When Descanso Gardens first turned on Enchanted Forest in 2016, it quickly set the standard for whimsical but not-too-Christmas overlays that have become commonplace at LA-area botanical gardens. Even with only minor adjustments made each year, I believe the curious exhibit will always be outstanding among its kind.
But this year’s Enchanted includes some pretty big new elements, and I think it’s the most appealing in the La Cañada tradition. It’s a model train set that’s all lit up to match the seasons. Admittedly, I’m a mild rail fan, so I spent nearly 20 fun minutes exploring briefly before venturing into the rest of the event. And I’ve noticed lots of little kids doing it (which is as exceptional as ever).
Descanso actually debuted this imaginative addition as part of its revamped miniature railroad over the summer. Along a circular walkway that doubles as a holding area for virtually all of the rideable attractions, multiple model train tracks wind through tunnels carved into tree stumps and across intertwined wooden trusses, leading to locations such as Los Angeles Union Station and Los Angeles Pass through past recreations of America’s great railroad stations, including Union Station. The former La Grande Station is a Moorish-style train depot located in what is now the Arts District until the 1940s.
Photo: Michael Giuliano for Time Out
While you can watch the trains during the day (admission to the gardens is a fraction of the ticket price for the evening event), you can admire the railway bridges, buildings, and surrounding landscape illuminated by multicolored lights. is only a period of fascination. Technically, this year’s “Carved,” the garden’s Halloween walkthrough, was the first to do this, but Enchanted replaced that event’s pumpkin decorations with a few clever holiday touches. A closer look reveals Enchanted’s pendant sculptures by HYBYCOZO, a home inspired by sculptor Tom Fruin’s kaleidoscopic stained glass, and a bright forest archway that was included from the event’s inception. You can find miniature replicas of its most famous features.
Photo: Michael Giuliano for Time Out
The landscapes and buildings are made primarily of natural materials, many sourced directly from gardens, and are the handiwork of Applied Imagination (similar works can be found in gardens across the country, but Descanso is the company’s first )).
Enchanted is open most nights through January 5, 2025. Timed tickets are required, and adult admission costs $35 to $45, depending on the night (though you can get $22 tickets on December 9th and 10th). If you just want to see the trains without the lights, you can do so during the day for just $15 to enter the garden. And while the illuminated viewing opportunities will disappear for a while after their spell, starting January 22nd, the miniature ride-on train will return with additional recreations of roadside landmarks (such as Randy’s Donuts) ( $5).
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