself is not themed around any holiday so it can be enjoyed by anyone.

That said, it's a beautiful night and a wonderful addition to your holiday plans that should not be missed.

"Enchanted: Forest of Light" runs through January 6th at Descanso Gardens, 1418 Descanso Drive, La Ca�ada, Flintridge, CA. It is open daily from 5:30-10:00pm, except holidays. For more information and tickets visit www.descansogardens.org