Celebrate Winter—Brooklyn Botanical Garden’s “Lightscape”

Reflections at the Lily Pool

You have until January 8 to enjoy this colorful outdoor fantasy.  Brightly lit manmade, oversized botanicals glow in the dark while other lights playfully dance across the landscape timed to holiday music and classical favorites.  There are no strobe or flashing lights; it’s just a peaceful, pretty setting in one of our most favorite gardens. 

Floating Water Lily

If you’re thinking, “No, it will be dark and too cold and I won’t be able to see the path,” think again.  It will be dark and it might be freezing, but Lightscape is easy to reach via public transportation and the garden is staffed with plenty of staff, volunteers and security.  The paths are lit well enough so navigation with your scooter is absolutely doable.

Birds Flying High . . .

The fantasy begins around the corner from the Brooklyn Museum on the Washington Street side (near the parking lot).  The Eastern Parkway gate is closed for this event so you just have to ride your scooter in front of the Brooklyn Museum and then turn right onto Washington Street.  The entrance is a short distance down the block.  Accessible restrooms, hot beverages and light fare are available near this entry and hot chocolate stands pop up at various locations if you need or want a mid-trail warmup! 

Last year, the night my friend and I went, was well-attended but getting good pictures, especially using the scooter, was difficult—too many people!  This year I went by myself a few nights before Christmas.  I entered the gate at 5:15 and it was delightful.  Very cold, but just the right amount of people.  I got some very nice shots.

One of the cheerful volunteers happily offered to take pictures of anyone who asked.

To learn more see our previous blog post Brooklyn Botanic Garden