Encinitas CA— After the sun goes down in December, the San Diego Botanic Garden in Encinitas is transformed into a dazzling winter wonderland – Southern California Style! More than 125,000 sparkling lights illuminate the flora of this fantastic 37-acre urban oasis each evening from 5 – 9 pm for a magical holiday experience.
Bring the family and experience the magic as you wander down the illuminated paths of several spectacular Garden areas, including the iconic Lawn Garden, Tropical Rainforest, Waterfall Deck, Undersea Succulent Garden, Eucalyptus Grove, Seeds of Wonder (children’s area) and Bamboo Garden, containing the nation’s largest collection of bamboo.
Garden of Lights, from December 2 – 23 & 26 – 30, is the San Diego Botanic Garden’s annual gift to the San Diego Community. Garden of Lights has events and activities that everyone in your family will enjoy. Nightly entertainment, including local blues and jazz bands, as well as delicious food from Isaacs Catering, and hot coffee and treats from the Feel Good Coffee Cart, will be available. Numerous family-friendly activities are also part of the festivities including:
- Horse-drawn wagon rides (on selected evenings)
- Holiday Crafts
- Spin Art
- Marshmallow Roasting
- Visits with Santa
- Hot Mulled Wine (on selected evenings)
- Snow for sledding (on selected evenings)
- Beer (on selected evenings)
- Nutcracker display
- Live entertainment – every night!
Unique plant-related gift items will be on sale at our Gift Shops for the plant lovers in your life. Cork purses, garden-themed jewelry, hats, aprons, candles, and garden art are all available. As well as winter plants, ready to enhance your holiday garden.
Come out and experience the holidays ‘Southern California Style’ at San Diego Botanic Garden’s Garden of Lights!
Admission (Sunday – Thursday): Members $10; seniors, active military, and students $10; non-members $15. Children ages 3–12, $5. There will be additional fees for some activities.
Admission on Premium Nights (Friday and Saturday): Members, Seniors, Military $10, Non-Members $20, Youth $5
Tickets for Garden of Lights are available at the Welcome Center at the SD Botanic Garden on the evening of visitation.
There are no advance ticket sales available at the Garden or on the website.