Lightscape is back at BBG with a million lights, new surprises, Taylor Swift and a ‘Brooklyn Hip-Hop Zone’

By Scott Lynch

Lightscape, the mile-long nighttime trail featuring 18 different illuminated installations, opens tonight for its third straight holiday season at Brooklyn Botanic Garden.

It’s become one of the city’s most popular holiday outings, and this year BBG has upped the crowd-pleasing ante even further with a newly curated soundtrack featuring none other than Elton John, Miley Cyrus and Taylor Swift, who croons “Snow on the Beach” (with Lana Del Rey) right near the very end of your journey. If that’s not your speed, there’s also an area they’re calling the “Brooklyn Hip-Hop Zone,” blasting old-school bangers from local legends including Mos Def, MC Lyte and Digable Planets.

Kaleido Circle, a.k.a. the ‘Brooklyn Hip Hop Zone,’ by Culture Creative (Scott Lynch)

Of course, the main attraction is the light show. There are several brand new installations this year. The biggest hit among the rookies will likely be Submergence, by Squidsoup, an “immersive walk-through experience” that vibes like a Yayoi Kusama Infinity Room.

Submergence by Squidsoup (Scott Lynch)

Other showstoppers include Supernova, by Studio Vertigo, which is basically a giant smoking star than you can gawk at while Rocket Man plays. Trinity, by Novak, projects what looks like fancy wallpaper around three 100-year-old horse chestnut trees. And, the selfie champion, the Winter Cathedral — Mandylights’ twinkling tunnel — is back again.

Supernova by Studio Vertigo (Scott Lynch)

The whole thing has been created once again by a U.K. outfit called Culture Creative — the entire installation took 18 days to build — and, as co-owner Ian Bone tells Brooklyn Magazine, they couldn’t be happier to be back for the third year. “New York is such a magical place,” Bone says. “Brooklyn, even within New York, is an especially fantastic place. This is such a lovely garden too, very innovative, and I think the people who come out really care about the art.

Trinity by Novak (Scott Lynch)

Wintery snacks and beverages are available at kiosks nestled throughout the trail — think s’mores and hot chocolate — or get something more substantial (and/or boozy) at the outdoor Lightscape Canteen by the Conservatory. But mostly it’s just about strolling around and taking goofy photos and laughing with your kids, your friends, or with a date. As BBG spokesperson Kathryn Glass put it, “it’s special because you’re in the garden and it’s nighttime and it’s fun! It’s a joyful town-square silly-great, outdoor thing to do.”

Here are a few more highlights from Lightscape:

Singing Trees by Ithaca Studios (Scott Lynch)

Lantern Garden by Mandylights (Scott Lynch)

Chandelier Walk by Crescent Moon (Scott Lynch)

Frost Tree by Culture Creative (Scott Lynch)

Winter Cathedral by Mandylights (Scott Lynch)

Lightscape opens tonight at Brooklyn Botanic Gardens and runs through New Year’s Day. Adult tickets start at $24, plus a $5.34 fee, and can set you back as much $44.87 a person, with fees. for entry during peak times.