Lightscape at Brooklyn Botanic Garden 2026

November 2026 – January 2027

Each winter, the Brooklyn Botanic Garden transforms after dark into a spectacular trail of light, color, and music. Lightscape returns to Brooklyn for the 2026 holiday season, turning the Garden into a completely different nighttime experience.

Along a winding illuminated trail, visitors can discover large-scale artworks, glowing sculptures, and colorful effects incorporated into the Garden’s landscape.

The 2026 season has already been confirmed by Brooklyn Botanic Garden, although the full season dates and complete schedule have not yet been announced. The Garden has already announced special sensory-friendly early-entry sessions on December 3 and December 18, 2026, at 4 p.m. for visitors who prefer to experience Lightscape with lower crowds.

A winter light experience in Brooklyn

Lightscape offers a completely different way to experience Brooklyn Botanic Garden during the winter months.

The illuminated trail winds through the Garden’s landscape, featuring monumental light installations, artistic sculptures, colorful effects on trees and architecture, and music and sound designed to accompany the experience.

The result is an immersive nighttime walk combining nature, art, lighting, and sound.

Lightscape 2026: Dates

The 2026–27 Lightscape season has been confirmed, but Brooklyn Botanic Garden has not yet released the complete schedule of dates.

For now, the Garden has confirmed two special Sensory-Friendly Early Entry sessions:

• December 3, 2026 – 4 p.m.
• December 18, 2026 – 4 p.m.

These special early-entry times are designed for adults and children with disabilities or sensory sensitivities who would like to experience Lightscape with fewer people around.

We recommend checking the official calendar before planning your visit, as additional dates and times will be announced.

Where is Lightscape?

Lightscape takes place at Brooklyn Botanic Garden, one of New York City’s most important botanical gardens.

Brooklyn Botanic Garden
1000 Washington Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11225

The Garden is located next to Prospect Park, Brooklyn Museum, and Brooklyn Public Library, making it easy to combine Lightscape with other attractions in the area.

Lightscape tickets

Lightscape is a separately ticketed event, and prices can vary depending on the type of night and availability.

The previous season offered several ticket categories, including Peak, Off-Peak, Value Nights, and 21+ Nights. For the 2026–27 season, we recommend waiting for the official ticket information before publishing a specific price.

Tickets and the updated schedule will be available through the official Brooklyn Botanic Garden website.

What can you expect at Lightscape?

Lightscape transforms different areas of Brooklyn Botanic Garden with a combination of:

• Large-scale light installations.
• Illuminated sculptures.
• Artistic lighting on trees and plants.
• Color effects across the landscape.
• Illuminated architectural features.
• Music and sound design.
• A nighttime walking trail created specifically for the experience.

The trail offers a completely different perspective on the Garden during the winter months.

Tips for visiting Lightscape

Dress warmly. The experience takes place outdoors, and Brooklyn temperatures can be quite cold in November and December.

Book ahead. The most popular dates and time slots may be in high demand once the full 2026 schedule is released.

Check your entry time. Lightscape operates with scheduled entry times, so make sure you arrive during the time shown on your ticket.

Wear comfortable shoes. The experience involves walking along a trail through the Garden.

You don’t have to wait until Christmas. Lightscape is especially appealing from late November throughout December.

Check the photography rules. Photography is allowed, but tripods, drones, and commercial photography are not permitted during Lightscape.

One of Brooklyn’s best winter experiences

If you’ve already experienced Manhattan’s holiday lights and decorations and want to discover something different, Lightscape at Brooklyn Botanic Garden is an excellent choice.

The combination of art, nature, lighting, and music creates a memorable nighttime experience that feels very different from New York City’s traditional holiday markets and department-store windows.

Its Brooklyn location also makes it easy to combine the experience with Prospect Park, Brooklyn Museum, or a visit to Downtown Brooklyn.

2026 note: the general dates for the 2026–27 season have not yet been officially announced. We will update this information once Brooklyn Botanic Garden publishes the complete schedule.