Lightscape At Los Angeles Arboretum is going on now in Arcadia. This seasonal event includes a self-guided loop with about a dozen light installations stretching out across the mile-long path.

See The Full Detailed Video Below
Lightscape At Los Angeles Arboretum Visiting Information
- Website:
- Address:
- 301 North Baldwin Ave, Arcadia, CA 91007
- Phone:
- 626-821-3222
- Hours:
- Nov 11 – Jan 8, 2022
- Mon-Sun: 5:30-9 pm except Dec 12, 13, 25 and Jan 2, 3, 4.
- Dates and hours of operations may change. We recommend checking their website beforehand to confirm their business hours.
- Price/Cost:
- Adult: $37-39 plus $3 fee
- Child (Age 3-12): $18-20 plus $3 fee
- Children 2 and under are free.
- Booking/reservations:
- Book tickets online. Entry times are in 15 minute intervals.
- Discounts:
- Goldstar sometimes has deals.
- Parking:
- Free parking off-site at the Colorado Street entrance to Lot #6 at the Santa Anita Racetrack with free shuttle service.
- Preferred parking: $20
- Valet parking: $40
- Activities:
- Time spent:
- 1 hour
- Clothing:
- Check the weather before you go. The weather can be changeable; layered clothing is recommended. Recommend closed toe shoes.
- What we packed:
- Thick jackets, beanies, stroller, bug repellant, @Sud2go cap, water wipes, kids’ pjs, toothbrush, floss and water.
- Places to eat:
- Cafe
- Taco, cheeseburger, nachos, popcorn, churro, cookies, rice crispy treats, cotton candy, hot chocolate, coffee, soda and water. Price ranges from $4-14.
- Bar
- Beer, wine, champagne, cocktails, milk in cookie mold, water, soft drinks, and hot beverages. Price ranges from $3-18.
- Cafe
- Pet allowed:
- Yes, only ADA-designated service animals.
- Stroller friendly:
- Yes
- Restrooms:
- Yes, porta potties.
- What we observed:
- Lightscape trail is self-guided and is a little over a mile walk.
- Some parts of the trail can be dark so keep your kids close so people don’t run into them.
- Before we left, we changed our kids into pjs and brushed and flossed their teeth before heading home.
- Ways to save money:
- Bring your own light up toy for the kids.
- Eat before attending the event.
- Memberships:
- Yes
What We Said In Our Lightscape At Los Angeles Arboretum Video
Bringing the girls, we weren’t sure what to expect. But they loved it. From simple one-off structures to fully immersive 360* spaces, the installations varied in complexity.
The standouts were easy to spot. We really enjoyed walking through a grove of giant glowing flowers. The flowers really made you feel like you were shrunk down looking up from below. Another stand-out was the disco ball mannequin Forrest. Kairi turned into a dancing machine in there while I questioned how something so odd could be given the green light to produce. I’m not saying it was bad. Its style was just a complete departure from the rest of the show.
When it came to tech, the sound was great throughout the space. The singing palm trees were a lot of fun. but nothing beats lightscapes’ final installation consisting of a giant light field flashing out intricate patterns synchronized to an uplifting musical score. The girls sat right at the foot of that display, hypnotized by the colors and movement. And they continued to watch there well into the start of another run.
But even with that, there were a few displays that left you wanting more. Like a single lit-up Cactus tree in the middle of nowhere, and a Hollywood movie walk that seems out of place from everything else.
food & drinks
Three different rest areas sold drinks and alcohol. with our favorite being the s’more cooking stop, where you could buy the ingredients and roast them at a collection of fire pits. At $8 a kit, we only bought one. Cause we weren’t sure if Emree would try to jam the marshmallow straight into the coals. That girl likes to keep us on our toes!
While the event had a festive feeling, I wouldn’t say it felt geared toward Christmas at all, so be sure to curb your expectations if you’re looking for a place to get into the holiday spirit.

Similar Options That Might Interest You
We got you covered, though. With more than a few holiday events around California below.
Wildlights At The Living Desert
Greenspot Christmas Tree Farm (Mentone, CA)
Santa Village – Lake Arrowhead, CA
Live Oak Canyon Christmas Tree Farm – Redlands, CA
See you again with more around California with kids.
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