The One Annual Winter Festival In Southern California Every Californian Should Bundle Up For At Least Once
By Natasha Kayes|Published November 08, 2022
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Natasha Kayes
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I was born and raised in sunny Southern California and will never tire of the West Coast, although I spent several years living in Southeast Asia, about as far from California as you can get. Wherever I am in the world, I love straying from the beaten path, experiencing local life, and discovering hidden gems - camera in hand. The beach is my happy place and when I am not there (or writing), you will usually find me baking, watching movies, and cuddling my pugs. I have traveled around the country and around the world, and it never, ever gets old. Being able to combine my passion for travel and my love of writing is nothing short of a dream.
Just the name California conjures up images of warm weather, summer trips, and sandy beaches, but every Californian knows that summer is not the only season we experience. Come winter, the landscape and activities change, and winter-themed festivals pop up across the state. There is one winter festival in Southern California that we think every Californian should experience.
The annual "Enchanted Forest of Light" transforms Descanso Gardens into an immersive and interactive fantasyland, where you are led on a mile-long walk through illuminated art installations created by multiple artists.
Among the first light installations you will walk through is a field of twinkling glass tulips. Meander slowly on the paths that wind through the field as the lights and gentle music change in waves around you.
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Light globes of varying sizes are situated along paths throughout the park, but the giant moon stands out at the edge of a pond where it casts a beautiful reflection.
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Everything in the park is transformed to create a mood with the use of colored lights, fog, and music, including trees, ponds, and water features.
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Walk through the Starlight Garden where dozens of starry light fixtures are suspended overhead along the path.
At the Symphony of Oaks, visitors make the trees sing by stepping on the glowing platforms that surround the trees, altering the colors and sounds that surround you.
Walking through the Ancient Forest is perhaps the most enchanting experience of the night. The ever-shifting lights and sounds around you create an otherworldly atmosphere, almost as if you are floating through an underwater forest.
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Geometric shapes and hanging pendants cast patterns and reflections on water and land.
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The weather in the foothills of La Canada Flintridge can be chilly on winter nights, so grab a warm drink, cocktail, or hot snack to warm up as you enjoy the festival.
Have you been to the Enchanted winter festival in Southern California? Tell us about your favorite light installation in the comments. If you have not yet enjoyed this seasonal event, get the details on the Descanso Gardens website or event page on Facebook. If you are looking for more seasonal adventures, here are more places where you can enjoy winter fun in Southern California.
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